Bijay Charak
Jammu, Dec 14 : Even after 64 years of independence, the life of at least 500 families of Malikote village of district Reasi has not changed. The families are still without an electricity connection.
Interestingly in the same district, the authorities have ensured round the clock supply of electricity in Katra town but darkness rules the roost in Malikote village.
Sources said that in 2011, MRE division Reasi had made a proposal with estimated cost of Rs. 137.50 Crore for providing electricity to the village. "The proposal was submitted to Development Commissioner Office Power Jammu, vide their office letter number CEJTS1256495, but after lapse of two years no action has been taken by Power Development Department as well as Jammu and Kashmir Government", sources said.
They further said that a copy of said report was also submitted at the office of Deputy General Manager RGGVY, but astoundingly RGGVY agency in their written reply maintained that electrification works in Malikote village have already completed and the data was uploaded in RGGVY website.
But contrary to claims of RGGVY, sources said, power supply has been provided to only 25 households including house of Sarpanch, while remaining 500 families are still spending nights in dark. They added that according to survey conducted by RGGVY, it has been maintained that only 25 households of village Malikote were falling under the purview of RGGVY scheme, whereas the remaining households were not eligible for getting electricity under RGGVY.
A local, Navinder Khalsa informed Early Times that the village, having population of around 8,000 has been struggling for electricity, "Our villagers are still living in stone age and tall claims of development have no meaning for us", he said, adding that rather than power supply, even the villagers were also clamoring for schools, primary health centers, roads and other basic amenties.
He further said that the villagers have to travel around 15 kilometers to reach nearby dispensary, which was at Guto. Besides the village students have to go to High School was at Salikote, which was several kilometers from village.
The residents in one voice appealed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was holding the portfolio of Power Ministry, to do needful without any further delay.
Despite repeated calls to MLA, Abdul Gani Malik, his phone was found switched off. |
