Poonch: Narendra Modi, the prime minister, recalled his affection and strong relationship with the Gurjars (Gujjars) of Rajouri-Poonch on Saturday, noting that they “always reminded him of the inhabitants of Kutch, due to their similar attire and culture.”
He was speaking with Dr. Sajad Ahmed, a veterinary assistant surgeon from Mankote, Poonch, as he launched a week-long project named “Sankalp Saptaah” for Aspirational Blocks throughout the nation in New Delhi.
Around 250 panchayat and block-level people’s leaders and bureaucrats from the Block Mankote participated in the inaugural event and were virtually linked to Bharat Mandapam from the DC Office Complex Poonch.
A special exhibition was opened by the prime minister, who also unveiled the Aspirational Blocks Programme Portal (modelled after the Champions of Change Portal).
Dr. Sajad Ahmed discussed with the Prime Minister the issues that arise when nomadic tribal people migrate as well as strategies for minimising issues and harm. The Prime Minister questioned him over the “difference between theory and practice,” the “difference between classroom knowledge and experience on the ground,” and what efforts were made to close this gap. He learned about the hardy regional breeds that were overlooked in the classroom from Dr. Sajad.
The Prime Minister also asked about the free Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine programme and how other illnesses, including lumpy skin disorders, were treated in isolated communities like Mankote and other places. He was informed of the extensive vaccination campaign and local immunisation rates.
The Prime Minister described his friendship with the local Gujjars during his conversation with Dr. Sajad, noting that because of their similar clothes and culture, they always made him think of the people of Kutch.
He was also informed that government initiatives, including the production of feed and fodder, were being implemented to maintain facilities during snowfall and bad weather. The Prime Minister was informed that the nomadic population also receives temporary housing and transportation services for convenient and secure travel. There will be observance of Sankalp Saptaah in all 500 aspirational blocks. From October 3 through October 9, 2023, each day of “Sankalp Saptaah” is devoted to a distinct development subject on which all aspirational blocks will focus.
“Sampoorna Swasthya,” “Suposhit Pariwaar,” “Swachhta,” “Krishi,” “Shiksha,” and “Samridhi Diwas” are among the themes during the first six days. On Sunday, October 9, 2023, a celebration of the labour done over the whole week will be held under the name “Sankalp Saptaah-Samavesh Samaroh.”
At the time, Yasin M. Choudhary, the deputy commissioner for Poonch, thanked the prime minister and informed the media that Mankote would soon become a “model block” thanks to the efforts of the whole administrative apparatus. Senior members of NITI Aayog, ADDC Poonch, and ACR Poonch were also present.
