In an effort to streamline public service delivery, the government is contemplating a series of measures aimed at leveraging digital interventions, according to Commissioner Secretary of Information and IT, Prerna Puri.
Addressing a substantial public gathering during a noteworthy Public Darbar held at the DC office complex in Kathua, Puri unveiled plans for a Toll-Free Helpline (14471) to facilitate remote access to government services.
Additionally, the establishment of Common Service Centre (CSC) kiosks at district headquarters is under consideration to enhance public convenience when visiting the DC office.
The Public Darbar, chaired by Prerna Puri, served as a platform to assess the concerns and issues of public significance in the district. Notable attendees included Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Minhas, SSP Shivdeep Singh Jammwal, ADDC Ankur Mahajan, BDC Chairpersons from Kathua, Marheen, and Barnoti, DDC members, and representatives from various delegations.
During the event, citizens expressed their concerns and sought intervention in addressing various issues. A memorandum of demands was submitted by a DDC delegation, covering issues related to power supply, healthcare, the vacant post of a sports teacher in Dhar-Mahanpur, and the development of a Digital Model Village in Hiranagar.
BDC members raised concerns about land allocation for CFC in BDC Kathua constituency, the development of a tourist circuit in border blocks, road connectivity, mobile connectivity in Marheen, land erosion in Ujh catchment area, and other developmental needs.
Ex-Servicemen presented demands such as renaming Kathua Railway Station after Kirti Chakra Awardee Captain Sunil Chaudhary, the establishment of a War Memorial in Kathua, and construction-related requests for the Zila Sainik Welfare Office.
Senior citizens from Housing Colony Kathua highlighted issues like the installation of street lights and the utilization of civic amenities. Other concerns raised during the Public Darbar included the monkey menace, construction of check dams in Marheen, and an easy mechanism for the updating of ration cards.
Commissioner Secretary Prerna Puri emphasized the need for a time-bound redressal mechanism to resolve public issues promptly. She assured the gathering that grievances and demands would be brought to the notice of the concerned departments for timely redressal. Puri reiterated the UT government’s commitment to ensuring holistic development in villages, with a focus on infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other key sectors.
Additionally, she directed the DC Kathua to explore opportunities for enhancing city beautification, recognizing Kathua as the gateway to Jammu & Kashmir, leaving a lasting impression on the Union Territory.
