Tap agri, industrial potential in Kishtwar: MLAs Sharma, Parihar

Kishtwar, Dec 06: Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) Paddar-Nagseni and Leader of Opposition (LOP) in J&K Assembly Sunil Kumar Sharma along with MLA Kishtwar Shagun Parihar on Friday convened a meeting with district administration here in the Mini Secretariat discussing government initiatives launched to accelerate socio-economic development in the district.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner (DC), Rajesh Kumar Shavan; Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Javaid Iqbal and ADC Pawan Kotwal, besides district heads of line departments and sectoral officers. The district officers briefed the Legislators on the ongoing developmental and welfare initiatives undertaken in the Paddar-Nagseni and Kishtwar Assembly Constituencies.
Updates on key projects and activities across sectors were shared, focusing on public welfare and infrastructure development.
The MLAs took a comprehensive appraisal of several developmental issues, particularly those related to road connectivity under PMGSY and PWD, PMEGP, MGNREGA, Awas Plus, water and power supply, and handicrafts, agriculture sectors. The implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes was also reviewed in detail.
The Legislators stressed the importance of addressing critical public concerns. They directed officers to ensure meticulous planning for developmental projects, keeping in mind local needs and public feedback.
Sharma urged officials to set realistic targets and show unwavering commitment to delivering results through proper monitoring. He also called for a thorough review of Sub-Division-specific projects, including the Naigad Water Supply Scheme, Kishtwar Water Lift Scheme, and the power distribution infrastructure in the district. He highlighted the gaps in the system and urged for immediate corrective measures.
Shagun Parihar emphasized the need to notify a power cut schedule to minimize inconvenience during the winter months.
During the discussion on the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), MLA Sharma stressed the need for efficient public service delivery. He emphasised realizing the agricultural and industrial potential of the region. He proposed the establishment of “Model Vegetable Villages” to promote local cereals, organic vegetables, and pulses, thereby tapping into the district’s agricultural strengths.
Earlier, DC Kishtwar, Rajesh Kumar Shavan, presented an overview of the district profile, highlighting major projects under execution and good governance initiatives. He briefed the chairpersons on vital projects like the development of the City Forest near Kishtwar Town, the implementation of an effective traffic management plan for Kishtwar town, and initiatives under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM).
The Deputy Commissioner also shared updates on various flagship programs, including the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign, road safety measures, and efforts toward achieving a 100% literacy rate in the district. The administration’s progress in making Kishtwar TB-free was also commended.
Both MLAs expressed satisfaction with the initiatives taken by the district administration but emphasized the need for sustained efforts to bridge gaps in infrastructure and service delivery. They encouraged officers to maintain a proactive approach toward addressing public grievances and developmental demands.
In the concluding remarks, MLA Paddar Nagseni underscored the need for collective commitment and emphasized the importance of adhering to strict timelines and ensuring accountability in all developmental efforts. He announced that routine review meetings would be conducted to monitor progress and address challenges effectively. He further directed officers to conduct field visits to ensure the seamless implementation of sectoral schemes and to remain accessible to the public at all times.
Miss Shagun Parihar, MLA Kishtwar expressed her confidence in the capabilities of the district officers and urged them to strengthen their connection with the public. She stressed the importance of actively listening to the grievances of the people and ensuring the effective extension of Centrally Sponsored Schemes to address their needs comprehensively.
The meeting concluded with a call for collective efforts to ensure holistic and sustainable development in the Paddar-Nagseni and Kishtwar Assembly Constituencies.