Minister assesses flagship schemes, development projects in Udhampur

To assess the progress on various developmental projects and flagship schemes being implemented across different sectors in Udhampur, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science and Technology, Satish Sharma, chaired a high level review meeting.

Among others the meeting was attended by Udhampur DDC chairperson Lal Chand; Chenani MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia; Ramnagar MLA Sunil Bhardwaj; Udhampur East MLA Ranbir Singh Pathania; DDC vice chairperson Juhi Manhas Pathania; Udhampur Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai; SSP Amod Ashok Nagpure along with divisional and district heads of various departments.

The Minister, while reviewing all the sectors, directed the officials to ensure 100 percent coverage of eligible beneficiaries under all government schemes. He emphasised the need for intensifying public awareness initiatives so that people can fully avail the benefits of these schemes. He also directed the concerned officers for mobilisation of resources and manpower for effective implementation of all the welfare and development schemes.

The Minister asked the Chief Education Officer to identify the school dropouts and provide a list at the earliest. He instructed the Health Department to streamline patient referral cases for better healthcare delivery. Chief Agriculture Officer was directed to conduct awareness camps on HADP and other farmer-centric schemes.

Regarding PMAY, the Minister asked the concerned officials to simplify the process of survey and don’t ask for ration card as mandatory document so that maximum people in actual need can get benefit of the scheme.

The Minister directed the PMGSY, PWD and RDD authorities to expedite road construction projects and achieve set targets within the stipulated timelines. He exhorted upon the officers to work in close coordination to ensure effective grievance redress and enhanced public service delivery. He also emphasised on promoting rural sports and developing sports infrastructure at the grassroots level.

The Minister highlighted the importance of organic farming and encouraged its adoption in the district for enhanced yield. During the meeting, the MLAs highlighted several concerns and demands seeking a speedy resolution of the same.

Their issues inter alia included expansion of Chenani bus stand, construction of multi-storey parking at Patnitop, shortage and rationalisation of teaching staff in educational institutions, land transfer for KV School, forest clearance for various projects, operationalisation of JKRTC bus yard in Udhampur, promotion of sports infrastructure and rural sports activities, mitigation of traffic congestion, staff shortage in health institutions, acute shortage of drinking water,etc.

Earlier, DC Udhampur gave a sector-wise detailed presentation on various ongoing projects and schemes, highlighting the progress of major initiatives.