RAMBAN : Maintaining that holistic and sustainable development of the nation is hidden in the development of its rural habitations, Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Consumers Affairs and Food and Public Distribution, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti said that present government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched various schemes with the aim to develop the rural economy in terms of infrastructure, creation of durable assets and generation of employment opportunities and creation of wages and self-employment.

The Minister, who is on a two-day visit to UT of J&K as a part of the Union Government’s Public Outreach Programme said this while addressing a meeting held at District Administrative Complex, Maitra, Ramban to e- inaugurate the projects executed under Rural Development sector.

Giving instructions to the district administration, the Minister directed to formulate a comprehensive proposal for construction of Panchayat Bhawan at Block level. She also directed the RDD to construct Panchayat Ghar in uncovered panchayats in convergence mode with panchayat development funds and MGNREGA with prescribed share. She directed the concerned to ensure 100 per cent Aadhar linkage with ration cards so that the beneficiaries can avail the benefit of all social as well as financial assistance schemes.

She also instructed the Director, Consumers Affairs, Civil Supplies and Public Distribution to take appropriate steps so that the distribution of ration among beneficiaries is ensured at their door-steps.

Appreciating the people of J&K for participating in the recently held local elections to establish the three-tier Panchayati Raj System for the first time in J&K, the Minister said that it will go a long way in participation of common people in development and planning process at grass-root level. She also directed the concerned to moot the proposals for establishment of Koushal Vikas Centres in the district to develop skilled human resource so that the youth become Atma Nirbhar.

Highlighting the achievements, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti said that the Union Government has launched various people friendly and welfare schemes for the benefit of the masses. As many as 3 crore and 9 crore beneficiaries have taken the benefits of PMAY and PM Ujjwala Yojana respectively, she said and added that the beneficiaries have also availed different pensionary benefits through DBT. “Full support shall be extended from my Ministry for holistic development of the district especially in rural areas in a transparent manner”, she assured.

The Minister e-inaugurated various projects of public importance with an expenditure of Rs. 43.17 crore. The projects which the Minister e-inaugurated include 1st unit of 750 LPM Oxygen Generation Plant at District Hospital, Ramban, 28-M span footbridge at Silar, Sher Bibi, Community hall at Ukhral, 08 Nos. teachers quarter at GHS Mangit, Zone Khari (SAMAGRA), Tatta Pani-Rai Mohalla link road, allied work of footbridge at Choor Path, Panchayat Gundi, PWD road to Naikpora via Ziarat Sharief, Chanpora, Panchayat Kaskoot, footbridge at Barnal Gandhri, and launching of footbridge at Arbal, Buzala, Panchayat Trigam Upper, Khunga – Kothi Jagir road stage-II, Admarg-Mahu road Stage-II, and Banihal-Dolegam road Stage-II.

The Minister also laid e-foundations of various assets which will be completed with an estimated cost of Rs. 21.83 crore. The projects of which the Minister laid e-foundations are DDC/BDC accommodation at Failti, Ramban, District Youth Centre at Chandrog, upgradation/extension of Chapnari- Guddar road, Kharikote-Sarachi road, Bhunidar- Rahun road via Khurihal Gohala Mushtaqpora and Phase- 1st Chunthan-Halla road.

Later, the Minister distributed LPG connections among beneficiaries under the Ujjwala Scheme. She handed over keys of vehicles to beneficiaries under the Mumkin Scheme. She also distributed cheques amongst construction workers under a scholarship scheme.

At Chanderkote, the Minister inspected the pace of progress on Yatri Niwas at an estimated cost of Rs. 32.16 crore. The Yatri Niwas having the capacity of about 4800 yatries spread over 23.03 kanals of land is being executed by CPWD and the project is expected to be completed shortly. She expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and pace of progress, saying that with the completion of Yatri Niwas the safety and security of the yatries will be ensured.

Earlier, various deputations and individuals met with the Minister at Banihal. The deputations included Chairperson DDC and BDCs, members of DDCs, BDCs, Youth Club, and Sarpanchs and they projected demands of public importance of their respective areas. They also extended gratitude to the Union Government for conducting the outreach programme so as to hear the common masses at their door-steps.

Enroute, the Minister inspected pace of work on the National Highway and directed the executing agency to accelerate the pace of progress on National prestigious project ensuring their early completion.

On the outset of meeting at District Administrative Complex, Maitra, Ramban, District Development Commissioner Ramban, Mussarat Islam gave an overview of district profile and the projects being executed in the district for the welfare and prosperity of the people of district.

Among others, Chairperson District Development Council Ramban Dr. Shamshad Shan, Vice-Chairperson DDC, Rabia Beig, President Municipal Council Ramban Sunita Devi, Chairpersons BDCs, members DDCs and BDCs, Director Rural Development Department Jammu, Director CA&PD Jammu, Senior Superintendent of Police Ramban, Additional District Development Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Chief Planning Officer, district officers, besides large number of locals were present.