Singh urges Faster Kishtwar Infrastructure Projects

He encouraged further exploration of the world-class sapphire mines in Paddar, which could generate revenue and create employment opportunities for local youth. Singh chaired a meeting of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA), which included Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Kumar Shavan, local MLAs, Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) representatives, and district officers.

During the meeting, Singh urged the NHPCL to train local unskilled laborers, improving their employability through specialized skill development programs. He recommended that NHPCL undertake capacity-building initiatives to increase the employability of local workers for projects requiring specific skills and training.

The minister also reviewed key connectivity projects and called for the expedited construction of an airstrip under the UDAN scheme to improve accessibility in the region's challenging terrain. Addressing a meeting with BJP workers, Singh accused previous governments of neglecting Kishtwar, even halting ongoing projects such as the 850 MW Ratle hydroelectric power project.

He instructed that on-going hydropower projects be expedited, stating that once completed, these plants would generate approximately 8,000 MW of electricity. Singh mentioned that with this substantial power generation capacity, Kishtwar would become a major power hub in India and potentially the largest in northern India.

Singh praised the BJP leadership and its cadre, commending their relentless hard work and enthusiasm, especially in connecting with the people of Kishtwar under challenging circumstances. He congratulated the Kishtwar unit of BJP for its impressive performance during both Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

The minister acknowledged that the current generation is benefiting from the successes of the party due to the sacrifices and hard work of its previous three generations of leaders and workers. He emphasised the importance of collaboration between public representatives and departments like R&B to ensure the timely execution of projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and Jal Jeevan Mission.

To promote transparency, Singh directed the district administration to establish a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for sharing information with PRIs during field visits and incorporating their inputs for effective project implementation. He also stressed the need for dynamic monitoring of environmental clearances for infrastructure projects and urged the adoption of best practices to safeguard public health and the environment.

In addressing staff shortages in government departments, Singh proposed a uniform policy requiring civil servants, including teachers and doctors, to provide compensation if they leave their jobs without following proper procedures. He called for mass awareness campaigns to promote government schemes and highlighted the importance of encouraging sports through the Sansad Khelkud Spardha. Singh also emphasized the need to market local products, such as cumin seeds and saffron.