REASI: Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Javid Ahmad Dar on Wednesday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for several development projects in Reasi district, focusing on rural infrastructure, Panchayati Raj institutions and livestock services.
During a day-long visit to the district, the minister inaugurated the Block Development Council (BDC) office building at Katra-Hutt Block, constructed at a cost of ₹128.56 lakh under the Union Territory Capex programme for infrastructure development of District Development Councils (DDCs).
MLA Mata Vaishno Devi Baldev Raj Sharma, MLA Gulabgarh Er Khursheed Ahmad and MLA Reasi Kuldeep Raj Dubey accompanied the minister.
Addressing a gathering at Katra, Dar said the government was prioritising the strengthening of basic infrastructure in rural areas to improve access to public services and development facilities. He said the focus remained on inclusive and balanced development, particularly in rural regions.
The minister also laid the foundation stones for the District Veterinary Hospital and the District Development Council office building at Reasi. He said the projects would help strengthen veterinary services, support the farming community and further consolidate the Panchayati Raj system in the district.
Dar said issues and demands raised by elected representatives would be examined on priority and stressed the need for coordination between public representatives, the administration and line departments to accelerate development works.
He directed departments to increase awareness among farmers and livestock owners about government welfare schemes and asked officials to organise regular tehsil-level awareness camps to improve outreach and beneficiary participation.
The minister also distributed sanction letters among beneficiaries under schemes of the Horticulture, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Rural Development departments.
Earlier, Dar visited the Sheep Breeder Farm at Panthyal and reviewed its infrastructure, facilities and breeding activities. Officials briefed him on measures being taken to improve breeder stock, breeding practices and overall development of the sheep sector.
The minister directed the department to focus on scientific breeding practices, enhancing livestock productivity, strengthening infrastructure and providing technical support to sheep breeders and farmers. He said the livestock sector had significant potential for generating sustainable livelihoods in rural areas and called for greater efforts to strengthen it through modern interventions, capacity building and effective implementation of government schemes.
