Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Sept 2: Chief Secretary, Arun Kumar Mehta chaired a meeting of departmental heads to review ongoing development works including Central Sponsored Schemes and other development projects today.
While chairing the meeting, Chief Secretary was apprised by the DC about the Physical and Financial achievements of the district under District Capex.
While reviewing the PMGSY sector, the Chief Secretary called for carrying out quality verification so as to ensure that durable assets are created.
With regard to the performance of the Agriculture Sector, the Chief Secretary laid thrust on conducting study of cropping intensity in Kathua district through collaboration with SKUAST-J. He also called for performance check of FPOs, Common hiring centres, farmers self help groups. He also emphasized on implementing Farm-Gate App in the agriculture sector. The chief secretary further asked for technological interventions to give a boost to farmer’s income in consonance with the PM’s Vision of Doubling the farmer’s income.
On Horticulture, he directed the horticulture officer to promote high density plantation in the areas best suited for the purpose.
Highlighting the significance of the digitization of land records the Chief Secretary asked for completing the task within the set deadlinethe for the overall benefit of the masses. He made out that the department would be provided with the requisite technological assistance in the shape of tablets, drones for surveys etc so as to enhance overall efficiency of the department.
While reviewing the status regarding the availability of tapped water connections and toilet facilities under JJM and SBM respectively, he stressed upon achieving 100% saturation under these schemes. The Chief Secretary urges the department of forests to take up plantation near the sources of JJM so as to arrest soil erosion.
On the issue of power scenario in the district, the Chief Secretary reiterated that administration is making all out efforts to ensure round the clock power supply to the consumers. He said that people also should come forward by clearing their pending liabilities. On appraisal of T&D losses, AT&C losses, the Chief Secretary stresses on reducing the same besides increasing the collection of revenue.
To ensure optimum utilization of health infrastructure established in the district, the Chief Secretary stressed upon chalking out strategy so that the public of the region could be benefitted at large.
Regarding the appraisal of the performance in different sectors, the Chief Secretary directed all departments to adopt a public friendly approach in work culture. He also pressed for ensuring digital penetration across all the departments in the district.
While deliberating upon the issue of tourism potential of Kathua District, Chief Secretary directed Director Tourism Jammu to explore all possibilities of giving fillip to adventure tourism by creating ample opportunities involving the youth through thep Youth Clubs of Mission Youth. He also directed the Tourism Authorities to come up with an integrated solid waste management plan for tourist spots.
Regarding the languishing projects, the Chief Secretary called for expediting their foreclosure. He directed concerned officers to devise activity charts stating the date of commencement, duration and anticipated completion time so as to make the system more transparent and accountable.
Later, the Chief Secretary also met a delegation of PRIs led by DDC Chairperson Mahan Singh, Vice Chairman DDC Raghunandan Singh and others.
Principal Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra, Principal Secretary, Higher Education & Information, Rohit Kansal, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, Director Tourism, Mission Director JKRLM, Mission Director JJM, Director I&C, Director Social Welfare, Managing Director SIDCO, ADDC Kathua, ADC Kathua, ACD Kathua, ACR Kathua, Divisional and District Heads of Various departments were also present in the meeting.
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