<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">The Union Territory Administration in Jammu and Kashmir organises 'Block Diwas' also known as 'Youm-e-Block' once a week. It is part of the ambitious 'Jan Abhiyan' programme during which District Development Commissioners and other officers assess the progress of developmental works being executed and listen to public issues, grievances and demands. 'Block Diwas' provides them an opportunity to interact directly with people, obtain feedback from them and do on-the-spot Grievance Redressal.</span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />''</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">AIR News spoke to some of the participants of 'Block Diwas' to hear their views on this unique initiative which is aimed at strengthening grass-roots democracy. Waseem Jan is a resident of Chichripora village of South Kashmir's Anantnag district. He is a regular participant of 'Block Diwas' programme. He described it as a government-at-the-doorstep initiative.</span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />''</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">Nasir Ahmad Lone of Kanipora village in Kulgam district says, people no longer have to form queues and wait for hours in government offices to seek redressal of their issues. Now, quick action is taken by officers for resolution of public issues at the 'Block Diwas' programme.</span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">                             </span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">Mohd Hussain Wana, who hails from Kretchpathri Heerpora in hill district Shopian, said, the District Magistrate-led team of officers of several departments visits villages to reach out to people and address their issues, especially pertaining to basic amenities, in a speedy manner.  </span></p>