DODA: A meeting of the District Development Council (DDC) was held today in the Conference Hall of the DC Office Complex, under the chairmanship of DDC Chairman Dhananter Singh Kotwal, with the active participation of Deputy Commissioner, Harvinder Singh.

The meeting was convened to discuss and finalize the Annual Action Plan for the financial year 2025-26 with the focus on identification of developmental priorities, ensuring inclusive planning and addressing pressing local issues.

The meeting was also graced by the presence of MLA Doda East, Mehraj Malik, who actively participated in the discussions and shared valuable suggestions for the comprehensive development of the district.

A detailed PowerPoint presentation was delivered by Chief Planning Officer (CPO) Manesh Kumar Manhas, showcasing the ongoing works and proposed plans under various schemes, including DDC grants, Aspirational grants, ABDP and BDC grants. The presentation highlighted the proposed projects for the upcoming financial year, covering all 17 blocks and 237 panchayats of the district.

The meeting was attended by DDC councilors, besides key officers and officials, including District Programme Officer ICDS Akhtar Qazi, ACD Din Mohammad Afaqi, ACP Mushraf Haff, Superintendent Engineers of PWD (R&B), Hydraulic, JPDCL and PMGSY, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Education Officer and heads of Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry departments.

Representatives from Forest, PHE, REW, Social Welfare, Regional Transport, Youth Services and Sports, JAKEDA, Block Development Officers, Municipal Committees and BDC chairpersons were also present.

During the deliberations, departmental heads and BDOs presented proposed plans, while councilors and MLA Mehraj Malik raised demands and suggestions seeking improvement of road connectivity, especially in remote and hilly areas; strengthening of water supply schemes and accelerating works under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).

Measures were also sought for environmental protection, including large-scale tree plantation drives, upgradation of healthcare and power infrastructure; Promotion of livelihood opportunities and support to weaker sections of society; creation of adequate sports and youth engagement facilities and strengthening of Anganwadi centres through better monitoring and infrastructure.

Addressing the participants, DDC Chairman Dhananter Singh Kotwal directed the stakeholders to accelerate the works under JJM and to ensure that finalized plans are inclusive, realistic, and aligned with the needs of the people. He underscored the importance of consulting all stakeholders, maintaining transparency and accountability and ensuring timely and quality execution of projects. He also emphasized proactive field visits, stronger inter-departmental coordination and equitable development across all panchayats.

Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh stressed on plans that reflect the aspirations of the people and close monitoring during the implementation. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining financial discipline and prioritizing projects with maximum public benefit.

In his concluding address, DDC Chairman Dhananter Singh Kotwal appreciated the contributions of officers, councilors and MLA Mehraj Malik, acknowledging their dedicated approach to public service. He assured that genuine demands raised during the meeting would be incorporated in the final plan. He called for stronger ground-level execution to translate the plan into tangible and impactful outcomes.