Jammu, May 6:
In a major push to transform border areas, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the Vibrant Border Village of Regal in Samba district on Wednesday. During his visit, the LG laid the foundation stones for a series of developmental projects and declared that border villages are no longer the “last villages” of India, but rather the nation’s “First Villages.”
Addressing a massive public rally, LG Sinha emphasized the central government’s shift in narrative under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the bravery and resilience of border communities.
“Border villages like Regal are the backbone of India. Our glorious history was forged in the arduous paths of these border villages,” LG Sinha said. “We are committed to safeguarding the dignity of every border village family, ensuring that those who have faced neglect in the past are now accorded the highest priority.”
Infrastructure and Digital Growth: Key Projects Launched
To elevate the living standards of Regal’s residents, the Lieutenant Governor initiated several key community and infrastructure projects:
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Digital Empowerment: Establishment of a Digital Library at the Government Primary School, Regal.
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Community Space: Construction of a Community Hall-cum-Recreation Centre.
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Water & Ecology: Development of the local Amrit Sarovar alongside a dedicated drainage channel.
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Health & Wellness: Installation of three open-air gyms for public fitness.
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Green Energy: Installation of solar-powered street lights across the village.
The Vision: Zero Poverty by 2030
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the strategic execution of the Vibrant Villages Programme, which focuses on integrating border populations through robust connectivity, livelihood generation, and modern infrastructure. He outlined the government’s aim to achieve 100% saturation in four critical areas: all-weather road connectivity, telecom connectivity, television access, and complete electrification.
Sinha issued strict directives to administrative officers to ensure these basic amenities reach every household.
“We must ensure that by 2030, not a single family in the border villages of Samba remains below the poverty line,” he asserted, advocating for a “Whole-of-Government” execution strategy.
Land Rights, Water Security, and Social Milestones
Responding to key issues raised by Ramgarh MLA Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal, the Lieutenant Governor reiterated the administration’s firm commitment to providing land ownership rights to West Pakistani Refugees (WPRs) and displaced persons from PoJK.
He also added that the upcoming completion of the Shahpur Kandi Dam is set to revolutionize agricultural productivity across the border belt.
Lauding Regal for officially achieving TB-free village status, the LG urged residents to maintain strict hygiene standards, focus on clean drinking water, and join the collective fight against the menace of drug abuse.
Honoring Jawans and Empowering Youth
During his visit, LG Sinha handed over official appointment orders to Special Police Officers (SPOs) and distributed financial sanction letters to local youth and beneficiaries under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and Mission Youth.
He also visited the Regal Border Out Post (BoP), where he interacted with security jawans, praising their round-the-clock vigilance and their exemplary role in the successful Operation Sindoor.
Prominent Dignitaries in Attendance:
The high-profile event was attended by senior administrative, military, and police leadership, including:
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Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal (MLA Ramgarh)
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Shaleen Kabra (ACS, Jal Shakti Department)
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Ashwani Kumar (ACS, Power Development Department)
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Anil Kumar Singh (ACS, PWD R&B)
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Bhim Sen Tuti (IGP Jammu)
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Ramesh Kumar (Divisional Commissioner Jammu)
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Ayushi Sudan (Deputy Commissioner Samba)
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Anuj Kumar (SSP Samba)
