Rajouri (Jammu and Kashmir) [India]: The Dhangri block in the Rajouri district is witnessing significant developmental progress with the help of centrally sponsored schemes. These initiatives are enhancing infrastructure, employment opportunities, and community facilities in the remote and hilly areas of the region.
Hakumdin, a local mason, expressed optimism about the ongoing projects, saying,
“I have worked on several projects here, including road construction and boundary walls. Development work is progressing well, and I hope my house will also be constructed under the new survey.”
Another resident, Irshad, highlighted the positive impact of these schemes, stating,
“The initiatives have brought real change. Earlier, we had to travel to Jammu or Kashmir for work, but now, employment is available locally. The water supply issue has also been resolved, and we are very happy.”
Basharat Hussain, Gram Rozgar Sevak (GRS), mentioned that employment generation schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) have provided much-needed job opportunities to the local population, reducing the need for labor migration.
He emphasized,
“These schemes are creating employment opportunities right at people’s doorsteps, ensuring that laborers no longer have to leave their district in search of work.”
Hussain also spoke about the construction of an Eidgah shed, which has ensured that people can perform prayers and important functions comfortably, even in harsh weather conditions.
Addressing the progress under the Swachh Bharat Mission, he stated,
“We are raising awareness at the household level about waste segregation. People are being encouraged to separate waste at the source, which is then decomposed and converted into compost. Compost pits are also being constructed to facilitate effective waste management.”
Hussain further provided an update on the housing projects under PMAY, stating,
“All sanctioned houses have received the first installment, and the second installment has also been disbursed for 2,600 units. So far, 2,685 houses have been completed, and the remaining will be finished by March 31.”
These efforts are transforming the Dhangri block into a model for rural development, ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach the grassroots level efficiently.