The Udhampur administration and local bodies must leave no stone unturned in ensuring timely and seamless delivery of public amenities”, said Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh here today.

Chairing a meeting alongside the Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai, senior officials of the district administration and over a dozen representatives of the PRIs, Dr Jitendra Singh issued instructions for immediate resolution of pressing 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. “Councillors 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 must 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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