JAMMU, APRIL 01: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday visited the border village of Makwal in Jammu and underscored the government’s commitment to transforming border areas into vibrant and prosperous hubs under the Vibrant Villages Programme Phase-II.
Addressing a public gathering, the Lieutenant Governor described border villages as “India’s first line of defence,” stating that their residents embody courage, sacrifice, and resilience. He emphasized that these communities remain a top priority under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He noted that the contribution of border residents to national service must be reflected in their quality of life, asserting that governance must ensure no family is left behind and no genuine need goes unnoticed. He directed officials to bridge gaps between policy commitments and their on-ground delivery, stressing that every household in border villages represents a frontline of national security.
Highlighting the strategic importance of such areas, the Lieutenant Governor said border villages should be regarded as the “first villages of India,” not the last. He called the lives of residents a powerful symbol of patriotism and urged officials to ensure focused and time-bound solutions wherever existing schemes fall short.
Reaffirming the administration’s resolve, he stated that development of border villages is a responsibility anchored in sentiment and national duty. He instructed officials to remove administrative bottlenecks, appoint dedicated nodal officers, and submit regular progress reports under the Vibrant Villages Programme.
The Lieutenant Governor also emphasized the need to strengthen infrastructure, including roads, education, healthcare, and connectivity, ensuring that residents receive facilities comparable to urban centres. He reiterated the goal of providing equal educational opportunities for children and better agricultural support for farmers.
Focusing on economic empowerment, he highlighted the importance of promoting youth entrepreneurship and women’s self-help groups to drive local growth and reduce migration. He said the aim is to create sustainable livelihoods so that young people see viable futures within their villages.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that significant progress has been made in recent years, including improved road connectivity, near-universal electrification, and expanded telecom access across border villages. He added that targeted interventions in agriculture, dairy, tourism, and allied sectors have contributed to rising incomes and reduced migration.
Responding to public demands, he assured timely action on key issues, including the implementation of land ownership rights for displaced persons. He directed the concerned authorities to expedite execution of these measures.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated and launched several development projects, including a Model Anganwadi Centre, sports infrastructure, a community hall with library and computer lab, a health sub-centre, and a veterinary dispensary. He distributed appointment orders and sanction letters among beneficiaries under various government schemes and felicitated individuals contributing to community development.
Senior officials from the civil administration, police, and other departments, along with local representatives and residents, were present at the event.
