| MLA Baldev Raj Sharma takes stock of rural development works, stresses | | | Early Times Report JAMMU, July 10: Baldev Raj Sharma, today undertook an extensive tour of Panchayat Garan and Panchayat Akhli-Buttan in the 58-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Assembly Constituency. During the visit, the Hon'ble MLA inaugurated various development works executed under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), reaffirming his commitment towards strengthening rural infrastructure and ensuring inclusive development across the constituency. The MLA inaugurated the construction of a tile lane from Talab Chowk to Munshi Ram Mohalla, Ward No. 6, Akhli, and the construction of a protection wall at Amra Nath Mohalla, Ward No. 2, executed under the CDF. These works, along with the sanctioned tile lane work at Ward No. 5, have been taken up at a total cost of Rs 13 lakh under the Constituency Development Fund and are aimed at improving the basic infrastructure and public convenience in the area. During the tour, the Hon'ble MLA also inspected the work titled "Construction of Tile Lane from Main Road to the residence of Shri Om Parkash, Ward No. 5, Village Akhli." Upon inspection, it was observed that no tile work had been executed at the site despite the inauguration plaque mentioning the project as a tile lane. The Hon'ble MLA sought an explanation from the concerned Junior Engineer of the Rural Development Department regarding the discrepancy. However, the explanation furnished by the concerned officer was found to be unsatisfactory. Expressing serious concern over the matter, Baldev Raj Sharma directed the concerned department to examine the issue thoroughly, fix responsibility wherever required, and ensure that the sanctioned work is executed strictly as per the approved estimates and specifications, maintaining complete transparency and accountability in public works. Thereafter, the Hon'ble MLA held a public meeting at Village Buttan, where a large number of local residents participated and highlighted various developmental issues and demands concerning their Panchayat. The MLA patiently listened to every demand raised by the public and addressed each issue one by one. Considering the genuine public demands and with a view to accelerating the development of the area, the Hon'ble MLA announced Rs 15 lakh under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for the execution of priority developmental works raised by the local residents. He further assured the gathering that all other genuine demands would also be taken up with the concerned departments and pursued on priority for their early redressal. The people of the area expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the MLA for the numerous developmental works undertaken across Panchayats Garan and Akhli-Buttan. They appreciated his continuous efforts in addressing long-pending public demands and welcomed his announcement of Rs 15 lakh under the CDF, stating that it would significantly help in meeting the priority developmental needs of the Panchayat. Addressing the gathering, Shri Baldev Raj Sharma reiterated that his foremost priority is the equitable development of every village and every Panchayat in the constituency. He emphasized that no compromise would be tolerated in the quality of developmental works and that every rupee of public money must be utilized in a transparent and accountable manner for the welfare of the people. The programme was attended by officers of the Rural Development Department and the Block Development Department. Among those present were DDC Member Smt. Nirmal Devi, Shri Sardari Lal Dubey, Sarpanch Ravi Sharma, Shri Manoj Sadhotra, Shri Suresh Dubey, Shri Mohan Singh, along with other prominent citizens and a large number of local residents. |
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