Union Minister interacts with BDCs, party men
Avtar Bhat
SRINAGAR, Sept 18: Union Minister in PMO with independent charge of Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that Narendra Modi led Government not only put Jammu and Kashmir on the path of rapid development but also addressed people’s aspirations.
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Addressing a gathering of District Development Council (DDC) and Block Development Council (BDC) members, Sarpanches and Panches at Khonmoh near here today during his two days outreach programme of Kashmir valley, Dr Jitendra Singh said Prime Minister is committed to strengthen the grassroots democracy in J&K while highlighting various steps taken by Modi Government in last seven years in this regard.
Dr Jitendra Singh said for the first time Modi Government tried to change political culture of J&K by addressing the demands of the people without considering or keeping in view the vote bank. He tried to touch every region of J&K without any political consideration because the mantra of his Government is ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas’.
“This has been the main reason for announcing the public outreach programme for the Union Ministers by the Central Government as we wanted the wholesome development and progress of J&K and strengthening the democratic institutions at grassroot level in the UT”, he said while taking a dig at previous Governments saying earlier the Railway Ministers used to take train to their village or Civil Aviation Ministers constructed airports in their area neglecting other parts of the country.
Dr Jitendra Singh said unlike our predecessors Modi Government did not discriminate on the basis of religion, region or language but gave chance to each and every region for progress and development alike.
The Union Minister said that Modi is so obsessed with J&K that during his tour earlier he made it a point to visit all the three regions of erstwhile State. He visited far flung areas of Ladakh in minus temperature, also made it a point to visit Jammu as well as Kashmir valley, he added.
He said as Modi Government is giving top priority to J&K it is the duty of the people of the UT to cooperate with the Government and have full advantage of developmental plans to take J&K ahead.
Terming the strengthening of grassroot democracy in J&K a great achievement of Modi Government, Dr Jitendra Singh said that this Government not only held the elections to three tier of grassroot democratic system but implemented the Constitutional 73rd and 74th amendments in letter and spirit giving more teeth to these institutions.
Lambasting the previous Governments, he said earlier the funds meant for these institutions were used to be kept by the governments with themselves but now the funds directly go to Panchayats who utilise them for the development of their area and welfare of the people.
Dr. Singh highlighted that the developmental plans are being drafted with due consultation of PRI representatives and they are being made an essential part of development structure of Jammu and Kashmir. He added that PMGSY roads and the roads under CRF should be constructed after deliberations with PRI members.
Unfolding the salient features of new industrial policy for J&K, the Union Minister said it will prove a game changer for J&K and development will take place rapidly in the UT. “Narendra Modi wants that J&K should progress like other states of country and become a shining place of India”.
Underlining that the accountability of public institutions has been increased, the Minister said the grievance redressal mechanism has been strengthened to the core which in turn has made the public institutions more accountable, answerable and transparent to the people.
Speaking on the occasion, Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Khan said that with the creation of three-tier PRI system, the present Government has established an interface between public and administration. He added that plan formulation, policy making, execution of works and other powers have been devolved to PRIs and more steps are being taken to empower them.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also conducted an extensive tour of Khonmoh area of district Srinagar.
The Minister was accompanied by Khan; Principal Secretary, Science and Technology, Alok Kumar; Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Assad; Principal GMC, Dr. Samia Rashid and other concerned officers of various departments.
During the tour, Dr. Jitendra Singh visited DRDO Hospital, Khonmoh and inspected the facilities and health care services being provided to the patients there.
The Minister took a detailed round of the hospital and enquired about the patient admissions and status of patients who are being treated currently at the hospital.
Interacting with the doctors and staff of the hospital, the Minister lauded their exemplary services during the critical times of COVID-19 and asked them to utilise the potential of this state of art hospital by providing best health care services to the people.
On the occasion, the Union Minister asked Principal GMC and DC Srinagar to setup a Dialysis Center at the hospital with required number of doctors and technicians for smooth functioning of the centre.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jitendra Singh also visited Centre of Excellence, Zawoora wherein he inaugurated the high density and imported variety fruit stalls exhibition and also interacted with progressive farmers.
Vice Chairperson, KVIB, Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat; DC Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Assad; Director General Horticulture, Aijaz Ahmad Bhat, PRI representatives, progressive farmers and large number of locals were present during the visit.
While addressing the gathering, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that Jammu and Kashmir has vast potential for producing high class varieties of fruit produce and there is a need of showcasing the fruit produce of the region on big platforms so that maximum buyers from outside are attracted towards it. He added that the farmers should explore in this field and they need to employ modern technologies and techniques so as to increase their produce.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director General Horticulture gave a brief about the centre of excellence.
During the event, Dr. Singh also held an interaction with the progressive farmers. He also distributed subsidy cheques and certificates among them.
Later, the Minister also visited grade separator at Panthachowk being constructed under the Bharat Mala Project and inspected the ongoing works.
Highlighting that the Bharat Mala project is the prestigious project of present Government, Dr. Jitendra Singh directed the officers of executing agency to expedite the process of works and complete the project within the given time frame.
Earlier during the day, Dr. Singh inaugurated a Medical Camp organized jointly by NMO, NHM J&K and Seva Bharati NGO.
Later, he also addressed the party men at BJP Headquarters Jawahar Nagar here and discussed the future party plans with them. BJP national secretary Narender Singh also addressed the meeting and both leaders took stock of party activities in Kashmir.
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