JAMMU, OCT 9 : Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi, on Monday embarked on a significant public outreach visit to Samba district as part of the Union Government’s ongoing efforts to connect with people at the grassroots level besides assessing government initiatives.

During her visit, Lekhi conducted a thorough review of various government departments with a focus on understanding their performance and impact on the local community.

She initiated her visit with a tour of the historic Bamuchak Temple in Ramgarh. She inspected the ongoing restoration works being executed there and underlined the importance of preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage and legacy.

The Union Minister met with the PRI members including DDC members, BDC members, Sarpanchs, Panchs and prominent members of the local community.

The PRIs commended the government for its developmental works and took the opportunity to raise important issues before the Union Minister for resolution.

Continuing her tour, Lekhi paid obeisance at the revered Baba Chamliyal Shrine in Ramgarh. She also visited various border outposts in the Ramgarh area.

On the occasion, she also distributed sanction letters among the beneficiaries of different government schemes.

She flagged off the “Meri Maati Mera Desh Yatra” from the border block of Ramgarh, Samba, paying homage to the martyrs who had made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.

The Union Minister appreciated the progress made in the border regions and commended the efforts undertaken by the district administration to advance development initiatives.

She emphasised that “Yahan Se Bharat shuru hota hai khatam nahi hota,” signifying the significance of border areas.

She stated that Modi’s vision of “Border Samriddhi” would be realised in all its forms.

She emphasized the need to promote calico printing and bamboo usage in the region. She further praised the accelerated pace of development in J&K since 2014.

DDC Chairman, Keshav Dutt Sharma, DDC Vice Chairman, Balwan Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Abhishek Sharma and other senior officers were present during the outreach programme.(UNI)