As part of the central government's public outreach programme, Union Minister for Animal Husbandry, Diary and Fisheries, Giriraj Singh today conducted public outreach programme, here at Sudhmahadev.The outreach programme witnessed overwhelming participation of BDC Chairpersons, Sarpanchs, Panchs and general public hailing from adjoining areas.Member Parliament Raj Sabha, Shamsher Singh Manhas; Secretary Rural Development Department & Panchayati Raj, Sheetal Nanda; District Development Commissioner, Udhampur Dr. Piyush Singla; SSP, Rajiv Omparkash Pandey; Director Sheep Husbandry, Sanjeev Kumar; Director Animal Husbandry, Vivek Gupta; ADDC, Ashok Kumar; besides other district Officers were also present.Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister said that the purpose of conducting outreach programme is to assess the progress on the implementation of government schemes on the ground and get feedback from the public. He said that the central government is committed to the development of Union Territory of J&K and listed projects sanctioned for strengthening its health, education, road connectivity and infrastructure base of other vital sectors. "Government has sanctioned 7 Medical Colleges, 2 AIIMS within period of 05 years for J&K" he said and added that these facilities are bound to improve the patient care in the UT.He appreciated the Udhampur District Administration for the implementation of Ayushman Bharat scheme under which 83,000 golden cards have been distributed to the eligible persons. "It is endeavor of Prime Minister to take care of health of poor and ensure that no one is deprived of medical treatment due to financial constraints," he added.Union Minister also appreciated the implementation of SBM, PMAY and hoped that the Yoga International Centre and Chenani-Sudh Mahadev road project will take the development in the area to new heights by increasing the tourist footfall and generating employment opportunities for local youth . Highlighting importance of livestock sector, the Union Minister announced that a new insemination technology will be introduced which will boost milk production and improve the farmers' economy in a big way. He also informed about the introduction of surrogacy technique in cattle by which cows giving less milk are implanted with embryo of high yield milk production species. He stressed on the use of artificial insemination and IVF technology.He further added that more intervention schemes will be launched for boosting production in agriculture and allied sectors to enhance the income of farmers. He said that new breeds of sheep & goat would also be introduced in JK. He stressed on promotion of integrated farming.The Union Minister also highlighted the role of Panchayat Raj Institutions, (PRI)s adding that the Government has duly empowered PRIs and they are acting as bridge between Government and public.Later, the union minister inaugurated a tourist cafeteria in the area and asked the management to serve local organic products to the tourists. He also asked the Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal and Sheep Husbandry department to explore the use of cow dung in candle making and other useful products, so that farmers get good value. He asked all the stakeholders to work out the future course of action for increasing the production of mushroom, and other cash crops to boost the economy of farming community. Minister said that Agriculture and allied sectors are playing a vital role in the development of country and farming community is the main stakeholder in the development. "Advance technology and high quality Agriculture inputs are required ,for which Government is providing Rs 6000 per year to farmers," he added. He asked the concerned department to introduce Marino goat and sheep in the area to boost wool production. Meanwhile, the Union Minister also paid obeisance at the holy Shiv Mandir at Sudhmahadev and prayed for peace and prosperity of country.During the visit, Singh also inaugurated 1x6.30 MVA, 33/11 KV receiving station and cafeteria at Sudhmahadev, various works of RDD, executed under 14th FC, MGNREGA, SBM, and PMAY and laid foundation stone of Improvement /Metalling of circuit road SudhMahadev to Ramnagar via Dudu –Basantgarh road. Later, Singh also distributed chaff cutters and mastitis kits, cattle insurance certificates, Power tiller under Horticulture sector, besides Ayushman Bharat card, Sports kits, Mamta kits, among the beneficiaries. Minister also distributed pension sanction orders to the beneficiaries.Minister along with Secretary Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, and DDC Udhampur had a round of stalls established for awareness of general public about the various govt.schemes. Minister interacted with staff members and beneficiaries of the scheme and had a detailed review of implementation of schemes on the ground and also took feedback from the beneficiaries .Member Parliament, Raj Sabha, Shamsher Singh Manhas also spoke on the occasion and said that Government has empowered the PRIs and all funds are transferred through DBT to the beneficiaries of all schemes. He said that Government is committed to empower the PRIs.Earlier, the District Development Commissioner, Udhampur Dr. Piyush Singla highlighted the major projects coming up in district Udhampur, like Yoga International Convention Centre Mantalai, Food park Chenani, Chenani Sudhmahadev road, Medical College etc besides special initiatives of District Administration, achievements under centrally sponsored schemes.