While chairing the DISHA (District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee) meeting here today, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS, PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh made out a strong case of promoting the Udhampur "Kalahari", a local Milk Food product which was also mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent public rally here, through value addition and fusion options.

The Minister also noted that after the Bhaderewah success story, Lavender cultivation had also been undertaken in the upper reaches of Latti area and required more involvement of the elected representatives to raise it to the next level and turn 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, Dr. Jitendra Singh singh said that process has 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).

At the meeting, Dr Jitendra Singh reviewed the status of implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) with the district administration and representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). The Union 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.

In his address, Dr Jitendra Singh affirmed that the Government of India has embarked on a mission aimed at enhancing the quality of life of citizens through improvements in delivery of essential services and infrastructure. He reiterated that effective delivery of services and facilities aimed at reducing public inconvenience must be ensured by the concerned departments. He said the government is committed to ensuring Ease of Living and improving level of satisfaction of citizens.

The Union Minister called for improving the quality of roads built under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). 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 needs to be taken. He said ensuring connectivity to habitations which are yet to be covered under the scheme should be prioritised, and steps be taken to initiate work as soon as possible.

On shortage of ambulances in hospitals, Dr Jitendra Singh suggested that these emergency and life-saving vehicles can be procured, utilising funds provided under MPLAD scheme. He directed the district administration to formulate a proposal in this regard for consideration.

Dr Jitendra Singh also called for hiring trained technicians to operate diagnostic machines which require specialised expertise. Dr Singh said patients are suffering, with such machines lying idle.

Taking a serious note of the dearth of teachers in government schools of rural areas in the district, the Union Minister recommended adopting the policy of rationalisation, adding that students cannot suffer in the current scenario. Describing the students as architects of a Vikisit Bharat, he said their time, energy and talent must be tapped.

Dr Jitendra Singh also called for launching a campaign to confront the issue of illegal mining in the district. He said the practice poses a serious threat to both ecology of the region and public health.

The Union Minister suggested that a dedicated portal should be created through which public representatives can bring public issues to the notice of the concerned, and seek their solution in a time-bound manner.

Dr Jitendra Singh also appealed to the district administration and the members of PRIs to organise awareness camps to encourage cultivation of lavender, value addition of kaladi product, and availing benefits under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Dr Jitendra Singh also urged the local MLAs and representatives of PRIs to highlight the salient features of PM Vishwakarma and PM SVANidhi, saying that awareness camps should be organised in rural areas to create awareness about the two schemes.

The DISHA meeting was attended by DDC, Chairperson, Udhampur, Lal Chand; Member, Legislative Assembly, Udhampur West, Pawan Kumar Gupta; Member, Legislative Assembly Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania; Member, Legislative Assembly, Chenani, Balwant Singh Mankotia; Member, Legislative Assembly, Ramnagar, Sunil Bhardwaj; DDC, Vice Chairperson, Juhi Manhas Pathania; DDC members Amit Sharma, Parikshat Singh, Puran Chand Rakesh Sharma, Pinki Singh.

The administration team was led by Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, Saloni Rai; Senior Superintendent of Police, Amod Ashok Nagpure; DDCs and other District heads of various departments.

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