Jammu, Nov 13: The erstwhile Doda region comprising Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts will be the power hub of North India in the coming years, said Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology and Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday.
Addressing the people during BJYM’s “Yuva Hunkar Rally” held in Ramban district, Dr Jitendra said, “8000 kilowatt power projects would be ready by next year in Kishtwar and once done, this region (erstwhile Doda district) would become power hub of north India.”
He said the work on Pakal Dul Power Project began eight years ago, while the work on Kiru Power Project, which was delayed due to pending paper works, also began in his government. As far as the Rattle Power Project is concerned, he said, work on this prestigious power project was “deliberately delayed” by the previous governments and it was only during his government that the work on this project was taken up.
The Union Minister said that the erstwhile Doda district has immense potential as this region has enough resources including water, medicinal herbs and minerals. “And these rich resources would grow India’s economy by 2047,” he said.
He said the previous governments announced new schemes and projects “just to benefit a section of society that would vote for them”. “But our policies aren’t the same as we believe in holistic development of all the regions irrespective of the political affiliation of the people of particular regions,” he said.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that many people of “tall stature” have risen to power and prominence from Ramban district in the past “but unfortunately their contribution to the region is negligible”. He said his government, however, made every possible effort to develop every nook and corner of the region irrespective of people’s political affiliation.
“It was only possible in our government that bridges, degree colleges, hospitals and schools were opened in all three areas of Ramban including Ukhral, Maitra, Kastigarh, Gool and other areas. This has become possible only due to PM Modi’s mantra of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas,” he added.
‘Agri StartUps, lavender entrepreneurship to be extended to Ramban’
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday said that Ramban will initiate Agri StartUps and lavender entrepreneurship soon under Aroma Mission which has been successfully experimented in the adjacent district of Doda.
While chairing the DISHA meeting of district Ramban, Dr Jitendra Singh said, “Ramban is a part of the erstwhile Doda district which shares same geographical and topographical conditions and it should not be difficult to replicate Doda’s lavender success story over here. This will provide an alternative and attractive option of livelihood for potential StartUps.”
During the meeting, a detailed presentation on the achievements and progress recorded under different centrally-sponsored schemes was made, giving an overview of various major projects being executed by different departments and agencies in the district. Senior officials gave the status of scheme-wise physical and financial progress of projects being executed under various CSSs.
Stressing for the synergy between public representatives and the administration while taking up the projects for execution, Dr Jitendra Singh said better coordination between these representatives and the district administration is a key to schemes being implemented on ground.
The minister took a detailed review of all the schemes undertaken by different departments in the district wherein he enquired about the status of each scheme. On the occasion, public representatives flagged various issues before the minister who issued on spot directions to the concerned for early redressal.
Dr Jitendra also directed the concerned departments to work with renewed zeal and dedication for effective implementation of all schemes and coverage of 100 percent eligible beneficiaries under all schemes. “It is the endeavour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to trickle down the benefits of all the centrally sponsored schemes to the deserved lot and to the last person in the queue while urging all the concerned to work in close coordination for better results at the grass root level,” he said. He also directed the concerned officers to remain in touch with the public representatives whenever they visit their area and make people aware about the benefits of these schemes.
On the occasion, Dr Singh complimented the district administration for implementing various CSSs successfully in the district. DDC Chairperson Dr Samshad, DC Ramban Mussarat Islam and DDC members gave their views.
