KATHUA, Dec 7: Continuing his outreach initiative, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, hosted a public durbar at Parole village in the Barnoti block and inaugurated several road projects today.
This marks Dr. Singh’s second public durbar in Kathua district within a fortnight and his fourth in recent months.
Residents from Parole and surrounding areas attended the event to directly present their concerns to the Union Minister and seek resolutions. During the durbar, several pressing community issues were addressed promptly.
In his remarks, Dr. Singh assured attendees that the government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all citizens, regardless of their faith, caste, or region. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to improving lives and delivering essential services directly to the people.
Dr. Singh emphasized that he and his team are now organizing public durbars at both block and panchayat levels to address any shortcomings in local governance.
The Public Durbar has become a key opportunity for citizens to connect with Dr. Singh, facilitating the resolution of grievances through direct ministerial intervention.
In 2023, Dr. Singh has conducted numerous public durbars in the districts of Kathua, Udhampur, and Doda.
Earlier today, the Union Minister inaugurated three key road projects, including the L034-Block Boundary road, which connects Kathua to Boura under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). This 14.2 km route, long awaited by locals, services the historic Mata Sundri temple on the outskirts of Parole and enhances connectivity for nearby populations, including Baura, Bindal, Bindli, and Lari, with a combined population of 821 as per the 2001 Census. It also improves access to the district headquarters.
This road was sanctioned under PMGSY-I in 2016, with a subsequent Stage-II sanction in 2018, amounting to estimated costs of Rs. 1692.49 lakh and Rs. 669.68 lakh respectively. Dr. Singh laid the foundation stone for the project on December 27, 2016.
Additionally, the Union Minister inaugurated, via virtual means, the 2nd L021 to Champal road, spanning 11.83 km at a cost of Rs. 403.45 lakh, benefiting 901 residents.
He also inaugurated a 2.5 km road from L021 Dhar to Korkhana, approved for Rs. 171.24 lakh, which will serve 432 individuals.
In his address to the gathering, Dr. Singh highlighted the government’s extensive efforts to enhance connectivity in rural and remote areas of J&K, aiming to boost infrastructure development in Kathua district. He mentioned that numerous road projects nearing completion will soon be inaugurated to further improve travel and connectivity.
Dr. Singh’s parliamentary constituency, Udhampur-Kathua-Doda, stands out for having one of the highest numbers of roads constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
Discussing Kathua’s geographical importance, Dr. Singh predicted the district’s emergence as a commercial hub in North India, which will create job opportunities for local youth and stimulate the local economy. He also noted that Kathua is home to North India’s first Bio-tech Park, a Seed Processing Plant, and its only Homeopathic College, which will commence its first session this academic year.
Dr. Singh announced that the next recruitment drive for the Army is scheduled for March.
