Satish Sharma visits Handwara, holds public interaction programme Assures time-bound redress of public grievances, calls for collective fight against drug abuse

HANDWARA, JUNE 19: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, today conducted an extensive visit to Handwara, where he chaired a public interaction programme aimed at strengthening the grassroots governance and ensuring direct engagement with the people.
Rajya Sabha Member Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan accompanied the Minister during the visit.
The interaction witnessed enthusiastic participation from the residents, public representatives, youth, members of civil society, trade bodies and local stakeholders, who apprised the Minister of various developmental needs and public service-related issues concerning the area.
During the programme, several deputations and individuals highlighted a range of demands, including installation of solar lighting at the Higher Secondary School (HSS) Handwara playground, augmentation of public transport services through introduction of additional bus routes, improvement of road connectivity, strengthening of civic infrastructure, better sports facilities for youth and enhancement of other essential public amenities.
Responding to the issues raised by every deputation, Satish Sharma reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment towards transparent, accountable and people-centric governance. He said that direct interaction with the citizens enables the administration to better understand public aspirations and ensures timely resolution of issues affecting day-to-day life.
The Minister assured the gathering that all genuine demands projected during the interaction programme would be taken up with the concerned departments and addressed on priority. He directed the officers present to maintain close coordination with local representatives and ensure prompt follow-up on issues requiring immediate attention.
Addressing the gathering, Satish Sharma expressed deep concern over the increasing menace of drug abuse (Nasha), describing it as one of the most serious social challenges confronting society today. He observed that substance abuse poses a grave threat to the future of the younger generation and adversely impacts families, communities and overall social harmony.
The Minister called upon the parents, teachers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and youth to join hands in building a drug-free society. He stressed that the fight against drug abuse cannot be won by the government alone and requires sustained public participation, awareness and community vigilance.
Highlighting the transformative role of sports, education and skill development in shaping the future of young people, the Minister urged the youth to channelise their energy towards constructive activities that contribute to their personal growth and nation-building.
Satish Sharma reiterated that every region of Jammu and Kashmir deserves equitable development and assured the people that their aspirations would continue to receive focused attention.
Later, the Minister visited Drugmulla, where he chaired a public darbar and interacted with the people from the area.
The residents projected various issues relating to infrastructure development, public utilities, road connectivity, transport services and other local concerns.
The Minister assured the people that all genuine issues would be resolved in a transparent and time-bound manner through close coordination with the concerned departments.
He also urged the officers to remain accessible to the public, adopt a proactive approach in addressing grievances and ensure that government schemes and welfare programmes reach every deserving beneficiary without delay.
Senior officers from the civil administration and line departments besides public representatives and local leaders were present during both programmes.