Promote Udhampur kalhari, lavender, says minister

While chairing the DISHA (District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee) meeting in Udhampur, Union Minister Jitendra Singh made a case for promoting Udhampur kalhari, a local milk food product through value addition and fusion options.

The minister also noted that after the success of lavender cultivation in Bhaderwah area of Doda district, its cultivation had also been undertaken in the upper reaches of Latti area of Udhampur and required more involvement of the elected representatives to enhance it and turn it 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, Jitendra Singh said the process had 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 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.

The minister called for improving the quality of roads built under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. 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 needed to be taken. He said ensuring connectivity to habitations which were yet to be covered under the scheme should be prioritised.