The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that, despite the current tension prevailing along the borders, the morale of the people living in border areas is very high and even though the administration is making arrangements for their shifting to safer places, the residents of border villages say that they are ready to face any eventuality as long as it helps teach a lesson to the enemy, in Kathua today. Addressing a public function in the border district of Kathua, Dr Jitendra Singh invoked the spirit of Bapu on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti and said that, non-violence is not a virtue of the meek or week and at the same time, non-violence does not imply succumbing to violence. Paying rich tributes to military and para-military personnel who lost their precious lives during the recent turmoil in Kashmir, Dr Jitendra Singh said, we can never repay for their sacrifice and the nation will remain eternally indebted to its martyred Jawans. Dr Jitendra Singh pointed out that the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti today assumes special significance, because on this day, the entire nation is rededicating itself to “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” marking country-wide cleanliness drive initiated on the call of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
He said that it is the sincerity of purpose, honesty and commitment of Shri Narendra Modi, as a result of which, every section of society in every nook and corner of the country, is today inspired to join the cleanliness drive. Citing personal example, Dr Jitenrda Singh said that when Shri Narendra Modi gave a call for building female toilets in his very first address to nation as Prime Minister from the ramparts of Red Fort on 15th August 2014, he was himself so inspired that he decided to take up a project to build 1200 toilets for villages along the International Border of Kathua district and it is a matter of satisfaction that over 100 such toilets are already complete by now. Earlier, Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated Vigyan Mela and Science Exhibition put up by school children. He went around the stalls put up by students from different streams of science. Congratulating them for their aptitude for experimentation and innovation, he said, he will, in the times to come, not only provide more of scientific equipment for the schools, but would also arrange for students to travel to other parts of the country and visit certain prominent laboratories and Space Centres for further exposure. On the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh donated computers with tables and other equipment for schools run in the region. He also announced that a tourist spot will be developed in the Mandi area out of funds from MPLAD and other sources. In addition, he announced the setting up of solar lights wherever required in the surrounding rural areas. In response to a popular demand he also offered to set up an upgraded Dental Section for medical management from his funds and resources.