KATHUA : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Earth Sciences and Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh today chaired District Development Coordination & Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting here to review the progress of various Centrally Sponsored schemes (CSS) being implemented in the district.

The meeting held at Conference Hall of DC Office Complex, was attended by MLA Kathua Dr Bharat Bhusha; MLA Barnoti Rajiv Jasrotia; MLA Hiranagar Vijay Sharma; MLA Basohli Darshan Singh; MLA Bani Rameshwar Singh; DDC Chairperson, Mahan Singh; DDC Vice Chairperson, Raghunandan Singh; DDC members, SSP Kathua Shobhit Saxena; ADDC Kathua, ADC Kathua and nominated members of DISHA committee besides other district officers of different departments.

During the meeting, the Union MOS took comprehensive review of physical and financial achievements of centrally sponsored schemes PMGSY, Irrigation, PMDP, RDSS, MGNREGA, PMAY-G, PMAY-G( AWAAS PLUS), Amrit sarovar, SBM(G), PMAY-U, SAMAGRA Shiksha besides scheme under Health, Agriculture, Labor, FCS&CA, Employment etc.

Addressing the meeting, the Minister called for taking local representatives on board for supervising the Forest and other clearances enabling timely removal of bottlenecks. He assured that necessary relook on policy of PMGSY linkage will be taken up at highest levels to cover more habitations in J&K UT.

Regarding the pending Kalibari-Janglote link road under PWD (NABRAD), the Minister asked district administration to do the needful for earliest completion of work. While taking scheme wise review of the projects undertaken by different departments, Dr Singh stressed for timely completion of projects of people’s importance within stipulated time frame. He emphasized on elected MLAs and DDCs to work in tandem with administration to achieve desired development results.

The Minister informed that the much anticipated Shahpur Kandi Project will be completed by March 2025. Dr Singh called upon the concerned officers to ensure 100% coverage of beneficiaries under various schemes. He asked the MLAs/ PRI’s to ensure all deserving people shall entail the benefit of these schemes.

Regarding the issue of slow pace of CHC Billawar, CMO Kathua informed that the 100 Bedded Hospital will be completed by ending 2025. The Minister instructed Principal GMC Kathua to take MLAs in Rogi Kalyan Samitis for close monitoring and execution of works of Medical welfare of the public.

Directions were also passed to stakeholders to sensitize public about the benefits of PM-SVANIDHI and PM-Vishwakarma which can be game changer for Street Vendors and Artisans. He called for organising more awareness camps to extend the coverage of the scheme. The Minister also voiced for pacing up of JJM works besides assuring quality asset management. The Minister directed XEN PHE to conduct joint inspection with elected MLAs for proper monitoring and implementation of scheme.

During the meeting, Additional Deputy Commissioner Kathua presented overall developmental overview of the district. CPO Kathua presented PowerPoint presentation on the achievements and progress under different Centrally Sponsored Schemes and status of various development projects being executed by different departments and other agencies in the district.

It was given out in the meeting that out of total 291 schemes(165 for PMGSY Kathua) and (126 for PMGSY Billawar) under PMGSY Phase I,II & Phase III, 145 works in PMGSY Kathua and 116 PMGSY works in Billawar have been completed and the rest are at different stages of execution in the district. It was given out in the meeting that Billawar-Bani Road Via Dhagger under Central Road Funds (CRF) will be completed by the end of current financial year.

Earlier, the Minister e-inaugurated the PMGSY roads from Dhar to Korkhana, Lohai Malhar coming up at estimated cost of Rs 171.24 lacs benefiting over 400 souls. He also dedicated Champal PMGSY road of block Gandoh in Doda constructed with an estimated cost of Rs 403.45 Lacs going to benefit over 900 populace.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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