RAMBAN : The First leg of ‘Back to Village’ Phase IV (B2V4) culminated today in 68 panchayats of Banihal, Khari, Ukhral and Ramsoo blocks of district Ramban.

The 1st leg of B2V4 witnessed a massive participation of PRIs, locals, especially youth and women in Gram Sabhas, public interactions, sports and cultural activities, Plantation drives, inaugurations of developmental works, inspections, sanitations drives, awareness programmes and saturation of government schemes besides other related activities.

District Administration Ramban under the aegis of Deputy Commissioner, Mussarat Islam, is closely monitoring the activities to make the event a grand success.

Meanwhile, the PRIs and general people appreciated the government’s Back to Village initiative aimed at executing planning and developmental activities in a transparent manner to fulfil expectations of masses, besides ensuring public participation in the planning and developmental process at grassroots level.

The Visiting Officers noted public demands and special attention was laid to address the grievances of villagers, especially that of women as well as youth.

The Government-Public interface programme was focused on Nasha Mukt, Bhrashtachar Mukt, Bhay Mukt and Rozgaar Yukt Panchayats and youth as well as development oriented programmes.

The frontline officers and officials of different departments also participated in B2V4 and worked in coordination with Visiting Officers, PRIs and the general public, besides highlighting the programmes and achievements of their respective departments.

During the Panchayat meeting, PRIs highlighted their demands and issues pertaining to availability of basic facilities in panchayats and demanded liberal funding under “Back to Village,” besides other schemes to ensure desired development of remote areas.