Associated News Bureau

LG Sinha Pledges Accelerated Development for Poonch Border Villages, Says No Family Will Be Left Behind

Jammu, June 7: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday visited the Vibrant Village of Nangali in Poonch district, where he interacted with residents, reviewed ongoing development works, held discussions with government officials, and addressed a public gathering. Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized the strategic and cultural significance of border villages, describing them as the first reflection of the nation’s identity. He said that India’s true character is not confined to metropolitan centres but is equally reflected in its border regions, which serve as gateways to the country. Reaffirming his commitment to the welfare of border communities, Sinha said that villages along the border must receive the same level of development and prosperity as the largest towns and cities of Jammu and Kashmir. He asserted that every family living in border areas deserves equal access to opportunities, infrastructure, and government benefits. The Lieutenant Governor said his vision is to ensure that youth in border villages have access to opportunities comparable to those available in urban areas. He also stressed the need to empower women and provide quality educational and developmental prospects for children so that they can build their futures within their own communities. Referring to Poonch district’s 133 border villages, including 18 strategic villages covered under the Vibrant Village Programme Phase-II, Sinha said these areas must emerge as centres of growth, opportunity and prosperity. He reiterated the administration’s resolve to transform border villages into thriving communities that showcase India’s cultural richness and developmental progress. Highlighting achievements made under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Lieutenant Governor said significant progress has been recorded in the development of border areas over the past six years. He noted that around 20 per cent of families in Poonch’s border villages have moved above the poverty line during this period. He further stated that infrastructure development has witnessed substantial improvement, with road connectivity reaching 94 per cent, telecom coverage 98 per cent, and healthcare coverage achieving full saturation. According to the Lieutenant Governor, family incomes have increased by 25 per cent, while outmigration has declined by six per cent. Sinha said the administration remains committed to achieving complete saturation of welfare schemes and ensuring that no eligible household is left out of the development process. He added that sustained efforts would continue to make border villages symbols of progress, self-reliance and prosperity. ANB