The District Development Board Udhampur that met under the Chairmanship of Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Ch. Lal Singh on Saturday approved Rs 180.74 crore Annual Plan for the district.Speaking at the meeting, Ch. Lal Singh stressed on envisaging effective short term plans catering to the area specific developmental needs. He called for creation of tangible assets with optimal use of available resources.The Chairman took a comprehensive review of the implementation of the decisions taken in the last District Development Board meeting. He directed for implementation of all decisions in letter and spirit so that benefits percolate down to the grass root level. The Minister informed the meeting that a mega project for beautification of National highway in Udhampur district is on anvil. “Under the project Plantation and landscaping will be taken up to beautify the National highway” he added.The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Finance, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, CA&PD, Tribal Affairs, Ajay Nanda, Vice Chairman, J&K State Kissan Welfare Advisory Board, Daljeet Singh Chib, Vice Chairman, J&K State Board for Welfare of Gujjar & Bakerwal Ch. Zaffar Ali , Vice Chairman, Board for Development of Pahari Speaking People, Kuldeep Raj Gupta , Vice Chairperson, J&K State Advisory Board for Welfare and Development of Schedule Castes, Bushan Lal Dogra, Member Parliament, Shamsher Singh, Legislators, Pawan Kumar Gupta, Dina Nath Bhagat, R. S. Pathania, Sham Lal , besides Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Deputy Inspector General of Police(DIG) Udhampur – Reasi range, Surinder Gupta, heads of various departments and district officers.
Highlighting the achievements of the government, Ch. Lal Singh said that the development has been fast tracked to meet the aspirations of the people of all regions of the state. “Allotment of funds is equal for all the regions and there is absolutely no discrimination” he asserted. He said ignored and neglected areas are being accorded special focus. He sought cooperation of the local representatives and officers to ensure implementation of the development works on ground. He said with synergy among executing departments the targets could be achieved in time. He asked the officers to ensure proper projection under different schemes for effective utilization of funds.Informing that adequate funds have been made available in every sector, Ch Lal Singh said that the officers associated with the implementation of schemes will be made accountable for the work done.Taking review of the implementation of last year district plan, Ch Lal Singh appreciated the district administration and DC for full utilization of funds. The Chairman also approved Rs 34.66 Lakh for providing compensation to the families affected by recent flashfloods in Chenani area. The District Board also approved Rs 10 Lakh each for SC and Gujjar–Bakerwal Hostels besides Public library for Tehsil Majalta.
Speaking at the meeting, MOS Ajay Nanda asserted that Projects/ schemes should be time bound and stressed on maintaining transparency in execution of works, including take off date and completion period along with other details. He said these details should be made available in public domain. He said that everyone associated with the project would be made accountable while efficient officers would be rewarded.He stressed on giving priority to improvement of basic necessities, like road connectivity, upgradation of Water Supply Schemes, Power Development schemes and projects in health sector. Seeking details of road projects, he lauded the work done under PMGSY for extending connectivity to rural areas.The Minister also proposed opening of Degree College in tehsil Moungri and construction of examination hall at local Government Girls Higher Secondary School.Member Parliament, Shamsher Singh asked the district administration to work in coordination to ensure effective implementation of various state and centrally sponsored schemes. He stressed in close liaison among different executing agencies for better results and benefits to maximum number of people. Stressing on sustainable use of natural resources, the MP said that maximum benefit of these should go to local population.He said the centre is providing liberal funding to the state and it is for the executing departments to utilize these judiciously so as to make them visible on ground.