Udhampur: Reaffirming his commitment to grassroots governance and people-centric development, MLA Udhampur East Ranbir Singh Pathania held Janta Darbars at Flata and Majalta and participated in the Special Gram Sabha at Seen Thakran, engaging extensively with the people and taking up a wide range of developmental and public-utility issues.
The programmes witnessed enthusiastic participation of local residents, Panchayat representatives and party workers, with people placing before the MLA issues concerning road connectivity, water supply, electricity, education and rural infrastructure.
“Gram Sabha is the real essence of local self-governance”
Addressing the Special Gram Sabha at Seen Thakran, Pathania said that the Gram Sabha represents the real essence of local self-governance, as it gives ordinary citizens a direct platform to discuss their requirements and shape the priorities of their villages.
Referring to the Special Gram Sabhas organised across villages on 2 October, he said that the occasion should be used to deepen participatory democracy at the grassroots.
He emphasised that Gram Sabhas should not be reduced to a routine or ceremonial exercise.
«“The Gram Sabha is where democracy reaches the doorstep of the common citizen. The aspirations expressed here must become the basis of planning and development. Our villages should not merely receive development from above; their priorities must shape development from below.”»
Pathania said that his vision for Udhampur East is to build a development model in which every Panchayat has access to better roads, reliable water supply, strengthened power infrastructure, quality educational facilities and responsive administration.
Taking stock of road connectivity, Pathania said that the Paldhai–Battal stretch of Dhar Road has been metalled, while the remaining Battal–Kishanpur stretch is expected to be taken up for metalling within the next two weeks.
He also called for immediate attention to the Gole Mela patch of the BRO road, stressing that patchwork alone should not become a substitute for permanent improvement.
“The objective should be to metall the entire road and ensure durable connectivity, rather than repeatedly carrying out temporary repairs,” he said.
He further called for preparation of immediate DPRs for the Mayal Mohalla, Neeli to Dhat road and the Satrari–Samanu road, so that the long-standing demand for improved connectivity can be taken forward on priority.
Pathania gave particular emphasis to drinking-water infrastructure and called for immediate intervention to make the Water Supply Schemes at Flata m, Baryalta Sartedi and Roun Thill fully operational.
He directed that the concerned authorities identify bottlenecks and take appropriate corrective measures so that the infrastructure already created translates into actual benefit for the people.
“A water supply scheme has meaning only when water reaches the household. Infrastructure lying idle cannot serve the purpose for which public money has been spent,” Pathania said.
MLA also sought installation of new transformers at Kudyalta, Larey Battal and Baryalta, besides strengthening the distribution network in other areas facing power-related difficulties.
He said that around ₹80 crore under RDSS has been released for strengthening power infrastructure and emphasised that the programme should result in visible improvement on the ground.
He called for special attention to areas facing overloading, low voltage and inadequate transformation capacity, saying that strengthening rural power infrastructure is essential for both domestic consumers and economic activity.
Pathania also pressed for steps towards construction of a new building for Middle School Bharanra and additional accommodation at Government Higher Secondary School, Tikri.
He said that educational infrastructure must keep pace with enrolment and local requirements and that students in rural areas should not suffer because of inadequate accommodation.
“Development cannot be Delhi- or Jammu-centric; it must reach the last village”
Pathania said that his approach towards development is focused on taking infrastructure and public services to the last mile.
He said that roads, water, electricity and schools are not merely infrastructure projects but the basic foundation for improving the quality of life in rural areas.
He assured the people that issues raised during the Janta Darbars and Gram Sabha would be taken up with the concerned departments and pursued to their logical conclusion.
Launching a sharp political attack on the National Conference, Pathania said that the people had elected representatives to the Assembly to raise their concerns and participate in meaningful debate—not to repeatedly disrupt proceedings.
He alleged that the NC government’s performance has remained lacklustre on several fronts, while important issues concerning the people continue to demand attention.
“The Assembly belongs to the people. It is not a platform for disruption. Constitutional procedures, Rules of Business and established parliamentary practices provide adequate space for every legitimate issue to be raised and debated. The people expect discussion, accountability and solutions—not repeated disruptions,” Pathania said.
He said that political differences are an integral part of democracy, but public interest must remain above partisan politics.
“We can disagree politically, but we cannot afford to disagree on the development of our villages. Roads, water, electricity and education have no political colour. They are basic rights and necessities of the people,” he added.
He said that Janta Darbars and Gram Sabhas provide an important bridge between public aspirations and government action, and assured that genuine demands raised by the people would continue to receive his personal attention.
Those present included Mohan Lal Sharma, Mohinder Sharma and Lalita Sharma, Mandal Pradhans; Surinder Singh, Suram Chand, Shokat, Sukhdev Sharma, Mast Ram, Ranjit Singh, Arti Devi, Rajinder Singh, Gopal Sharma and Mulkh Raj, besides a large number of local residents, Panchayat representatives and members of the public.
Pathania reiterated that his political and developmental vision for Udhampur East is rooted in grassroots participation, accountable governance and time-bound development, with the objective of ensuring that every village benefits from improved connectivity and better public services.
Law making bodies cannot be used as platform for pedalling worn out rhetoric and extra constitutional debates: RS Pathania
