DODA, SEPTEMBER 27: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Friday directed the Kishtwar district administration to accelerate relief and rehabilitation efforts in the aftermath of the recent cloudbursts and flash floods that caused widespread damage in the region. Chairing a District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting, the Minister emphasized that ensuring the swift restoration of essential services such as water and electricity, particularly in remote and inaccessible areas, must be treated as a top priority.
During the review meeting, which was attended by Deputy Commissioner Pawan Kumar Sharma and other senior officials, Dr. Singh assessed the progress of key central government schemes including the Jal Jeevan Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), PM-Kisan, and the Sansad Khel Spardha initiative. He reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life in rural and far-flung areas, stating that the Modi government is focused on “ease of living” for every citizen, particularly those affected by natural calamities.
Calling for greater synergy between public representatives and the administration, Dr. Singh advised that legislators and district officers conduct joint visits to rural habitations to address public grievances more effectively and in a time-bound manner. He said coordinated efforts would not only expedite development works but also improve the responsiveness of government machinery to people’s needs.
Highlighting the need for enhanced connectivity, the Minister assured that he would soon take up the long-pending demand for an airstrip in Kishtwar with the Ministry of Civil Aviation under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme. He asked the Deputy Commissioner to submit an updated status report on the approved proposal, noting that a functional airstrip would provide crucial year-round connectivity, particularly during the harsh winter months when road access becomes difficult.
Dr. Singh also instructed the district administration to project its funding requirements under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) to enable the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to make suitable allocations for Kishtwar. Strengthening road infrastructure, he said, was essential for both development and disaster response in the mountainous district.
Addressing broader development priorities, the Union Minister underscored the importance of improving healthcare and education facilities and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. He urged the administration to launch targeted skill development and entrepreneurship programmes for local youth, many of whom could be employed in ongoing projects of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) in the region. “Upskilling our youth is critical for tapping local talent and linking them to opportunities arising from large-scale development projects,” he said.
Dr. Singh further called for intensified awareness campaigns about the Sansad Khel Spardha programme, which offers young sportspersons opportunities to compete at the national level. He directed officials to organize camps for on-the-spot enrolment of interested youth, saying sports could be a powerful tool for youth empowerment and social cohesion.
Deputy Commissioner Pawan Kumar Sharma presented a detailed report on the implementation of central schemes in the district. He informed the meeting that Kishtwar has achieved 100 percent targets under PMAY (Gramin), with ₹120.48 crore disbursed to farmers under PM-Kisan and ₹147.34 crore under the Kisan Credit Card scheme. Additionally, under the PM Surya Ghar rooftop solar programme, subsidies have been provided to 208 beneficiaries so far.
The meeting, attended by the Leader of the Opposition and MLA Padder-Nagseni Sunil Sharma, DDC members from Bonjwah, Nagseni, Drabshalla-A and Drabshalla-B, and NHPC officials, also reviewed ongoing projects and discussed measures to strengthen disaster preparedness and long-term resilience in the district.
Dr. Singh concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to holistic development and disaster recovery in Kishtwar, stressing that timely relief, modern infrastructure, and empowered communities are key to building a stronger and more resilient district.