Anantnag, September 19, 2025 – Renowned Waste Warrior and former Sarpanch Adv. Farooq Ganai, affectionately known as the ‘KachraMan of Kashmir,’ represented the Kashmir region at the prestigious National Dialogue on Rural Development themed “Viksit Gram Se Viksit Bharat.” The event, hosted at the Quality Council of India’s (QCI) headquarters in New Delhi, convened grassroots leaders from across India to exchange innovative strategies for bolstering rural governance and sustainable development.The initiative underscored the critical role of community-driven efforts in aligning village-level governance with the national vision of Viksit Bharat. Over 75 Sarpanches from all states participated in the one-day conclave, fostering open dialogues on key themes to propel India toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. Participants pledged collective commitment to advancing national development goals at the Panchayat and village levels through inclusive and quality-focused practices.Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri C.R. Patil addressed the gathering, emphasizing the Jal Shakti Abhiyan and the ethos of ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari.’
He highlighted initiatives like Sarpanch Samvaad as vital platforms for promoting inclusive, sustainable rural progress. Other distinguished speakers included QCI Chairman Mr. Jaxay Shah, Union Secretary for Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Union Secretary for Rural Development (RDD), and Governing Body member Mr. Himanshu Patel, who shared insights on enhancing service delivery and grassroots leadership.As the sole representative from Kashmir, Adv. Farooq Ganai spotlighted the region’s unique challenges and successes in environmental stewardship. Renowned for his pioneering initiatives to foster a clean and green India, Ganai advocated for greater Panchayat empowerment to cultivate vibrant, self-reliant villages. He positioned his flagship ‘Give Plastic Take Gold’ campaign as a proven sustainable solution and an inspirational slogan, urging nationwide adoption to transform India into a plastic-free destination.”The platform enabled us to share best practices and collaborative ideas that will propel our nation toward development,” Ganai stated. “This unique initiative highlights citizen-centric efforts, quality service delivery, and the power of grassroots leadership. As Kashmir’s voice, I brought forth our region’s perspectives to enrich the national conversation.”Expressing gratitude to the organizers, Ganai commended the Union Minister for JJM, Union Secretaries of JJM and RDD, and QCI for their exemplary work in building a robust, inclusive governance framework.
He drew parallels between QCI’s infrastructure and global bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO), encapsulating the event’s impact in one word: transformative. “QCI stands tall in realizing Hon’ble Prime Minister’s mission of ‘Viksit Gram Se Viksit Bharat,'” he remarked.Ganai also called for the beautification of Vatista Spring and Pranigam Laad—vital water sources feeding Sadiwara and surrounding villages in Block Hiller—as a means to establish them as premier religious tourism destinations in South Kashmir.In sidebar interactions with media, Ganai marveled at QCI’s operational excellence and urged its officials to extend support to sectors like education, waste management, and implementation of Government of India’s citizen-centric policies at the grassroots level. He envisioned Kashmir’s schools evolving into drug-free havens with pristine, green environments around educational and government institutions. While acknowledging the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s round-the-clock efforts against the drug menace, Ganai stressed the need for heightened vibrancy and public collaboration to achieve 100% efficacy.Reflecting on post-2019 transformations, Ganai credited the LG-led administration for disseminating the message of Viksit Bharat to every corner of the region. He extended appreciation to all security agencies, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Army, for upholding peace— a cornerstone for holistic national development.
Established in 1997 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Quality Council of India (QCI) champions quality standards across sectors. Its core objectives include operating national accreditation structures, spearheading the National Quality Campaign, elevating standards in education, healthcare, environment, governance, and infrastructure, and boosting the competitiveness of Indian enterprises, especially MSMEs.
This conclave not only reinforced inter-state synergies but also amplified voices like Ganai’s, bridging local innovations with national
