Kishtwar, December 18,2025-Reaffirming the commitment to transparent, accountable, and people-centric governance, the District Administration Kishtwar successfully organised the “Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore” outreach programme at the Block Development Office (BDO), Kishtwar, as part of the ongoing Good Governance Week celebrations. The initiative, spearheaded under the guidance of the Lieutenant Governor-led J&K Administration, aimed at strengthening last-mile service delivery and ensuring that government welfare schemes reach citizens at their doorsteps.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from local residents, officials from various departments, elected representatives, and frontline workers, marking it as a significant step towards bridging the gap between administration and the people. The outreach camp reflected the LG Government’s vision of responsive governance, public service transparency, and inclusive development, particularly in remote and hilly districts like Kishtwar.
Governance at the Doorstep: Core Objective of the Initiative
The “Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore” initiative is a flagship governance reform measure launched by the Jammu and Kashmir Administration to take government services directly to villages and grassroots institutions. During Good Governance Week, the programme gains special momentum as departments are instructed to proactively resolve public grievances, review pending cases, and ensure on-the-spot delivery of services.
At the Block Development Office, Kishtwar, multiple government departments set up dedicated counters to facilitate spot redressal of grievances, registration for welfare schemes, and dissemination of information regarding government policies. The initiative focused on eliminating bureaucratic delays and empowering citizens through direct administrative outreach.
Strong Emphasis on Last-Mile Delivery
One of the key highlights of the programme was its strong emphasis on last-mile delivery, ensuring that benefits of flagship government schemes reach the most marginalized sections of society. Residents from nearby villages raised issues related to ration cards, pensions, health services, rural development works, employment schemes, power supply, and road connectivity.
Officials from the Rural Development Department, Social Welfare Department, Revenue Department, Health Department, Power Development Department, Jal Shakti, Agriculture, and Education were present to address public concerns. Several applications were disposed of on the spot, while others were taken up for time-bound resolution.
This approach aligns with the LG Government’s broader governance framework, which prioritizes efficiency, accountability, and transparency while ensuring that no citizen is left behind due to geographical or administrative barriers.
Grievance Redressal and Public Interaction
A major component of the programme was interactive grievance redressal, where citizens were encouraged to voice their concerns directly before senior officers. The administration ensured that grievances were recorded digitally for monitoring and follow-up.
Officials patiently listened to public representations related to land records, beneficiary inclusion, pending payments under MGNREGA, housing benefits under PMAY-G, and pension disbursement under various social welfare schemes. Special attention was given to grievances of senior citizens, women, persons with disabilities, and economically weaker sections.
The initiative reinforced the principle that good governance thrives on dialogue, trust-building, and timely service delivery. Residents appreciated the presence of officers at the block level, calling it a welcome move that reduced the need for repeated visits to district headquarters.
Awareness on Government Schemes and Digital Services
Apart from grievance redressal, the programme also focused on spreading awareness about government welfare schemes and digital governance platforms. Officials briefed participants about key initiatives such as:
- PMAY-G (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin)
- MGNREGA
- Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY
- Old Age, Widow, and Disability Pension Schemes
- Jal Jeevan Mission
- Farmer-centric schemes under Agriculture and Horticulture Departments
Citizens were also guided on using online portals for grievance submission, certificate services, and beneficiary tracking, highlighting the administration’s push towards e-governance and digital inclusion.
Good Governance Week: A Platform for Administrative Reforms
The celebration of Good Governance Week provided an ideal platform to showcase governance reforms undertaken by the Jammu and Kashmir Administration under the leadership of the Lieutenant Governor. The week-long observance emphasizes:
- Transparency in decision-making
- Accountability of public officials
- Citizen participation in governance
- Time-bound delivery of services
The “Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore” programme at BDO Kishtwar reflected these principles in action, demonstrating how administrative decentralisation can improve service outcomes and public satisfaction.
Empowering Rural Communities
Kishtwar, known for its rugged terrain and dispersed settlements, often faces challenges related to access and connectivity. The outreach programme played a crucial role in empowering rural communities by ensuring that government officials reach citizens rather than expecting citizens to navigate administrative complexities.
Villagers expressed satisfaction over the initiative, noting that such programmes not only solve immediate issues but also build confidence in the governance system. The administration reiterated its commitment to organising similar outreach camps across the district to strengthen grassroots governance.
Officials Reiterate Commitment to People-Centric Governance
Addressing the gathering, officials emphasised that the LG Government is committed to transformative governance reforms that prioritise public welfare and ease of living. They assured residents that grievances raised during the programme would be monitored at higher levels to ensure timely resolution.
The officers highlighted that people-centric governance is not a one-time initiative but an ongoing process that requires continuous engagement with citizens, particularly in far-flung and underserved areas.
Positive Public Response
The programme received a positive response from locals, who appreciated the administration’s proactive approach. Many residents termed the initiative as a “game changer” in addressing longstanding issues and improving trust between the public and government institutions.
Women participants, in particular, welcomed the doorstep approach, stating that it made accessing government services easier and safer. Youth also showed interest in employment-related schemes and skill development programmes discussed during the event.
Strengthening Trust and Transparency
By bringing administration closer to the people, the “Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore” programme strengthened trust and transparency in governance. It demonstrated that effective administration is rooted in accessibility, empathy, and responsiveness.
The initiative also underscored the importance of field-level governance, where officials understand ground realities firsthand rather than relying solely on reports and files.
Way Forward
The success of the programme at Block Development Office, Kishtwar, sets a strong precedent for similar initiatives across Jammu and Kashmir. The administration plans to scale up such outreach efforts to cover more blocks and panchayats, ensuring comprehensive coverage during Good Governance Week and beyond.
The LG Government’s continued focus on administrative outreach, grievance redressal, and citizen engagement is expected to further strengthen democratic governance and improve service delivery outcomes in the Union Territory.
Conclusion
The “Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore” programme at BDO Kishtwar emerged as a powerful example of good governance in action, reinforcing the LG Government’s commitment to last-mile delivery, inclusive development, and people-first administration. As Jammu and Kashmir continues its journey towards administrative excellence, such initiatives stand as pillars of trust, transparency, and responsive governance.
