Srinagar- The government on Saturday refuted allegations that the residents of Kralpora A in B.K. Pora Block in Budgam district, were excluded from the invitation to participate in the Back to Village program (B2V).
Ifroz Rafiq Rather, the Block Development Officer (BDO) for Budgam told Kashmir Observer that the scheduled program for the village was set for November 11th and 12th, contrary to the misinformation spread that suggested the dates from November 10 and 11.
“I just checked the schedule, the program is set for November 11th and 12th,” Rather added.
Notably, the Fifth Phase of the Back to Village Programme (B2V5)began in the union territory from November 7 and will be completed on November 16.
The programme is the flagship public outreach, participation, and feedback initiative of the J&K Government.
On Friday, individuals from Kralpora A in Budgam district informed Kashmir Observer that they had not received invitations from officials to participate in the program. Several videos, circulating on social media, depicted the absence of villagers in the event.
Rashid Ashraf, a resident of Kralpora told Kashmir Observer that through this program, people get to know about the different developmental works going on in the village and their status as well
“Unfortunately some officials in nexus with the panches and sarpanches didn’t invite people so that they could get their due share from the developmental works,” Ashraf alleged.
He further said the government provides massive funds to the panchayats for the developmental activities and the same should be utilised in the village with honesty.
“However, when you don’t invite people, one can understand that something is wrong,” he added.
The government has to extend invitations to the public by means of village representatives (Sarpanchs and Panchs), who will then facilitate participation in the program through designated officers.
However, BDO Budgam said that the directives come from the government and everyone has to participate.
“We can’t force anyone to participate. It’s an open invitation and everyone has to participate at the village level. This is an electronic era, everyone gets to know about the programs,” Rather said.
Gulzar Ahmad Dobi, Sarpanch of the village said that the people didn’t turn-up in the program due to rainfall.
“The video that went viral on social media was shot in the early morning. Because of the rainfall, people didn’t turn-up,” he added.
Nuzhat Qurashi, Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Budgam, told Kashmir Observer that she isn’t aware of the matter and that she will look into it.
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