Jan-Bhagidari key pillar of development: Lt Governor

Jammu, Dec 3: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Saturday chaired a meeting to review ongoing public outreach programme in urban local bodies, ‘My Town My Pride’.
“My Town, My Pride, aims to deliver public services at doorsteps, build developmental initiatives on the feedback, cooperation and participation from people and strengthen strong and vibrant local self-governance,” the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor emphasized that Jan-Bhagidari is the key pillar of development and essential for economic and cultural rejuvenation of the cities.
“Urban population is growing at a rapid pace and there is a need for smart and sustainable solutions to urban challenges. The officers involved in Jan Abhiyan must involve people in various initiatives like decongestion, rejuvenation and beautification of the cities. Together, with active participation of public, we can transform cities into vibrant urban economic centres,” Lt Governor said.
‘My Town My Pride’ has 7 action plans – City Resource Mobilization/Finance Plan, City Livelihood Plan, City Smart Vending Plan, Green City Plan, City Tourism & Culture Plan, City Beautiful Plan, Plan for Encroachment Free City, for all 78 Urban Local Bodies.
It is the responsibility of every officer to ensure integrated development concepts and its execution, observed the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor made valuable suggestions to improve urban sustainability, quality of life and urban welfare.
We must work on brand positioning of the cities as each city has its own unique cultural identity and heritage. We should also prepare a comprehensive plan to strengthen Urban Local Self-Governance, creating resources and to foster more inclusion and sustainability for future challenges, said the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor directed the Housing and Urban Development Department to work out strategy for revenue generation and implementation of master plans of the cities to meet the needs of the growing population.
Old cities beautification plan, small initiatives like similar Address Boards, Paintings, Shops in uniform color, municipal beauty competitions; City cleanliness program; beatification of parks must be implemented with public participation, the Lt Governor further added.
The Lt Governor passed direction regarding extension of Digital services; streamlining revenue and other public services.
Only the collaborative efforts of the public, elected representatives and administration can steer the development process and ensure resolution of the day to day problems of the people, the Lt Governor said.
During the meeting, Administrative Secretaries; Divisional Commissioners; Deputy Commissioners and SSPs briefed the chair on the efforts being made to saturate the deliverables and achieve the set targets under ‘My Town My Pride’ programme.
The chair was informed on the measures taken for the saturation of City Livelihood Mission. Target has been set to select 25 youths for self-employment from each ward.
An Open Forum involving the educational institutions to spread awareness on digital services and other important aspects of the governance is being organized. City Development Index is also on the cards, it was informed.
On 5th and 6th December, the Prabhari Officers will go to their identified areas and establish direct communication with the common citizens.
Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department; Administrative Secretaries; Divisional Commissioners; DCs, SSPs, and senior officials attended the meeting, in person and through virtual mode.