JAMMU: Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, today inaugurated a one-day UT-Level Awareness-cum-Workshop here at Panchayat Bhawan, emphasizing the Sewa Parv campaign as a landmark initiative of the Prime Minister aimed at fostering behavioural change and community-driven rural development.
The workshop, organized by the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) as part of the ongoing Sewa Parv–2025 celebrations, was attended by over 250 youth.
In his address, Aijaz Asad urged officers to convene Gram Sabhas across all Panchayats on October 2 with maximum public participation.
He stressed that the spirit of Sewa Parv must extend beyond the fortnight-long campaign and transform into a lasting pledge for the future.
“The creation of assets alone is not enough; their effective use depends on behavioural transformation in society. I am glad to see a visible positive change already taking shape,” Secretary said.
He underscored the critical role of awareness programmes and workshops in the successful implementation of government schemes.
Highlighting the significant achievements under the IWMP in Jammu and Kashmir, Secretary pointed to remarkable progress in areas such as water conservation, rejuvenation of water resources, and plantation drives. He termed these interventions a source of satisfaction and encouragement.
Aijaz Asad also directed officials to expedite remaining developmental works, particularly in the Kashmir division, where activities are often affected by winter conditions.
Secretary informed that 95% of the targets under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) in J&K have been achieved. He directed all Assistant Commissioner Developments (ACDs) and Block Development Officers (BDOs) to complete the balance work at the earliest to ensure 100% saturation of the scheme.
On the occasion, Aijaz Asad distributed toolkits to IWMP beneficiaries and sanction letters under the PMAY-G to eligible beneficiaries.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Chief Executive Officer, IWMP, J&K, Rajnish Kumar, stated that Sewa Parv is not merely a ceremonial event but a mission to translate service into impactful ground-level action through active community participation.
The event was attended by Secretary in RDD, Rachna Sharma, Director General, Rural Sanitation, J&K, Anoo Malhotra, Director RDD Jammu, Shahnaz Akhter, Director Panchayati Raj Sham Lal, CEO Himayat Rajnish Gupta, Joint Director Planning, Kamal Kumar, senior officers, Project Managers, DLTEs, and a large number of beneficiaries.