View: Keeping villages at forefront of development in Jammu and Kashmir

By Manoj Sinha
Mahatma Gandhi was trained as a barrister, but appearing before the court in his Great Trial in 1922, he identified himself as a farmer and weaver. This was his way of identifying himself with the masses, a great majority of whom depended on farming and lived in villages. He stressed on rejuvenation of village life in his Constructive Programme, which was his manifesto of Poorna Swaraj.

For the Jammu and Kashmir administration, there can be no more befitting tribute to Gandhiji than taking governance to people in rural areas of the union territory. Thus, under the ‘Back to Village 3’ (B2V-3) scheme, we are launching a campaign on October 2 to take the government machinery to the citizen’s doorstep with a dedicated mission – ‘Samagra Gram Seva and Vikas’ – serving the villages to achieve equity, growth and inclusion.

Such a mission cannot succeed without people’s participation. So, our emphasis is on community participation for execution of crucial growth drivers at the grassroots level. After reviewing the implementation of the first two phases, we have finalised a new strategy for B2V-3 for a cultural change in the delivery mechanism.

Now, the administration will complete the pending programmes in a time-bound manner. We are also trying to have a robust roadmap to implement the transformational schemes and effective public service delivery architecture. We have also put in place a robust monitoring mechanism for the B2V-3 schemes. A dashboard will provide real-time online information for greater transparency and monitoring, and the progress report will be made available to the ‘awam’ of J&K.

I have always believed that to promote growth along with human development, we need to have three basic ingredients: people’s participation, social equity and regional parity. The B2V scheme is guided by these three principles to achieve financial inclusion and social security that will further create a platform for accelerated growth in sectors like industry, agriculture, infrastructure and technology. Such initiatives articulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of village empowerment.

Traditionally, developmental works are imposed on villagers from the secretariat. Now, the locals will decide the order of the projects. The officials have been directed to spend time with villagers, seek their feedback and incorporate them in the plan document.

For maximum governance, a 21-day ‘Jan Abhiyan’ (Awami Muhim) has been taken up, which will culminate in a seven-day B2V-3 programme. It has three components: Adhikar Abhiyan (Muhim Barai-e-Haqooq) for service delivery and 100% saturation of beneficiary schemes, Unnat Gram Abhiyan (Dehi Taraqiyati Muhim) for mega development push and Jan Sunwai Abhiyan (Awami Sunwai Muhim) for grievance redressal.

As part of Unnat Gram Abhiyan, we are prioritising the execution of works. Many projects envisaged during B2V-2 have been completed. Some of the pending projects are being completed before October 2. Under Jan Sunwai Abhiyan, a Block Diwas is organised in every sub-division headquarters every Wednesday when all departmental functionaries are available at a notified place to ensure on-the-spot disposal of applications and redressal of grievances. The Adhikar Abhiyan focuses on delivery of individual beneficiary-oriented schemes and issuance of important certificates.

We have two other unique initiatives. Every panchayat has been advised to procure sports kits. I believe the spirit of sports will bring youngsters together, build their confidence, and open new avenues for them.

For sustainable Swachh Abhiyan, we have asked every panchayat to procure two garbage bins, one each for solid and liquid waste. At least two people per panchayat will be engaged under MGNREGA for collection and disposal of waste.

As for the larger economic framework, we have announced a stimulus package to handhold businesses. We are taking administrative measures, creating a conducive regulatory environment to promote service entities and industries, and to remove logistics bottlenecks and other constraints.

At the moment, our entire effort is focussed on improving the quality of life, education, healthcare facilities, skill development and capacity building for both rural and urban communities in J&K. Together we will achieve that – with Gandhiji as our guide.

The writer is Lt. Governor of Jammu & Kashmir