KATHUA : The District Development Commissioner (DDC) Kathua Shahid Iqbal Choudhary convened a meeting of the Sarpanchs of Block Kathua on Friday and discussed various developmental works and heard their problems.
The Sarpanchs who thanked the DDC for holding such meeting for the first time and highlighted that all the developmental works, may be those of rural development, power supply, water supply and Agriculture, have totally come to stand still during this financial year. They said that the contractors have stopped even the ongoing works in the absence of non-clearance of their payments. They said that various departments are also not taking proper interest in providing the water supply and power . They also pointed out that though 14 departments have been brought under the purview of Panchayats but the panchayat representatives are totally ignored by the departments in their works except Rural Development Department.
Sarpanch of Hatli Morh Panchayat suggested that the system of regular durbars be started again in the district in which all the district officers should visit the areas, note down the grievances and redress these on the spot.
The DDC appreciated their submissions and assured them that due attention will be given to all these issues. He also asked them to report the important issues direct to him. Meanwhile he asked the Sarpanchs to ensure plantation of more and more trees in the waste lands and community lands in their areas.
Prominent among others present include ACD Tilak Raj, BDO Sohail Ali, District Chairman Panchayat Mohan Singh, Dalip Kumar and Babloo.