Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Renuka Singh, today conducted a massive public outreach programmes at Mansar in District Udhampur.Director Tribal Affairs (J&K), Mohd Saleem, Additional District Development Commissioner, Ashok Kumar, BDC Chairpersons, Sarpanchs, Panchs and other officers of various departments were present in the programme.On the occasion, Union Minister laid foundation stones for 50 meter Span Motorable Bridge at Khoon being constructed under NABARD and Water Supply Scheme Thial besides inaugurating Sports ground Thial and various other works executed under 14th FC, PMAY, MGNREGA, SBM.While appreciating natural scenic splendor of the area, Union MoS said that all efforts would be made to fully harness the tourism potential of this attractive destination. She added that Jammu region has tremendous tourism potential and several steps are being taken to develop different tourist circuits here. She said that Mansar and Surinsar lakes will be developed as religious tourism spots and every possible effort would be made to boost the pilgrimage tourism in the area.She also highlighted various schemes like Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna, Jan Dhan Yojna, Pradhan, Mantri Ujjwala Yojna , Digital India, Khelo India, BBBP, scholarship schemes, Pension schemes, Golden card schemes.Referring to several initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards women empowerment, Union MoS highlighted the importance of schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao which is being implemented in mission mode for larger interest of girl child. She further said that all blocks having more than 50 per cent ST population will get ‘EKLAVYA’ model schools and students from these schools will be provided coaching at Delhi for UPSC level competitive exams. She said that main purpose of this outreach programme is to assess the implementation of centrally sponsored schemes on ground and take feedback from the public. She also adopted Udhampur district for taking it towards new heights of development. The Union MoS had a round of stalls established by different departments on the occasion to raise awareness among the villagers about various centrally sponsored schemes.Later, Singh distributed cheques among the beneficiaries under different pension schemes, Golden cards under Ayushman Bharat, Power tiller under Horticulture scheme, Sports kits under Khelo India besides giving away Mamta kits to the beneficiaries under BBBP scheme.Earlier, District Development Commissioner, Udhampur Dr. Piyush Singla highlighted major projects being implemented in the district.Meanwhile, BDC Chairpersons put forth various demands like Bridge connectivity from Majalta morh to Majalta, Kendriya Vidyalaya at Majalta, Model tribal cluster villages, etc.