National Panchayati Raj Day under Gram Uday Se Bharat Uday was celebrated here at Government Degree College Kathua today.Union MOS in PMO, Dr Jitendra Singh, was the chief guest on the occasion.Dr Jitendra Singh, while speaking on the occasion, said that the aim of devising out an awareness drive under "Gram Udey Se Bharat Udey" was to educate rural population about various development and welfare schemes launched by Government of India. An informed society can be tool for speedy development, added Dr Jitendra Singh. He said Panchayati Raj Institutions are vital for ensuring rural development and all stakeholders should work for capacity development and empowerment of rural masses.
He also said that several development projects like Keeriyan Gandyal Bridge, Biotechnology Park and Shahpur kandi irrigation canal have been initiated in Kathua district for the benefit of the people especially living in kandi and hilly areas of the district.Dr Jitendra Singh said that about 1120 toilets with scientific design were constructed in Border areas of Hiranagar at the cost of over Rs 4 Crore which will also provide Natural Manure and Bio Gas besides sanitation facility.Earlier, Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated a photo exhibition organised by District Administration in collaboration with Rural Development highlighting various developmental projects and schemes of state and central government.MLA Kathua Rajiv Jasrotia while speaking on the occasion stressed on the need to have active participation of stakeholders in the development drive especially in rural areas.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Kathua Ramesh Kumar gave a brief account of the progress achieved under several Centrally Sponsored Schemes such as MGNREGA,Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, PMGSY, Deen Dayal Upadhaya Jewan Jyoti Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna, Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojna etc. He also informed that a drive was launched for three -phased "Gram Udey Se Bharat Udey Abhiyan" from 14th April to 24th April 2016 in the district for mass awareness about the Centrally Sponsored Schemes.Among others ASP Kathua Khalil Poswal, ACD Kathua Dr Sunil Sharma and ACR UT Rahul Yadav besides large number of people were also present on the occasion.