Border Villages Are “First Villages of India”, Says LG Manoj Sinha | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that border villages are no longer the “last villages” of the country but have been redefined as the “First Villages of India” under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He was addressing a public rally at the border village of Regal in Samba district, where he laid foundation stones and inaugurated several development projects aimed at strengthening rural infrastructure and public services.

The projects include the establishment of a digital library at Government Primary School Regal, construction of a community hall-cum-recreation centre, development of an Amrit Sarovar along with a drainage channel, installation of three open gyms, and solar street lighting.

Sinha said the administration is committed to bringing border settlements from the periphery of neglect into the mainstream of development, stressing that such villages form the backbone of the nation and hold a significant place in India’s historical resilience.

He said the government is implementing the Vibrant Villages Programme, aimed at improving livelihood opportunities, infrastructure, and connectivity in border areas. The initiative focuses on ensuring all-weather road connectivity, telecom and television access, and electrification through convergence of existing schemes.

The Lieutenant Governor directed officials to ensure universal access to electricity, mobile connectivity, and livelihood opportunities in border villages, adding that no family should remain below the poverty line in these areas by 2030.

He also reiterated the administration’s commitment to providing land ownership rights to displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and West Pakistan refugees.

Highlighting development initiatives, Sinha said the completion of the Shahpur Kandi Dam would significantly enhance agricultural productivity in the region.

He lauded Regal village for achieving TB-free status and urged continued efforts to ensure safe drinking water and strengthen the fight against drug abuse.

During the visit, the Lieutenant Governor also distributed appointment orders to Special Police Officers and sanction letters to beneficiaries under various government schemes, including HADP and Mission Yuva.

At the Border Out Post (BoP) in Regal, Sinha interacted with security personnel and praised their role in safeguarding the nation’s borders, commending their contribution to Operation Sindoor.

Senior civil, police and army officials, including the Divisional Commissioner Jammu, IGP Jammu, and Deputy Commissioner Samba, were present on the occasion.