Rana applauds Mankote’s developmental transformation

Poonch, Aug 01: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today lauded the district administration Poonch and the local community including PRIs for their collective efforts in driving remarkable development in Block Mankote, which has earned national recognition under NITI Aayog’s flagship Aspirational Block Programme (ABP).According to a statement issued here, Rana celebrated the transformational achievements of Mankote Block, which, he said, has emerged as a leading example of successful grassroots governance and community-driven development.The Minister underscored that Mankote’s rise, from a remote, underserved block to one of the top-performing blocks in the country, epitomizes the power of focused implementation, responsive administration and local participation.“Mankote’s journey is not only a story of impressive rankings, it is a story of determination, of resilience and of belief. It reflects the commitment of our frontline workers, the synergy between the departments and the faith of the people that development must be inclusive, equitable and far-reaching,” the Minister said.He highlighted that the transformation was significantly accelerated during the 90 days focused saturation campaign that aimed to achieve key development milestones across priority sectors such as health, nutrition, education, agriculture and financial inclusion.The campaign was marked by high-level interdepartmental coordination and robust community engagement, resulting in measurable improvements on the ground.The Minister cautioned against complacency, emphasizing that the recognition should serve as a springboard for deeper and more sustained development.“This is not the end, it’s the beginning of a renewed mission. Let this achievement inspire us to push further, reach higher and ensure that every household, especially in border and far-flung areas, feels the impact of governance. We must carry forward this momentum with greater integrity, inclusiveness and innovation,” he said.Rana called for strengthening the institutional support for Self-Help Groups (SHGs), fostering convergence among line departments and investing in long-term sustainable livelihood models.