Rural Renaissance: J&K to embark on 5th Phase of ‘Back to Village’ journey from Nov 7

SRINAGAR, NOV 06: Jammu and Kashmir is gearing up for the launch of the fifth phase of the Back to Village program, a unique initiative aimed at fostering equitable development in rural regions. The forthcoming program, denoted as “B2V5,” is set to commence on November 7, and will continue until November 16, 2023.
To ensure its success, various directions have been issued to multiple government departments.

The Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj will serve as the Nodal Department and the overall coordinator for the B2V5 program. The Planning, Development, and Monitoring Department, in conjunction with the Information Technology Department, will provide valuable support and assistance to the Nodal Department.
Preparations are in full swing, including the deployment of officers for B2V5, the creation of a questionnaire booklet, and guidelines for visiting officers. The training of officers deployed for B2V5 is also a key component of the program, ensuring that they are equipped to engage effectively with the local communities. Additionally, the department is actively preparing the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) for 2024.
The government has allocated specific roles and responsibilities to all relevant departments in preparation for the Back to Village program.
The Back to Village program, a commendable initiative, seeks to engage both the public and government representatives in collaborative efforts to achieve equitable development in the rural areas of the Union Territory. This program, similar to “My Town My Pride,” underscores community engagement in towns, doorstep service delivery, and strengthening local democracy in cities.
Jammu and Kashmir UT Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, has directed the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to prepare for hosting new rounds of these programs, working in conjunction with all relevant authorities.
Reports indicate that the administration is in the final stages of strategizing and outlining key points for these initiatives. Subsequently, the exact dates for both programs will be officially announced.
Throughout these initiatives, government employees will travel to every Panchayat or Urban Local Body within the Union Territory, residing in these areas for a specified duration. During this time, they will engage with local residents to collect feedback on how to enhance service delivery in villages and towns.
The Back to Village program has witnessed four successful phases since its inception in June 2019, with each phase contributing significantly to the development of the region. A dashboard designed by the government enables citizens to access information on the actions completed during the first four phases of the initiative. This transparent approach allows citizens to review progress district-wise with a simple mouse click from any location, promoting accountability and transparency.
As the Union Territory prepares for the fifth phase of the Back to Village program, it underscores the commitment to inclusive development and community participation, further solidifying the region’s path towards progress and prosperity.