DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
jammu, Nov 28
Bharat Bhushan Bodhi, District Development Council (DDC) Chairman Jammu, today visited the under-construction office of the District Development Council near the Sports Stadium in Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu, to review the ongoing construction works. The office complex, which is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 2 crore by Rural Development Department, is a significant project aimed at enhancing the administrative capabilities of the Council.
DDC member Suresh Sharma, Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD), XEN Rural Development Department (RDD), and other senior officials from the Rural Development Department accompanied the Chairman during the visit.
The RDD authorities briefed the Chairman Bharat Bhushan about the progress of the construction work and assured him that the office complex would be completed by April 2025.
Speaking on the occasion, Bharat Bhushan Bodhi highlighted the historic establishment of District Development Councils in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that these Councils were formed for the first time in J&K’s history under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
He added that while similar councils have been operational in other states since 1965, this initiative marked a new era of grassroots democracy in J&K.
He further stated that the three-tier democracy, encompassing Panchayats, Block Development Councils, and District Development Councils, has been significantly strengthened in Jammu and Kashmir over the past four years. “This structure has empowered people at the grassroots level, ensuring their active participation in decision-making and development processes. It reflects the Central Government’s commitment to decentralization and inclusive governance,” he remarked.
Bharat Bhushan expressed satisfaction with the progress of the project and emphasized that the DDCs are playing a pivotal role in strengthening democracy and accelerating development at the grassroots level. He remarked, “As we approach the completion of four years since the formation of DDCs in J&K, we have witnessed their transformative impact on local governance and infrastructure development.”
The DDC Chairman reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the Council continues to work diligently to fulfill its mandate of empowering people and delivering inclusive development across the region.
