An outreach camp under the Khidmat-e-Awaam programme was organised in Salapi Panchayat Halqa in Zanskar, bringing multiple government services directly to residents of remote villages.
The camp was conducted as part of the ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore’ campaign, aimed at improving governance and service delivery in rural areas. A Shaam-e-Awaam public interaction session was also held at Ufti Pibiting Panchayat Halqa to hear grievances and suggestions from villagers.
The programme was organised under the directions of the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Kargil and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Zanskar.
Awareness on Government Schemes
The programme began with an introductory address by Nodal Officer Stanzin Khewang, who briefed villagers about the various schemes and services available through different government departments.
He said the initiative aims to bridge administrative gaps in remote areas by bringing government services directly to the people.
Officials from several departments participated in the outreach camp, including:
- Revenue
- Health
- Agriculture
- Education
- Tourism
- ICDS
- Rural Development and Panchayati Raj
- Handicrafts
- Animal Husbandry
- Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs
- Financial institutions
Revenue and Health Services Delivered on the Spot
The Revenue Department, led by the Tehsildar of Zanskar, issued several certificates and documents during the camp, including:
- 9 Central ST certificates
- 6 domicile certificates
- 4 inheritance mutations
- Income, legal heir and jamabandi certificates
Meanwhile, the Health Department conducted medical screenings for non-communicable diseases.
- 43 people were screened for hypertension
- 85 people were tested for diabetes
The team also generated 9 ABHA health IDs and 11 Golden Cards under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
Financial Awareness and Farmer Support
Officials from Jammu and Kashmir Bank and State Bank of India set up awareness stalls to inform villagers about financial schemes such as:
- Atal Pension Yojana
- Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana
- Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana
They also highlighted opportunities under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme for entrepreneurship in sectors such as agriculture, dairy and tourism.
Agriculture and Water Supply Initiatives
The Agriculture Department and Krishi Vigyan Kendra Zanskar educated farmers about the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi and Ladakh’s greenhouse initiatives.
Applications for greenhouse units were collected, and hybrid vegetable seeds were distributed among beneficiaries.
Officials from the Hydraulic Department also addressed concerns related to the Jal Jeevan Mission and river protection works along the Stod River. The team conducted 30 on-the-spot water quality tests during the camp.
Livelihood Support and Women’s Welfare
The ICDS Department conducted awareness sessions for women on the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and child nutrition. Growth monitoring of children was also carried out.
Officials from the Animal Husbandry Department treated four livestock on-site and initiated five Kisan Credit Card applications for livestock owners, while the Sheep Husbandry Department treated ten animals during the camp.
The Handicrafts and Handloom Department interacted with women’s groups and self-help groups, discussing training opportunities in weaving, carpet making, sewing and spinning to strengthen rural livelihoods.
Villagers Raise Key Issues During Shaam-e-Awaam
During the Shaam-e-Awaam interaction session at Ufti Pibiting, villagers raised several concerns, including:
- Irregular distribution of cattle feed
- Stray dog attacks on livestock
- Need for a Livestock Development Centre in Sani village
- Improved irrigation and water supply
Residents also demanded faster completion of the Jungkhor circular road, macadamisation of link roads connecting NH-301 to Sani, and development of the Sangam area at Ufti as a tourism destination.
Villagers further sought compensation for damage to Kisherak Lakhang caused by heavy snowfall and rainfall last summer.
Other proposals included tapping the spring water source at Nakp Idor, improving agricultural marketing for potatoes and peas, and declaring Marthang pastureland as community land.
Positive Response from Local Residents
Officials said the outreach programme received a strong response from villagers despite snowfall in the region, with many beneficiaries participating in the camp.
Local residents welcomed the visiting teams by serving tea and traditional cuisine, reflecting community support for the initiative.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by the Block Development Officer of Zanskar, who encouraged villagers to actively participate in such outreach camps to resolve both individual and community issues.
