Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday articulated a vision where the nation’s strength is intrinsically linked to the prosperity and development of its most remote villages, particularly those situated along its borders. Speaking at a public gathering in the vibrant village of Sariah in Rajouri, Mr. Sinha emphasized that these border areas are not merely the edges of the country but represent nascent opportunities and a vital connection to the national mainstream. This perspective, he noted, is guided by the developmental agenda set forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that during his visit, Mr. Sinha inaugurated a Common Service Centre in Sariah, a move aimed at enhancing digital access and public service delivery. The visit also marked the initiation of several crucial development projects, including water conservation works under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan 2.0 (JSJB 2.0) and the development of playgrounds in Sariah and neighboring vibrant villages such as Pukharni, Bhawani, Chapardhara, and Namban. These initiatives underscore a commitment to improving the quality of life and recreational facilities for residents in these border communities.
The Lieutenant Governor further elaborated on the significance of the Vibrant Villages Programme, stating that it is instrumental in ensuring that infrastructure development and welfare schemes effectively reach every border village. He poignantly remarked that maps often fail to capture the true spirit of these villages, which are home to vibrant societies and steadfast families contributing to the nation’s progress. The security of the nation, he asserted, is bolstered not only by soldiers on the front lines but also by the residents who make their homes in these border regions.
Mr. Sinha highlighted the transformative impact of infrastructure development in border areas. He stated that the construction of roads leading to these villages fosters not just physical connectivity but also instills a profound sense of confidence in the nation’s defense capabilities. Similarly, the provision of electricity to homes in border villages offers more than just illumination; it symbolizes renewed hope and a brighter future. The creation of employment opportunities for the youth in these villages, he added, has the potential to uplift not just individual lives but the entire community’s trajectory. His vision, as reported by the Daily Excelsior, is clear: border village development is an integral component of national security, and these villages must be positioned among the nation’s most prosperous.
Since assuming his responsibilities in Jammu and Kashmir in August 2020, the Lieutenant Governor has consistently prioritized the aspirations of border village residents. He observed that in villages where women strive for better futures for their children amidst challenges, where farmers work the land through hardships, and where communities act as sentinels without uniforms, a new era of progress has been ushered in. He urged government officials to achieve 100% saturation of various welfare schemes, including the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), Mission Youth, and the Mudra Yojana, ensuring that no eligible citizen is left behind.
The tangible impact of these efforts, according to Mr. Sinha, is evident in Jammu and Kashmir’s border villages. He noted that improved road networks, thriving healthcare facilities, and enhanced digital connectivity are transforming the education sector and fostering a sense of integration with India‘s rapid national growth. True development, he articulated, encompasses equal opportunity, dignity, and instilled confidence, all of which are embodied by the Vibrant Villages Programme through its holistic approach to employment, education, infrastructure, and digital empowerment.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed the moral imperative to secure a brighter future for every citizen. He acknowledged the significant contributions of Sariah’s residents in guarding the nation’s borders alongside soldiers, asserting that they deserve comprehensive progress without exception. Having endured considerable hardships for the nation, these residents must now be at the forefront of prosperity. A developed India, he concluded, requires a robust rural heartland, and its foundational villages are indispensable to this vision. He called upon the residents of Sariah to unite in realizing the goals of the Vibrant Village initiative, with officials committed to ensuring the full implementation of all central schemes and welfare programs.
During the event, Mr. Sinha also visited an exhibition showcasing the ‘Gyan Bharatam’ initiative and inspected stalls set up by various government departments and stakeholders. He officially launched the Vibrant Village Anthem and distributed sanction and appointment letters to beneficiaries under schemes such as Mission Yuva, HADP, PM Mudra, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G). Further, he distributed television sets with DTH connections and felicitated individuals who had successfully overcome tuberculosis, volunteers for the Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan (drug-free campaign), and other citizens from diverse backgrounds for their valuable societal contributions. The ceremony was attended by a distinguished gathering, including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP J&K Nalin Prabhat, Additional Chief Secretaries Shaleen Kabra and Ashwani Kumar, Commissioner Secretary R. Alice Vaz, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti, MD & CEO of J&K Bank Amitava Chatterjee, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma, along with senior officials from the army, police, civil administration, political leaders, prominent citizens, and a large number of local residents.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
