Jammu, May 6 (NVI): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday rolled out a series of development initiatives in Regal village of Samba district, asserting that border areas are no longer on the margins but at the centre of India’s growth narrative.
Addressing a public gathering, Sinha said border villages represent courage and resilience, adding that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, they are now being recognised as the country’s “first villages” instead of the last.
During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor laid foundation stones for multiple projects, including a digital library at Government Primary School Regal, a community hall-cum-recreation centre, development of an Amrit Sarovar with drainage facilities, installation of open gyms and solar street lighting.
He said the administration is committed to transforming border settlements by prioritising infrastructure, livelihood opportunities and connectivity, bringing them into the mainstream of development.
Highlighting the Vibrant Villages Programme, Sinha said the Centre is adopting a comprehensive approach to ensure saturation in key areas such as all-weather road connectivity, telecom services, television access and electrification.
He stressed the need for a “whole-of-government approach” to meet development targets and directed officials to ensure every household in border villages has access to electricity, communication networks and economic opportunities.
Setting a target, he said efforts are underway to ensure that no family in Samba’s border villages remains below the poverty line by 2030.
Responding to local demands, the Lieutenant Governor reiterated the administration’s commitment to granting land ownership rights to displaced persons from PoJK and West Pakistan Refugees.
He also said the completion of the Shahpur Kandi Dam project will significantly enhance agricultural productivity in the region.
Sinha praised Regal for achieving TB-free status and called for sustained efforts towards clean drinking water and combating drug abuse.
During the visit, he also distributed appointment orders to SPOs and sanction letters to youth beneficiaries under various schemes, including HADP and Mission Yuva.
The Lieutenant Governor later visited a Border Out Post and interacted with security personnel, appreciating their role in safeguarding the nation’s frontiers. (NVI)
