Kathua:Union Minister of Heavy Industries Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey said that the present dispensation of Jammu & Kashmir UT, under Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, has taken new initiatives to attract investors, along with supporting efforts of the central government, which will not only limit the UT to becoming self-sufficient but also a big export hub of the region in coming years.
The union minister said this while addressing the gathering as part of the ongoing public outreach programme, at Sodhi Resorts, Barnoti in Kathua. He pinned hope that Kathua district, due to its existing congenial infrastructure, along with topographical advantage, will come up as a big industrial growth centre of Jammu & Kashmir.
The minister virtually inaugurated five projects executed with an estimated cost of Rs25.59 crore comprising two PWD and one PMGSY road, one Drug Ware House of Health department, besides a Common Facility Centre of SIDCO Industrial Complex Ghatti. He also laid the foundation of two upgraded Water Supply Schemes of Jal Shakti Department to be completed at an estimated cost of Rs1.96 crore.
The minister also handed over five tractors to the beneficiaries, who have availed Rs2 lakh subsidy under Farm Mechanisation scheme of Agriculture Department. He also handed over 19 Maize Thrashers to Panchayat Heads of different blocks of the district.
Also read:Centre making all efforts for overall development of Jammu and Kashmir: Union Minister
Dr Pandey also gave away a sanction letter to the beneficiary of the SMAM scheme of the Horticulture Department under which farmers procure Multiple Agriculture Tools/ Implements to establish Farm Machinery Bank. The minister also handed over passbooks to the parents of Laadli Beti scheme beneficiaries and tracksuits among adolescent girls.
The minister also gave away Rs10.15 lakh Education Assistance cheque to the wards of registered construction workers through Labour Department. He also handed over death assistance of Rs2.05 lakh each to two next of kin of deceased registered construction workers.
Dr Pandey also inspected stalls of different departments demonstrating products, schemes and other exhibits of different government departments and of local industrial units.
The union minister said the central government is keen to bring qualitative development in Jammu & Kashmir to ensure all-around social upliftment of its people.
Referring to the initiative of the opening of twin AIIMS in Kashmir and Jammu, the Minister said that the opening of these institutions, along with new Government Medical Colleges in the district, will give a huge fillip to the medical infrastructure besides saving time and money for the people, who will get best medical facilities within Jammu and Kashmir.
Also read:Goal to provide job opportunities to 80% Jammu and Kashmir youth in 5 years
He said the schemes like Mumkin are being launched under the hand holding efforts of the government to engage youth to avail self-employment opportunities. “Kathua District housing big and small industrial units have an immense scope of its extension, which will pave the way for employment to locals,” the minister added.
Referring to the initiatives of opening Rs500 crore Bio-technology Park project in Kathua, the minister said that the central government will extend every possible help to nurture industries in Jammu & Kashmir so that the economic achievements of the UT attain new heights.
The minister said that the central government is putting efforts to give impetus to manufacturing in line with the vision of AatmaNirbhar Bharat of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While remembering Maharaja Hari Singh, the union minister said that the central government’s efforts to align Jammu and Kashmir with the mainstream development of the country will be a great tribute to him.
Earlier, during his visit to SIDCO Industrial Centre in Ghatti, the minister inspected the newly built assets developed on modern lines to attract industries in Jammu & Kashmir. The minister also planted a sapling in the SIDCO office complex. The Heavy Industries Minister also inspected the Chenab Textile Mills unit in Kathua Industrial Area and took a brief account of its operations and working.
Deputations of DDC members, BDC Chairperson, industrialists, municipal members and sarpanches also met the minister and apprised him of the problems and development aspirations of their respective areas. The minister assured that the issues highlighted by the elected representatives and industrialists will be taken up with appropriate forums.
Later, the minister flagged off a rally of students and young runners organised by the district administration under Azad ka Amrut Mahotsav celebrations.
Also read:New dawn for investment, business development in J-K: Amit Shah
