Kathua/Samba: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday directed the intensification of water quality testing under the Jal Jeevan Mission and examination of reforms under the Industrial Policy to enhance local employment opportunities.
He also inaugurated key projects spanning rural enterprise, agriculture and allied sectors, expected to generate employment and add value to local resources, an official statement said.
According to an official press release, addressing a district review meeting in Kathua, the chief minister directed intensification of water quality testing under the Jal Jeevan Mission, timely completion of Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment projects and examination of reforms under the Industrial Policy to enhance local employment opportunities, it said.
Reviewing District Capex performance, he appreciated the district administration for its sustained efforts, including during the recent floods, and directed departments to push men and machinery to achieve full expenditure with quality asset creation, it added.
Abdullah dedicated development works worth Rs 11.58 crore in Kathua aimed at strengthening infrastructure, boosting local entrepreneurship and enhancing livelihood opportunities, the statement read.
Among the major inaugurations were the Bamboo Crafts Common Facility Centre at Sallan (Rs 2.87 crore), Kathua Kriti Showroom (Rs 41.51 lakh) for marketing local products, and the Agarbatti Common Facility Centre at Billawar (Rs 3.39 crore) to support micro-entrepreneurs and self-help groups, it read.
Abdullah also inaugurated the upgradation of the Poultry and Hatchery Unit here under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), with an outlay of Rs 3.88 crore, aimed at improving productivity and farmers’ income, an official spokesperson said.
In the education sector, Abdullah laid the foundation stone for eight additional classrooms at Government Higher Secondary School, Kathera, at an estimated cost of Rs 1.768 crore, to ease congestion and improve learning facilities, the spokesperson said.
Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma presented a brief district profile and progress under various schemes, following which the chief minister reviewed sector-wise physical and financial performance and directed departments to ensure time-bound execution with emphasis on quality and visible outcomes on the ground, the statement said.
Reviewing PMGSY and NABARD-funded roads, Abdullah called for identification of bottlenecks and stressed proper drainage, slope protection and safeguards to make roads durable and all-weather, it said.
While reviewing agriculture and allied sectors, the chief minister directed that the pesticide testing laboratory be made operational within the stipulated timeline and that the DPR of the Regional Cultural Centre of JKAACL be fully equipped, assuring early release of funds after submission of the required proposal.
On labour welfare, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary emphasised wider outreach under ‘e-Shram’, particularly in remote areas, while Abdullah directed maximum coverage of eligible beneficiaries and stressed focused water conservation efforts.
Responding to the concerns raised by local MLAs, the chief minister assured that all genuine demands would be examined and addressed in a phased and time-bound manner.
Meanwhile, the CM held a comprehensive district review meeting in Samba Wednesday to take a first-hand appraisal of the overall development scenario in Samba district.
According to an official press release, addressing district-specific concerns, the chief minister urged the administration to expedite the pace of developmental activities and ensure that benefits of growth reach every household. “Officers must ensure time-bound completion of all projects, remove bottlenecks, improve public service delivery and maintain high standards of quality in execution,” the chief minister asserted.
Taking note of key issues raised during the meeting, the chief minister directed immediate redressal and resolution of matters flagged by the MLAs. He further instructed that all concerns raised be verified on priority and necessary corrective measures taken without delay.
Emphasising a focused approach towards employment generation, the chief minister underscored the importance of promoting entrepreneurship, particularly under Mission YUVA, and strengthening Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to make women more economically independent. “Empowering youth and women is central to sustainable and inclusive development,” he said.
With regard to projects under SASCI, the chief minister directed the deputy commissioner to fast-track their execution and ensure periodic reviews to monitor progress and address impediments in a timely manner.
The chief minister also stressed the importance of effectively resolving public grievances raised by DDC members and MLAs, directing the administration to maintain close coordination with public representatives to ensure responsive governance.
During the meeting, several other issues were highlighted, including drinking water supply, sanitation, regularisation of daily wagers, upgradation of schools, establishment of colleges in remote areas, implementation of industrial policy, and shortage of staff in hospitals and educational institutions. The chief minister assured that all genuine concerns would be examined and addressed in a timely and systematic manner.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Samba, Ayushi Sudan, presented a detailed district profile, outlining sector-wise targets and achievements across departments such as Jal Shakti (PHE), Public Works (R&B), Power Development, Education, Health, Agriculture and Social Welfare.
On the occasion, the chief minister also e-inaugurated developmental projects worth ₹533 lakh, including: Improvement and upgradation of link road from Panchayat Ghar Chak Slarian to Ramloo at Tara Resort (length 5.85 km) under NABARD at a cost of ₹311.66 lakh; and Construction of link road at Village Chak Nazir (length 2.50 km) under NABARD at a cost of ₹221.54 lakh.
Moreover, the chief minister laid the e-foundation stone for the construction of a 100-metre span footbridge over River Basanter at Banab, to be executed under NABARD at an estimated cost of ₹198.38 lakh.
The chief minister complimented the district administration for its proactive role during last year’s crisis situation and said that the district has shown considerable progress in respect of several developmental parameters.
