Rajya Sabha Member, Gulam Ali Khatana today chaired a meeting to review centrally sponsored schemes in a meeting held today, which was attended by various sectoral officers. The meeting was aimed at assessing various facets of development in the district during which the MP repeatedly stressed the need for engaging with the public and their elected representatives.
The meeting covered a wide range of developmental activities of departments, including transportation, forest rights, afforestation, animal husbandry schemes and agricultural initiatives like PM Kissan, Kisan Card and Soil Health Card.
Recognising the importance of empowering the youth and enhancing their employability, MP Khatana called for encouraging practical vocational training programs. Another prominent topic of discussion was the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. Khatana underscored the importance of this scheme, emphasising that its benefits must reach the public in twofold.
The meeting also included a discussion on the New Education Policy and its benefits, reflecting the MP's commitment to enhancing the educational landscape in the district, aligning it with national policies for educational reform.
Ensuring access to clean drinking water to every home is a top priority for the Government, said Khatana, during deliberations on the Jal Jeevan Mission, which is aimed at providing potable water to every household. The MP showed concern for healthcare in the district, focussing on schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Janani Suraksha Yojana.
He highlighted the need to provide specialist care in remote health facilities through effective management of staff. Khatana stressed the significance of engaging with the public and their elected representatives, which includes members of Urban Local Bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions.
He firmly advocated for the welcoming of public sentiment and demands, regardless of their practicality, emphasising the importance of empathetic public engagement. In his discussions with officers, Khatana addressed essential matters related to sanitation, waste management and the need for a waste collection and processing facility in the district.
He also reviewed progress on the Jammu Smart City initiative, encompassing projects such as beautification, mobility enhancements and the introduction of electric buses. Furthermore, the MP delved into mining-related issues, focusing on ensuring that people can access building materials at reasonable rates while preventing illegal mining practices.
In his pursuit of comprehensive development, Khatana explored avenues to enhance transportation facilities and reduce accidents within the district. The meeting also touched upon critical topics like the delivery of rights under the Forest Rights Act to eligible individuals, raising awareness about forests and their value and initiating afforestation measures.
Additionally, issues pertaining to road infrastructure, highway development, social welfare activities and the performance of the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme run by the Industries Department were reviewed. In his concluding remarks, Khatana encouraged innovation and people-oriented planning among officers, stressing the importance of building a positive perception of the government among the public and highlighting the government's schemes aimed at public welfare.
He reminded everyone of the Prime Minister's vision for a successful and peaceful Jammu and Kashmir, urging all present to play their part in strengthening and delivering on this vision