*Inaugurates several projects in both districts
Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA/SAMBA, Jan 7: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today dedicated development works worth Rs 11.58 crore in Kathua district, including inaugurations and foundation stones, aimed at strengthening infrastructure, boosting local entrepreneurship and enhancing livelihood opportunities.
Chairing a district review meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office complex here, Omar inaugurated key projects spanning rural enterprise, agriculture and allied sectors, which are expected to generate employment and add value to local resources.
Among the major inaugurations were the Bamboo Crafts Common Facility Centre at Sallan (Rs 2.87 crore), Kathua Kriti Showroom (Rs 41.51 lakh) for marketing local products, and the Agarbatti Common Facility Centre at Billawar (Rs 3.39 crore) to support micro-entrepreneurs and self-help groups.
Further strengthening the agriculture sector, the Chief Minister inaugurated the upgradation of Poultry and Hatchery Unit, Kathua, under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), with an outlay of Rs 3.88 crore, aimed at improving productivity and farmers’ income.
In the education sector, he laid the foundation stone for eight additional classrooms at Government Higher Secondary School, Kathera, at an estimated cost of Rs 1.768 crore, to ease congestion and improve learning facilities.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javid Ahmed Dar and Satish Sharma, Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, DDC Chairman Mahan Singh, MLAs Dr Bharat Bhushan (Kathua), Satish Sharma (Billawar), Dr Rameshwar Singh (Bani), Darshan Kumar (Basohli) and Vijay Kumar (Hiranagar).
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dheeraj Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, senior officers and heads of departments were also present.
Deputy Commissioner Kathua presented a brief district profile and progress under various schemes, following which the Chief Minister reviewed sector-wise physical and financial performance and directed departments to ensure time-bound execution with emphasis on quality and visible outcomes on the ground.
Reviewing PMGSY and NABARD-funded roads, Omar called for identification of bottlenecks and stressed proper drainage, slope protection and safeguards to make roads durable and all-weather. The Deputy Chief Minister informed that the Juthana Bridge is nearing completion and will be opened to the public shortly.
While reviewing agriculture and allied sectors, Omar directed that the pesticide testing laboratory be made operational within the stipulated timeline and that the DPR of the Regional Cultural Centre of JKAACL be fully equipped, assuring early release of funds after submission of the required proposal.
On the occasion, the Ministers made interventions relating to their respective departments and issued appropriate directions.
On labour welfare, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasised wider outreach under e-Shram, particularly in remote areas, while the Chief Minister directed maximum coverage of eligible beneficiaries and stressed focused water conservation efforts. Issues relating to food grain distribution were also reviewed, with directions for strict quality checks and random inspections.
Emphasising employment generation, the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister directed that job fairs be outcome-oriented and that Mission YUVA be implemented with active involvement of elected representatives to maximise outreach among youth.
Reviewing education and health sectors, Minister Sakina Ittoo stressed rationalisation of teaching staff, filling of vacant gynaecologist posts and ordered that certain transfer orders issued earlier be kept in abeyance pending enquiry.
Elected representatives raised issues relating to staff shortages in health and education, completion of major infrastructure projects, drinking water supply, electrification of uncovered villages, road connectivity, sports infrastructure, monkey menace, flood protection measures, land-related issues of educational and horticulture projects and absorption of local youth in industrial units. They also sought upgradation and renovation of health facilities and administrative infrastructure in different constituencies.
Responding to the concerns, the Chief Minister assured that all genuine demands would be examined and addressed in a phased and time-bound manner.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister held a comprehensive district review meeting to take a first-hand appraisal of the overall development scenario in Samba district.
Addressing district-specific concerns, the Chief Minister urged the administration to expedite the pace of developmental activities and ensure that benefits of growth reach every household. “Officers must ensure time-bound completion of all projects, remove bottlenecks, improve public service delivery and maintain high standards of quality in execution,” the Chief Minister asserted.
Taking note of key issues raised during the meeting, the Chief Minister directed immediate redressal and resolution of matters flagged by the MLAs. He further instructed that all concerns raised be verified on priority and necessary corrective measures taken without delay.
Emphasising a focused approach towards employment generation, the Chief Minister underscored the importance of promoting entrepreneurship, particularly under Mission YUVA, and strengthening Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to make women more economically independent. “Empowering youth and women is central to sustainable and inclusive development,” he said.
With regard to projects under SASCI, the Chief Minister directed the Deputy Commissioner to fast-track their execution and ensure periodic reviews to monitor progress and address impediments in a timely manner.
The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of effectively resolving public grievances raised by DDC member and MLAs, directing the administration to maintain close coordination with public representatives to ensure responsive governance.
During the meeting, several other issues were highlighted, including drinking water supply, sanitation, regularisation of daily wagers, upgradation of schools, establishment of colleges in remote areas, implementation of industrial policy, and shortage of staff in hospitals and educational institutions. The Chief Minister assured that all genuine concerns would be examined and addressed in a timely and systematic manner.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Samba, Ayushi Sudan, presented a detailed district profile, outlining sector-wise targets and achievements across departments such as Jal Shakti (PHE), Public Works (R&B), Power Development, Education, Health, Agriculture and Social Welfare.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also e-inaugurated developmental projects worth Rs 533 lakh, including: Improvement and upgradation of link road from Panchayat Ghar Chak Slarian to Ramloo at Tara Resort (length 5.85 km) under NABARD at a cost of Rs 311.66 lakh; and Construction of link road at Village Chak Nazir (length 2.50 km) under NABARD at a cost of Rs 221.54 lakh.
Moreover, the Chief Minister laid the e-foundation stone for the construction of a 100-metre span footbridge over River Basanter at Banab, to be executed under NABARD at an estimated cost of Rs 198.38 lakh.
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