STATE TIMES NEWS
KATHUA: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh on Friday chaired a high-level review meeting with the Kathua district administration to assess developmental projects, flood damage and restoration works. Later, he also held a public durbar as part of his ongoing public outreach programme.
During the review meeting, Dr Jitendra Singh examined fund allocations, flood damage assessments and the status of ongoing infrastructure projects. He announced that over ?1,400 crore has been allocated for Jammu and Kashmir, including ?10 crore for temporary repairs in Kathua and a minimum of over ?2 crore each for damaged public assets and structures, subject to assessment by the district administration. He said permanent restoration of infrastructure would be funded by the respective departments.
The Minister directed all departments, including Power, PWD and Jal Shakti, to carry out comprehensive assessments of flood-related damages and submit fresh proposals within a week in a mission mode. He emphasised timely implementation of projects, transparent utilisation of funds and proactive measures to ensure that no affected person or area is left out. He also urged public representatives to conduct awareness campaigns for effective utilisation of relief funds.
Highlighting major infrastructure initiatives, Dr Jitendra Singh said the widening of Dhar Road in Udhampur has been approved by the Ministry of Defence. He instructed NHAI to expedite the remaining work on the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, while stressing early completion of the Juthana Bridge and the Chattergala Tunnel. Importantly, he announced the revival of the Ujh Multipurpose Project and approval of a canal system on the Ujh River to prevent water infiltration and utilise excess water flow towards Pakistan, a proposal cleared by the Ministries of Defence and Home Affairs.
In the healthcare sector, the Union Minister announced that radiation services will soon be operational at the Cancer Centre, Kathua, and an MRI facility has been sanctioned for Government Medical College (GMC) Kathua, enhancing advanced diagnostic services in the district.
Earlier in the day, Dr Jitendra Singh held a public durbar in Kathua, where he interacted directly with citizens and addressed several grievances on the spot. Addressing the media, he said the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to inclusive development, last-mile delivery and ease of living for every citizen.
He highlighted that Kathua has witnessed unprecedented development over the past decade, with initiatives such as a medical college, engineering college, Vande Bharat Express train, North India’s first homeopathic medical college, and the proposed upgradation of the cancer care centre. He also spoke about establishing an incubation centre at the Industrial Biotech Park to promote startups and entrepreneurship. Referring to recent floods, Dr Jitendra Singh assured that damaged houses would be rebuilt and alternative land would be provided to affected families in consultation with the district administration.
Local MLAs Dr Bharat Bhushan and Rajiv Jasrotia, Chairman DDC Kathua Col (Retd) Mahan Singh, Vice Chairman Raghunandan Singh, senior officers and public representatives were present on the occasion.