181 Grievances Redressed at ‘Government at Doorstep’ Programme at Nihri in Mandi.
Shimla:
A total of 181 public grievances and issues were addressed during the ‘Government at Doorstep’ programme held in the remote Gram Panchayat Nihri of Sundernagar Assembly constituency in Mandi district on Friday. The programme was chaired by Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh, who reiterated the state government’s commitment to resolving people’s concerns at their doorstep.
The camp witnessed participation from residents of nine panchayats—Nihri, Ghadoi, Bajauhan, Rohanda, Segal, Dumt Baihli, Jarl, Bandli and Marhda Badehan. Around 108 complaints and demands were received from these areas. Of these, 98 cases had already been resolved at the administrative level prior to the event, while 83 grievances presented on the spot were addressed immediately. Remaining demands were forwarded to the concerned departments for necessary action.
Addressing the gathering, Vikramaditya Singh said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state government has placed top priority on ensuring timely redressal of public issues. He highlighted that initiatives such as ‘Government at Doorstep’ camps and revenue Lok Adalats are aimed at making governance more accessible, transparent, and responsive.
He noted that most of the issues raised during the programme were related to departments such as Public Works, Revenue, Forest, Electricity Board, Health, and Education. Directions were issued on the spot to the concerned officials to ensure prompt action. The minister also appreciated the peaceful and cooperative conduct of the local residents and assured that each issue raised would be monitored closely at his level.
Emphasising infrastructure development, Singh said that connecting remote areas with road networks remains a key priority. He announced that construction of the main road to Nihri via Pandar under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-III) would commence within this month. He instructed officials to complete the work within the stipulated timeframe while maintaining quality standards. He also encouraged residents to voluntarily donate land for development projects, adding that roads could be named after such contributors, a proposal he would take up with the Chief Minister.
On the demand raised by former CPS Sohan Lal, the minister assured that a levy amount of Rs. 1.25 crore for afforestation, required by the Forest Department for the construction of the Neri–Badhu road, would be deposited soon by the Public Works Department. He further informed that to resolve power load issues in the region, 16 new distribution transformers (DTRs) are being installed and 22 transformers are being upgraded.
Highlighting broader infrastructure plans, Singh said that under the first batch of PMGSY-IV, around 1,500 km of roads have been approved in the state at a cost of approximately Rs. 2,300 crore. Additionally, after discussions with central authorities in New Delhi, an extension of two years has been granted for ongoing PMGSY-III works, enabling completion of projects worth nearly Rs. 3,000 crore within stipulated timelines.
The minister also assured to take up several local demands with the Chief Minister, including filling vacant posts at Nihri College, providing funds for the remaining construction of the Community Health Centre building, and establishing a Tehsil Welfare Officer office at Nihri. He directed officials to ensure periodic visits of welfare officers to the area and prioritise completion of buildings nearing 70–80 per cent completion.
Earlier, the minister inspected departmental stalls and exhibitions set up at the venue and also paid obeisance at the revered Mahunag Temple, praying for the prosperity of the people of the state.
During the programme, a health camp examined 216 individuals, while 48 cases related to disability were also assessed. The SDM office issued RCs and learner’s licences on the spot.
Among those present on the occasion were former CPS Sohan Lal, former candidate Naresh Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Gursimar Singh, along with senior officials from various departments and local representatives.
