Admn directed to address pressing public issues
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, July 14 : Union Minister of State in PMO with independent charge of Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh today took the opposition parties to task for spreading canards that no development took place in the UT of J&K under Modi rule to mislead the people despite the fact that the UT witnessed tremendous development in last 10 years which it could not have imagined over 60 years of Opposition rule at the Centre or in the erstwhile State of J&K.
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Dr Jitendra Singh while addressing a public meeting here today, said “Regardless of political affiliations, everybody should contribute in accomplishing national level developmental projects”. He regretted that canards are being spread by Opposition on the national monumental projects launched by Modi Government with special reference to Devika Rejuvenation Project constructed on the pattern of Ganga Rejuvenation Project.
He said these projects do not belong to any political party but all of us irrespective of our political affiliations. “Those in last over six decades who could not think of developing the river Devika which is a matter of faith for entire Hindu community of J&K in general and people of Udhampur in particular and had converted it into a drainage nallah are now questioning its development,” he added.
Dr Jitendra, however, said in case anybody has any inputs or suggestions about the execution of the project they can put forth them which will be put before the executing agencies and they will be asked to make necessary corrections.
The Union Minister said that the project belongs to all and it benefits all irrespective of their religion, region caste and colour hence we should keep them above politicking. He said as MP he too does not belong to only BJP but to entire constituency and also to those who did not vote for BJP hence there should be no misgivings in this regard.
Dr Jitendra Singh said the developmental projects brought by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi do not belong to a particular leader or party, instead, they are for the benefit of the masses across all sections. After being felicitated for winning the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda Parliamentary constituency for a third time, he said, “Prime Minister Modi has followed a policy of making available what is required where, rising above vote banks”, adding that therefore, everyone should offer their suggestions and give inputs as to how these projects can be further improved and executed. If there is any substance in an input received , the administration will be instructed to make the necessary rectifications”, he said.
Dr Jitendra Singh appealed to the gathering that the developmental projects, including the Devika River Rejuvenation project, belong to every section of society and the benefits will reach everybody’s children.
Talking about the famous “Kaladi’ product of district Udhampur, the Union Minister informed that the milk-made consumable has already been identified for promotion under the ‘One District One Product’ scheme of the Government. Branding of Kaladi is necessary to increase its acceptability and value”, he noted, urging the local Chamber of Commerce to play its part in this endeavour.
In the same vein, Dr Jitendra Singh pitched for harnessing the Lavender, and informed the gathering that its cultivation has already commenced in Dudu-Basantgarh area of the district. “The Aroma Mission which began in Bhaderwah tehsil of district Doda has reached Udhampur”, he said, adding that start-ups born from the Purple and White Revolutions have emerged as the new avenues of self- employment and sources of sustainable livelihoods.
“Udhampur is home to numerous milk products which can be converted into brands in the New Industrial Estate coming up here”, the Minister suggested. He appealed both to the media and society to create awareness about lavender cultivation and milk products of the area. Underlining that the natural resources of Udhampur have not been fully explored, the Union Minister stated that these resources will add value to India’s economy as it rises.
Later chairing a meeting of district administration and local bodies Dr Jitendra Singh urged the officers that they must leave no stone unturned in ensuring timely and seamless delivery of public amenities.”
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai, senior officials of the district administration and over a dozen representatives of the PRIs. Dr Jitendra Singh issued directions for immediate redressal of pressing public issues, such as water scarcity, power outages, dilapidated roads and unauthorised parking. Calling upon the district administration to take all possible measures to address public issues, he reiterated that the Government is committed to the service of the masses, adding that all its steps are focused on ensuring ease of living for all sections of society.
The Union Minister affirmed that with the mantra of Nation First, the governance model of the Modi Government is bed-rocked by the spirit of Jan-Bhagidari and Sankalp se Siddh. The Union Minister also urged the DDCs to play their part in redressing public grievances and demands. “Councilors must take immediate steps to address issues raised in today’s meeting”, he directed.
On the issue of recurring power outages as reported by the public representatives hailing from several areas of the district, Dr Jitendra Singh issued the direction that the concerned officials of the Power Department must undertake visits to make on-the-spot assessment and resolve the issue forthwith. “It must be ensured that less inconvenience is caused to the public in sweltering heat due to power curtailment”, the Minister underscored.
Similarly, the Minister called for repair of dilapidated roads and macadamisation of other roads in rural areas to improve connectivity and prevent accidents. Dr Jitendra Singh directed all the officers to work in close coordination with the stakeholders, including PRIs, for better delivery of services to the citizens. He also directed the officers to remain in touch with the local people, visit regularly the affected areas and organise awareness camps in remote villages so that people gain knowledge about the benefits of schemes on sanitation, housing and education.
During the review meeting, Dr Jitendra Singh made a strong pitch for promoting Lavender cultivation in the district in a big way. He said Start-ups engaged in this new industry have become avenues of employment for the local youth. He reiterated that it is not possible for the Government to provide jobs to all. Therefore, the youth should explore other lucrative avenues of employment to earn a living, the Minister advised.
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