Reiterating Government's commitment to strengthen basic infrastructure, Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh today said that an array of projects have been initiated to change people’s lives and accelerate economic growth in the state. “Development activities have been fast tracked, several projects including Roads, Schools and Hospitals taken up across the state to provide better amenities and services to people in every corner of the state” Dy CM said while addressing people at a Public Grievance Camp held here at Billawar.Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Ramesh Kumar and other senior officers accompanied the Deputy Chief Minister .Elaborating further, Dr Nirmal Singh said that PDP-BJP coalition is working on an agenda to take the state ahead on the path of development. He said focus is on completion of existing and start of new mega development projects and tap opportunities in tourism, production and other potential sectors.
Dr Nirmal Singh said that development projects to the tune of Rs 250 Cr have been taken up in Billawar constituency comprising roads, bridges, water supply schemes besides other civic amenities. He said government is keen to speed up the pace of development in hilly areas like Billawar. He said Billawar which is naturally bestowed with shrines and beautiful landscapes will be developed on modern lines to attract tourists. He informed that the up gradation work of Billawar bus stand will be taken up very shortly.Listing different schemes launched by centre and state government, Dr Nirmal Singh said thousands of BPL families are being provided LPG connection in each constituency under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Scheme (PMUS). He directed SDM and Tehsildar Billawar to conduct proper verification of BPL lists so that benefits reach to deserving families. He also asked people to avail benefits under National Programme for LED- based Home and Street Lighting. “Under this scheme each family will be provided 5 LED bulbs at a cost of Rs 20 each” he said and added under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) electrified model village will be set up in each assembly constituency, while 100 % electrification will be ensured in the rural areas.
Earlier deputations from different areas of Billawar apprised the Deputy Chief Minister with their problems.The representatives of Marhoon Panchayat demanded up gradation of Marhoon-Katli-Baggan road and connectivity to Sukrala-Machhedi-Moharian was also projected. Demand of an Irrigation Borewell and Police Post for Marhoon was also put forth by the inhabitants. Other demands projected included opening of veterinary dispensary, repair of Pancahayt Ghars, release of pending MGNREGA payment .Giving a patient hearing to the projected demands Dr Singh assured that all the genuine issues will be redressed on priority . Later, Deputy Commissioner Kathua Ramesh Kumar gave a detailed resume on development projects and activities taken up in the district.The DDC assured to redress the problems highlighted by the people on priority. He also briefed that efforts are afoot to electrify 167 hamlets under DDUGVY scheme in the district. He said due diligence will be observed while identifying the beneficiaries under UJJWALA, state marriage assistance and other welfare schemes. He said administration has taken zero tolerance stance against encroachments.
ACD Kathua Dr Sunil Sharma said that over 7.5 Lakh Mandays were generated in the year 2015-16 and the administration has set a target of generating 10 lac man days this year. He informed that as many as 800 works have been taken up in Billawar under MGNREGA and a total of 50 Ponds will be renovated and recharged this year.Chief Education Officer Kathua informed that Government Higher Secondary School Billawar is being equipped with IT facilities for which four rooms have been sanctioned. He added that a Hostel is being constructed at Girls Middle School Billawar at an estimated cost of Rs 1.5 cr, while RS 92 Lakh has been sanctioned for construction of building for High School Makwal. He Said 100 Compound walls of schools have been completed at an estimated cost of Rs 80 lakhs. Executive Engineer PDD apprised that several existing transformers have been replaced with new transformers to augment the power supply. He said the projects costing Rs 1.77 Cr for Mata Bala Sundri and Rs 1.85 cr for Mata Sukrala Devi were sanctioned for ensuring uninterrupted power supply to these shrines.Executive Engineer PMGSY informed that blacktopping of Galak- Rajwalta, Garh-Bathri and Lakhri to Drab roads will be taken up soon . He added that 7 DPRs under PMGSY have been submitted for sanction to augment road connectivity in the area .