Srinagar, June 12: Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, today chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the development plans for Nangali Sahib and Shahpur villages in Poonch district under the Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II).

The meeting reviewed key components including DPR preparation, baseline surveys, gap analysis and convergence planning aimed at transforming these strategically located border villages into resilient and self-reliant communities.
Emphasising a convergence-driven and evidence-based approach, the Secretary directed departments to carry out a comprehensive assessment of infrastructure gaps as well as deficiencies in livelihoods, education, healthcare, financial inclusion and public service delivery before finalising the DPRs. He also stressed the integration of digital infrastructure and technology-enabled solutions, along with regular field-level monitoring by district officers.
Highlighting livelihood generation as a priority, Asad directed the preparation of a detailed database of village youth covering their educational qualifications, skills and employment status to enable targeted skilling and job-oriented interventions. He called for convergence with key schemes including NRLM, Mission YUVA, Himayat, Tribal Affairs, Agriculture and Horticulture sectors to expand income opportunities, particularly for women and youth.
The Secretary also stressed strengthening Self-Help Groups, dairy and livestock-based activities, plantation drives under MGNREGA and value-addition initiatives to promote sustainable rural incomes.
Expressing concern over limited banking access in Nangali Sahib, he directed officials to explore establishment of banking facilities nearby and strengthen financial inclusion through Bank Correspondents and Bank Sakhis. He also urged saturation of eligible beneficiaries under PMJJBY and PMSBY schemes.
Asad reiterated that VVP-II is not limited to asset creation but aims at improving livelihoods, service delivery and overall quality of life in border areas through coordinated and sustainable interventions. He directed departments to expedite finalisation of DPRs for timely implementation.
During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma, presented a district-wide gap analysis of 133 border villages. He informed that 121 villages are already connected under PMGSY, while proposals have been submitted for road connectivity in the remaining 12 villages. He also said telecom connectivity has achieved full saturation across all border areas.
The meeting also reviewed village-specific proposals. Nangali Sahib, located near the International Border and known for the historic Gurudwara Nangali Sahib, has a proposed development package of ₹4.35 crore covering education, sports infrastructure, solar lighting, water supply systems, e-library, recreation facilities and horticulture interventions.
Shahpur village, located close to the Line of Control, has a proposed plan of ₹5.56 crore focusing on community bunkers, school infrastructure, smart classrooms, multipurpose halls, sports facilities, solar lighting, drinking water systems and plantation activities.
Officials said the interventions aim to strengthen livelihood opportunities, improve infrastructure and enhance socio-economic resilience in strategically important border villages.