Governor’s Advisor Khurshid Ahmed Ganai, has urged the people of the state to come forward and promote greater civic engagement and community participation for sustainable development in the State.
He lamented the diminishing of community action which, hesaid adversely affects the Government’s developmental plans that are aimed tobring in discernible change on the ground. “The people will have to takeownership of local developmental issues which will significantly contribute insuccessful implementation of Government schemes and programmes,” he asserted.
Ganai made these remarks while interacting with severaldeputations during his visit to Sopore town. Some of the delegations which methim included Markazi Auqaf Committee, Watergam (Rafiabad), Mohalla Committee,Arampora (Sopore), Auqaf Islamia, Masjid Ibrahim, New Committee (Sopore),Rafiabad Awami Forum (Baramulla), All J&K (10+2) PSC Lecturers Association,J&K Fruit Growers & Dealers Association, Municipal Council Sopore andTehsil Coordination Committee, Zaingir (Sopore).
Emphasizing upon community action and role of NGOs to raiseawareness and partnership among people with government agencies, the Advisorsaid there is a need for a strong NGOmovement in J&K state. He stated that the institutions of local governmentare highly participatory in nature primarily by virtue of their close interfacewith local communities. “The involvement of citizenry in development processeswill promote downward accountability and entrench local empowerment. This issure to bring in greater transparency in implementation of social sectorschemes like rural housing, electrification, access to drinking water,generation of mandays and local governance,” he added.
Reiterating that economic progress is no guarantee to astrong society, the Advisor said the Government’s efforts will yield littleresults unless people- partner State institutions in laying edifice of a strongwelfare society. He underlined the importance of creation of ward committees,local groups, self-help groups and NGOs that provide an active structure forcitizens’ participation.
During the meeting, the delegations raised several demandsrelated to construction of hospitals and schools in Watergam, creation of SDMoffice in Rafiabad, construction of bridge at Mazbugh, benefit of assuredcareer progression for 10+2 Lecturers, development of truck terminal yard andCA store in Fruit Mandi Sopore, resumption of cross-LoC trade, regular watersupply in Sopore town, setting up of a horticulture university in Wadoora,waiver of KCC loan due to unexpected hailstorm, maternity and child hospital atSopore, detachment of villages Rampur, Rajpur and Watlab up to Warpora fromtehsil Dangerpora and inclusion in Tehsil Sopore, opening of new Degree Collegeat Zaingir, improvement in Zaingir Canal and cable car from Watlab to ZiyaratBaba Shukr-ud-din. The Advisor assured the delegation that he will have all thedemands looked into on priority.