Empowering communities: VBSY resonates across J&K

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 13: The ongoing Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY) extended its reach to several new panchayats across Jammu and Kashmir today.
During the yatra, the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) vans traversed through different Panchayats and spread the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of covering the left-out non-beneficiaries of the Central Government schemes.
In Samba District, the yatra brought total coverage in all the 90 panchayats. Today, the flagship event continued its impactful journey in the District by engaging with the communities of Panchayat Gurwal in Vijaypur Block, Panchayat Supwal in Samba Block, and Panchayat Naran in Ghagwal Block.
The information, education, and communication (IEC) van, symbolising the yatra, was warmly welcomed by the local residents and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), expressing enthusiasm for this transformative initiative.
Noteworthy was the grand event organised in Panchayat Naran of Ghagwal Block, where Commissioner Secretary, Cooperatives, Yasha Mudgal, actively participated.
During the event, Mudgal together with other officers listened to Prime Minister’s message through the IEC van, and actively participated in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp pledge. She felicitated women and sports achievers of the block and distributed Abhinandan patra among Pani Samiti.
The event showcased vibrant cultural performances by school children on the theme of ‘Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke,’ epitomizing the essence of Viksit Bharat.
Secretary, Youth Services & Sports (YSS), Sarmad Hafeez, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, visited Khonmoh Panchayat in Srinagar District as part of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.
The focus was on conducting a mega event to saturate all government schemes and enhance awareness among the local population.
The event witnessed active participation from members of District Development Council, Block Development Council, and other PRI representatives, aiming to inform citizens about the government’s welfare programs and flagship schemes.
Commissioner Secretary, Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Zubair Ahmad, visited Bandipora District as part of the yatra, emphasizing the proactive initiative launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
There, the yatra garnered significant attention, with the Commissioner Secretary highlighting its role in bridging developmental gaps and ensuring the flourishing of every corner of the country.
During his visit to the district, the Commissioner Secretary inaugurated District Indoor Rowing Championship organized by District Water Sports Association in collaboration with District Administration Bandipora.
On the occasion, he also witnessed a captivating display of cultural performances during the Yatra (VBSY) at Auditorium Kaloosa, Bandipora.
In Pulwama District, the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra reached an impressive milestone by traversing 184 Panchayats.
This transformative journey, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of people in the region, demonstrated the Yatra’s commitment to reaching every corner of the Nation.
The Yatra went beyond mere outreach, becoming a beacon of change, saturating the district with Information Education Communication (IEC) vans and diligently reaching even the most remote areas.
The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra continued its momentum in Kulgam District, reaching 7 more Panchayats, including Nihama, Odura, Kakran, Pariwan, Samnoo, Nillow, and Harveit.
The venues presented a festive look with colorful cultural events, success stories of beneficiaries, and an effective IEC campaign about centrally sponsored schemes.
The Yatra aimed to empower local communities by spreading awareness about Government schemes, showcasing the commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
Officially inaugurated at Panchayat Draman in Block Bhoond, Kathua District, the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra unfolded as a significant initiative.
DDC Chairman Col. (Retd) Mahan Singh presided over the event, witnessing a significant turnout of individuals, PRIs, and enthusiastic students.
The Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Van, known as the Viksit Bharat Rath, served as an informative hub showcasing a myriad of government initiatives and schemes.
In Doda District, the ongoing Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra covered rural areas across Doda, Khellani, Bhaderwah, Gundna, Jakyas, and Chilly Pingal blocks.
The Yatra aimed to bring positive changes in the area by spreading awareness about government programs and assessing the impact on the ground level.
The initiative left a strong impact on many villages, including Paryote A, Paryote B, Hanch, Jijote, Dugga, Misrata, Bhalwana, Barshalla, Bhatyas, Chanyas Bhatoli, and Mano, where residents showed great enthusiasm for the organized cultural events and showcased government initiatives.
In Reasi District, the District Social Welfare Department organized awareness camps across 60 Panchayats during the ongoing Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.
These camps aimed to enlighten residents about centrally sponsored schemes, including Old Age and Widow Pension, Scholarships, and Specially Disable Pension.
By creating awareness about these initiatives, the department sought to ensure that eligible individuals benefit from the support available to them.
The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra IEC Van traversed through the Panchayats of Khawas and Budhal Blocks in Rajouri, making its mark in Udhan, Gadyok Dalheri, Kotecharwal, Narla, Badhal-B, Bai Namble, Badhal-A, Pangalar, Sawari Kote-A, Sawari kote, Rehan-A, and Tralla Gujjran Panchyats.
The campaign aimed to promote Government schemes and ensure the successful implementation of flagship programs within a specific timeframe, providing the benefits of these schemes to all the intended beneficiaries.
The Yatra further swept through Khour block in Jammu District, connecting directly with the public and raising awareness about various Government schemes.
The collaborative effort involved Government Middle School Pahariwala, Government High School Narayana Lower Panchayat, and Government Degree College Marh, emphasizing a commitment to rural development and community empowerment.
The Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Van, starting its journey from Jharkhand, showcased a significant dedication to fostering national plans, priorities, and goals, actively involving the youth of the country.
In Udhampur District, the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra continued with massive public participation, traversing across 11 Panchayat halqas.
The campaign featured various activities such as Sankalp pledge ceremonies, sports events, awareness sessions by department officials, telecasting of the Prime Minister’s message, screening of scheme-related movies, and cultural events, highlighting the commitment to inform and empower citizens about the Centre’s flagship schemes.
The Yatra, on its 19th day, expanded its reach to 6 more Panchayats in Ganderbal District, spreading awareness and ensuring the delivery of government flagship schemes.
The unfolding activities showcased a strategic approach toward sustainable development, touching the lives of people at the grassroots level.
The ongoing campaign in Kupwara District witnessed massive public participation, covering 250 out of 385 Panchayats.
The Yatra organized events in 9 Panchayats of Block Kralpora, highlighting the commitment to reach out to the poor, destitute, and needy persons.
Today, the VBSY was organized in 9 Panchayats of Block Kralpora which include Dardsun B, Gazryal A, Gazryal B, Dardepora A, Dardepora B, Dardepora C, Reshigund A, Reshigund B, and Shaloora where Sankalp Yatra activities were organized with much fervor to reach-out the poor, destitute and the needy persons.
Continuing information dissemination and awareness campaigns regarding various centrally sponsored schemes, the (IEC) vans continued campaigning in different panchayats where these Vans were warmly welcomed by the local PRIs and people.
In Ramban District, the yatra, which started on November 28, has covered 101 Panchayats as on date.
Today, the yatra unfurled across 4 Panchayats in Block Batote of district under the aegis of Deputy Commissioner, Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary.
The Yatra witnessed active participation from local residents in an impressive display of enthusiasm and fervor. Youth, in particular, took centre stage, delivering stirring speeches on moral values and presenting captivating cultural programmes that added vibrancy and energy to the events.
In Poonch District, the yatra visited Model Higher Secondary School in Sawjian area. The event attracted distinguished guests and local leaders.
Additional District Development Commissioner Poonch, Sandesh Kumar, was the chief guest. The event started with the National Anthem, followed by the Viksit Bharat pledge, administered by Khalil Banday.
Students from the school presented a cultural program, showcasing the diversity and talent of the community. The Primary Health Centre Sawjian also organised a medical checkup camp.