Examiner Bureau | Poonch:
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday visited Nangali, a Vibrant Village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, where he interacted with residents, reviewed ongoing development projects, met government officials and addressed a public gathering.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor described border villages as the nation’s first point of contact and a reflection of India’s true identity, emphasising that development in these areas remains a top priority.
“India’s true identity does not reside only in its major cities; it thrives in our border villages, which serve as proud gateways to the nation. My resolve is unwavering. Our border villages deserve the same level of development and prosperity as our largest towns and cities,” Sinha said.
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that families living in border areas receive equal opportunities for growth, development and social welfare.
“I will not rest until every family living along the border enjoys the same progress and opportunities as those in urban Jammu and Kashmir. The world must see India’s border villages not as the last settlements, but as the beginning of a great dream,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed that border villages should reflect the richness, dignity and aspirations of the country and said every family residing in Poonch’s 133 border villages must experience the same sense of pride, prosperity and hope enjoyed by residents of larger urban centres.
“With renewed commitment, we will work tirelessly to transform these villages into symbols of development and prosperity,” he added.
Highlighting his vision for the region, Sinha said he wants the youth of Nangali and other border villages to dream as ambitiously as their counterparts in metropolitan cities. He also underscored the need to expand opportunities for women and ensure that children view their villages as places where they can build successful futures.
“My vision is clear. All 133 border villages of Poonch, including the 18 strategic villages covered under Vibrant Village Programme Phase-II, must emerge as centres of opportunity. Our goal is to transform these villages into flourishing communities that showcase India’s strength, culture and progress,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the developmental achievements recorded in Jammu and Kashmir over the past six years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly in border areas.
He said significant progress has been made in improving the quality of life in Poonch’s border villages, with around 20 per cent of families moving above the poverty line during this period.
“Infrastructure development has accelerated, with road connectivity reaching 94 per cent, telecom coverage 98 per cent and healthcare coverage achieving 100 per cent. Family incomes have increased by 25 per cent, while outmigration has declined by six per cent. Our mission is to ensure saturation of all welfare schemes so that no household is left behind,” Sinha said.
The visit formed part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to accelerate development and strengthen infrastructure in strategically important border regions under the Vibrant Village Programme.
