Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh and Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chander Parkash Ganga, who is also the chairman of District Development Board Kathua today reviewed the progress of implementation of DDB decisions the district at a high level meeting.DDC Kathua Romesh Kumar briefed the meeting about the physical and financial progress achieved under different schemes in the district.The sector-wise physical and financial progress was reviewed under which PHE, PDD, PWD, PMGSY Education and Health which were discussed besides schemes/programmes under MGNREGA, IAY, Health, Education, Swachh Bharat Mission, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Horticulture, Fisheries sectors were discussed in detail.
Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh called for full utilization of the available funds and completion of ongoing projects within stipulated time. He stressed for early completion of water supply schemes especially in hilly and far off areas. He impressed upon the PHE, PDD and PWD departments to make constituency wise comprehensive plan to meet the developmental needs so that benefits of the scheme reach the ultimate beneficiaries.Expressing concern over the complaints of substandard material being used in the construction work, Deputy Chief Minister directed Deputy Commissioner to conduct inquiry so that action against the culprits shall be taken. He also called upon the officers to apply innovative ideas while formulating plans for the benefit and welfare of common man.
Addressing the meeting, Chander Parkash impressed upon the officers to work with missionary zeal to achieve the motive of giving transparent and accountable governance.Expressing concern over drug trafficking/drug abuse in the district, Ganga directed the DC Kathua and SSP Kathua to make provision for Rehabilitation Centres in the district. He also directed health department to provide doctors for the treatment and counseling of drug addicts.
DC Kathua was directed to start a drive regarding ‘Laadli Beti Scheme’ in the district involving all stakeholders and educate them about the benefits of the scheme. He said the scheme will help to improve the sex ratio.While responding to the suggestion of Deputy CM regarding formulating a comprehensive plan for sericulture produce to generate employment and productivity, Chairman said that the scheme of Sericulture shall be taken up under Cluster Development Programme so that scope of employment through sericulture produce can be explored further.
Chander Parkash called for identifying land for check dams in catchment areas so that flood water can be utilized for irrigation purpose. He also exhorted upon the officers to consult the elected MLAs while planning the development projects/ schemes of their respective departments.MLA Kathua Rajiv Jasrotia highlighted the issues relating to funds for lanes and drains, funds for parking spots at identified locations in Kathua town, funds for modern bus terminal and provision for indoor stadium.MLA Kathua also highlighted the issues related to the procurement of food-grains for farmers and early taking up of Shahpur Kandi Irrigation scheme. He also demanded augmentation of existing PDD workshop at Kathua. He also demanded that BRO road from Parmanand to Nagri should be taken up on priority so that connectivity for the vast habitations can be ensured.MLA Hiranagar Kuldeep Raj apprised the meeting about the conditions of border roads and demanded focus on the improvement of road connectivity in tehsil Hiranagar. He also demanded the provision of funds for the repairs of transformers in his constituency and compensation of Crop Damages (Khraba).MLA Bani Jeewan Lal called for early completion of Degree College Building in Bani besides demanding arrangements to address the problem of shortage of staff in GDC Bani. He demanded action from PWD department for early submission of status of building of Government High school Duggain and news posts of school teachers in upgraded high schools of Sadrota and Daula. Demand Staff in three Health Sub-Centres in Lohai Malhar block and commissioning of ‘Apni Mandi’ project under horticulture was also projected by MLA Bani.Chairman, Scheduled Caste Development Advisory Board Bhushan Lal Dogra (Member DDB) called upon the Chairman to adopt the scheme of free tuition by government teachers for poor children in the state on the line of central government.