Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting regarding development scenario of Pulwama district.
The Minister asked the district administration to take local MLA's into confidence while formulating and implementing the government's schemes in the district. He said that being elected representatives of the area, MLAs have a mass reach and officials can take their help in ensuring that each eligible beneficiary is covered under the government schemes.
He asked for holding awareness camps about the schemes so that people at grassroots can be enrolled under various schemes. He called for maintaining quality standards in execution of development works while ensuring time bound completion.
He also called for continuous monitoring and regular follow ups to ensure that all schemes are implemented successfully for welfare of the people. Reiterating government’s commitment towards people centric development under the leadership of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, the Minister underscored the importance of ensuring prompt services to the people.
Maintaining that the district has immense potential for economic and social transformation, the Minister asked the administration to focus on productive utilisation of district’s abundant natural resources.
This would alleviate unemployment and contribute to inclusive socio-economic growth, he added. While reviewing progress on Jal Jeevan Mission in the district, the Minister called for coordinated efforts to ensure that every household is provided a functional tap water connection.
The Minister highlighted the government’s unwavering commitment on holistic development of tribals with an emphasis on improving basic amenities and socio-economic indicators. He asserted that significant attention be given to initiatives such as tribal hostels, Eklavya Residential Schools and hostels.
During the meeting, the Minister outlined plans for enhancing natural resource management including establishment of Firewood Depots that could evolve into Timber Depots, ensuring equitable access and sustainable resource utilization for the people.
The Minister also praised Pulwama's potential in high-density plantation and other programs aimed at environmental preservation and community engagement. Javed Rana highlighted the plans for improving medical facilities, bolstering manpower in health and education, infrastructure and rural development and expanding access to scholarships for underprivileged students.