‘Public Darbar’ held at GHSS Forelain, Kathua by Dr. Piyush Singla
Kathua: In a significant move towards addressing educational concerns in the region, the State Administrative Department organized a public forum – “Public Darbar” today. Esteemed guests included Mr. Piyush Singla from the Administrative Secretariat of Education, Mr. Vikas Minhas, the Deputy Commissioner of Kathua, Mr. Ashok Kumar, Director of School Education in Jammu, Mr. Mahan Singh, DDC Kathua, and Mr. Kishore Kumar, CEO Kathua, among others.
During this event, the officials attentively listened to the grievances reported by attendees regarding the education standards in Government schools in the area. The esteemed panel included Mr. Singh, DEPO Kathua, Mr. Omprakash, Principal HSS Budhi, Mr. Mangat Ram Sharma, Principal HSS Forelain, Mr. Brijeshwar Singh, BDC Barnoti, various Sarpanches, panches and a large number of villagers.
Under the supervision of Principal HSS Forelain and ZEO Barnoti, Sr. Gurnam Singh, a Master present at the event, showcased an educational stall. Mr. Randhir Singh and Sr. Manbir Singh also marked their presence at the event.
The visiting officer, Dr. Piyush Singla, Adm. Sectt. Education, addressed the issues raised and reassured attendees of immediate and effective measures to resolve the concerns raised about the education standards. He emphasized the commitment of the Administrative Department towards the constant improvement of education standards and the importance of such public forums in facilitating better communication between the government and the public.
The participants presented their development issues seeking intervention of the Secretary in timely redressal of the same. Among the prevalent grievances were deteriorating roads, irregular power supply, inadequate healthcare facilities, improvement in public health institutions, upgradation of school infrastructure, shortage of staff, establishment of Kendriya Vidyalaya and Degree College for the area, filling up of vacant posts in schools and colleges.
DDC Chairman appreciated the public darbars as a great initiative towards redressing public issues at their doorsteps exemplifying good governance aimed at minimising the difficulties of common masses. He also put forth the demand of taking up more roads of hilly and isolated areas of Kathua besides augmenting drinking water availability through handpumps.
Dr. Singla assured the attendees that all their issues would be addressed on merit basis, with immediate instructions issued to the officials for timely resolution.
Regarding the issue of shortage of school staff, Dr Singla assured that an extensive rationalisation drive for school teachers will be held in coming months so as to meet the teacher availability in schools.
Referring to the initiatives of School Education Department, Dr Piyush Singla said measures such as model schools and smart classrooms are being taken up to upgrade the school infrastructure in line with modern teaching-learning practices. He said the department is also holding DPCs to give timely promotions to the eligible.
Highlighting the significance of public darbar initiative, Dr. Singla stressed its role in expeditiously addressing the citizen grievances. He directed the Heads of Departments to effectively promote government initiatives and schemes to ensure maximum public benefit.
The event, which saw a large turnout from the community, was concluded with snacks and lunch arranged by the ZEO Office Barnoti. The State Administrative Department appreciates the community’s active participation and looks forward to more such interactions in the future.
The Public Darbar serves as an example of the proactive approach of the State Administrative Department to address public concerns and create a forum for open dialogue. This event has set the precedent for future gatherings aimed at ensuring the continual improvement of the region’s educational standards. The department extends its gratitude to all the attendees for their insightful contributions and promises to take every necessary action to address the issues raised.
