The Khidmat-e-Awaam initiative, themed “Administration at Your Doorstep,” under the Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore campaign commenced from Garkone village in Kargil district with the first public outreach programme held at the Tourist Dak Bungalow, Garkone, under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR) Kargil, Jahangeer Akhoon.

The programme witnessed a large gathering of villagers along with participation from several departmental officers. Among those present were Tehsildar Kargil, Superintending Engineer PWD, BDO Kargil, the nominated councillor, nambardars of Gurgardoo, Sanachay, Batalik, Darchiks and Garkone, besides officials from various government departments and representatives from J&K Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI and HDFC Bank.

During the programme, officers from different departments highlighted various government schemes and sponsored programmes related to agriculture, horticulture, revenue, rural development, tourism and other sectors, informing villagers about the benefits available and procedures for availing them.

Villagers raised several issues concerning road connectivity, drinking water supply, education and public infrastructure. They highlighted the shortage of a headmaster at Gurgardoo School, the need for a principal at High School Garkone, road connectivity to the school, issues related to the Jal Jeevan Mission and insulation of water reservoirs, among other concerns.

Taking note of the grievances, ACR Kargil Jahangeer Akhoon visited several sites on the spot and directed the concerned departments to take necessary action and submit an action taken report at the earliest.

During the visit, the ACR also inspected the Health Centre at Garkone, checked staff attendance and visited homestays established under the Tourism Department to review their functioning.

Later in the evening, a “Sham-e-Awaam” interaction programme was held at Shagaran, Garkone, where the ACR addressed the villagers and explained mechanisms for addressing public grievances. He stressed the importance of cleanliness and preservation of tourism sites, noting that the region has several natural and historical attractions.

He urged the villagers to maintain the beautification and heritage value of the Aryan Valley and invited suggestions for further development. Responding to demands for beautification of the valley, he said that 20–25 homestays have already been sanctioned by the administration and that more will be approved in the future, which will help generate income for local residents.

Villagers also demanded installation of dustbins at various locations, regular garbage collection, installation of street lights and measures to control stray dog issues. The ACR informed that Garkon Valley has already been included under the Vibrant Village Programme and emphasized the need to explore innovative ideas to further develop the area.

Residents also requested construction of toilets at Shagaran and beautification works at Changrah stage, which the ACR assured would be taken up soon.

He further stressed the need to segregate plastic waste for recycling, stating that once the segregation shed is completed, waste collection will be carried out in a systematic manner.

The BDO Kargil informed that efforts are underway to start the segregation shed this year and sought cooperation from villagers to ensure proper waste management.

At the conclusion of the programme, the ACR received three applications for Ladakh Resident Certificates and issued the certificates to the beneficiaries on the spot.

Villagers appreciated doorstep delivery of public services through the Khidmat-e-Awaam initiative and urged the administration to continue such outreach programmes.