UDHAMPUR (J&K): Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh made out a strong case of promoting the Udhampur “Kalahari”, a local milk food product which was also mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent public rally, through value addition and fusion options.
While chairing the DISHA (District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee) meeting in Udhampur, J&K, on Sunday, the minister noted that after the Bhaderewah success story, lavender cultivation had also been undertaken in the upper reaches of Latti area and required more involvement of the elected representatives to raise it to the next level and turn into an avenue of startUps and livelihood.
In response to certain observations made by the principal of the newly set up Government Medical College here, Dr Singh singh said that process has been initiated to provide extra land for the medical college and he has also directed the Deputy Commissioner to meet the requirement of upgraded ambulance and other needs from his personal MP fund (MPLAD).
Jitendra Singh reviewed the status of implementation of centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) with the district administration and representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). The Union minister was given a detailed presentation on schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) PM-Kisan, MGNREGA, and SAMAGRA Shiksha. During the meeting, he was also apprised about the implementation of schemes related to health, education and employment.
Dr Singh affirmed that the Government of India has embarked on a mission aimed at enhancing the quality of life of citizens through improvements in delivery of essential services and infrastructure. He reiterated that effective delivery of services and facilities aimed at reducing public inconvenience must be ensured by the concerned departments. He said the government is committed to ensuring Ease of Living and improving level of satisfaction of citizens.
The Union minister called for improving the quality of roads built under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). He issued a direction that maintenance of PMGSY roads must be monitored, and in case of any lapses on the part of contractors and other stakeholders, strict action needs to be taken. He said ensuring connectivity to habitations which are yet to be covered under the scheme should be prioritised, and steps be taken to initiate work as soon as possible.
The DISHA meeting was attended by Udhampur DDC chairperson Lal Chand, MLA, Udhampur West, Pawan Kumar Gupta, MLA, Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania, MLA, Chenani, Balwant Singh Mankotia, MLA, Ramnagar, Sunil Bhardwaj, DDC, cice chairperson, Juhi Manhas Pathania, DDC members Amit Sharma, Parikshat Singh, Puran Chand Rakesh Sharma, Pinki Singh.
The administration team was led by Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, Saloni Rai, Senior Superintendent of Police, Amod Ashok Nagpure, DDCs and other district heads of various departments.
