‘VARTALAP’ explores govt initiatives for better governance, welfare in Pulwama

PULWAMA — The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Srinagar organized a thought-provoking media workshop today at Town Hall in Pulwama. The workshop, titled ‘VARTALAP,’ centered around the theme “9 Years of Seva, Sushasan & Garib Kalyan” and aimed to shed light on the government’s initiatives and their impact on governance improvement and the welfare of the underprivileged.

Mr Tariq Ahmad Rather (IIS), Deputy Director (Media & Communication), PIB Srinagar, expertly moderated the program, ensuring a productive and engaging discussion. The workshop witnessed the participation of local journalists and esteemed government officials who shared their insights and experiences.

Mr Qazi Mohd Salman Ibrahim (IIS), Joint Director (Media & Communication), PIB Srinagar, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the crucial role played by local media and journalists. He elaborated on the government’s efforts over the past nine years to enhance governance and uplift the socio-economic conditions of the underprivileged sections of society.

A presentation was made by Mr Majid Pandit (IIS), Media & Communication Officer, PIB Srinagar, highlighting the various media units of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Through the use of a PowerPoint presentation, he demonstrated how these units effectively disseminate information and promote public outreach.

The chief guest Dr Peerzada Farhat Ahmad (JKAS), Assistant Commissioner Development, Pulwama, captivated the audience with an extensive speech focusing on the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and its positive implications for Jammu and Kashmir, particularly Pulwama. He shed light on the program’s impact in providing employment opportunities and improving the lives of the rural population.

Dr Peerzada Farhat encouraged the media to provide feedback to the administration so that it helps in better governance. He said that media has a lot of power and that media persons should use that power wisely and judiciously and make sure that the power is not misused. He asserted that the relationship between the government and the media should be an honest one as it is ultimately the public that gets to benefit from it.

Mohammad Munaf, Chief Agriculture Officer, Pulwama, discussed the significance of the PM Kisan Scheme. He highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir boasts a significant agricultural sector, with approximately 13 lakh farmers contributing to the state’s Gross Domestic Product. Dr Khan emphasized that the Agriculture Department is committed to creating avenues for both land-owning and landless individuals through various schemes.

Mohammad Nadeem Bhat, District Programme Manager, National Rural Livelihood Mission, spoke about the implementation of various schemes under the programme in Pulwama district.

Mr Rameez Raja, District Social Welfare Officer, Pulwama, shared valuable insights into the success of various women-centric schemes, particularly Self-Help Groups. He emphasized the government’s efforts in empowering women and promoting their socio-economic development.

A representative from the Chief Medical Officer, Pulwama, Dr Masooda (District Immunisation Officer) discussed the Jan Aushadhi Kendra and the provision of free healthcare services through the Golden Card facility (PMJAY-SEHAT) in empanelled hospitals. The spokesperson stressed the importance of accessible healthcare for all segments of society.

Owais Mushtaq (JKAS), Assistant Commissioner Panchayats, Pulwama as well as Executive Officer (Incharge), Municipal Committee Pulwama, addressed the Swachh Bharat Mission and its 2.0 version. He highlighted the progress made in door-to-door waste collection, extending its reach to the Panchayat level. Furthermore, he highlighted the challenges posed by plastic waste and the endeavours to tackle it, such as the discontinuation of single-use plastics and the construction of community-level soakage pits.

Following the presentations, a lively question and answer session took place, allowing the journalists present to share their views and suggestions for improving communication channels between PIB Srinagar, J&K Department of Information & Public Relations and the journalist fraternity.

In the concluding remarks, Naushad Ahmad, District Information Officer (Incharge), Pulwama, expressed his satisfaction with Pulwama’s progress in various sectors and emphasized the importance of effective communication between the media and the Information Department. He lauded the media personnel in Pulwama for their extensive coverage of government initiatives and success stories, effectively bringing them to the public’s attention.

Mr Majid Pandit presented the Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to all the participants for their valuable contributions to the workshop’s success.