Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 13: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today convened a meeting via video conference with the Deputy Commissioners of Kishtwar, Ramban, Doda, Kathua, and Udhampur districts to finalize preparations for “Seva Saptah” and “Sansad Khel Mahotsav”, while also taking stock of ongoing relief and rehabilitation measures in flood-affected areas.
Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that the Sansad Khel Mahotsav will be organized as a three-tiered sports festival starting from Panchayat level, progressing to MLA constituency level, and culminating at the Parliamentary constituency level. He emphasized that the Mahotsav will not be a one-time event but a movement for talent identification and long-term sports development, aligned with the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025.
The Minister directed the DCs to ensure participation from all sections of society and rope in youth organizations like My Bharat, NSS, NCC, and sports associations. He highlighted the need to promote both indigenous and mainstream sports, citing the example of Silent Village in Udhampur, where children have excelled at national level in Judo and Karate. Such local talents, he suggested, should be made brand ambassadors of the movement.
Dr. Jitendra Singh further added that the Mahotsav should dovetail with the Fit India Movement, ensuring citizens participation at every level. He called for mission-mode preparation to make the event a grand success and a model for youth-driven community engagement across the country.
Outlining the activities for the upcoming Seva Saptah, Dr. Singh said that the fortnight-long programme beginning on 17th September will include public welfare drives, awareness campaigns, and last-mile service delivery initiatives.
He informed that on 17th September, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi will launch the Swasth Nari Shashakt Parivar Abhiyaan, and appealed to the administration to involve district hospitals, CHCs, PHCs, and health workers to ensure wide outreach.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also re-emphasized flagship initiatives such as the Swachhta Campaign, Vocal for Local, and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, directing officials to promote Swadeshi manufacturers and highlight the unique products of each district.
The Minister noted that the past few weeks have been challenging in the aftermath of incessant rains, floods, and cloudbursts across North India, including parts of Jammu & Kashmir. He lauded the administration for rising to the occasion but urged that timelines for developmental projects must not be compromised despite adverse conditions.
Dr. Jitendra Singh took a detailed review of relief and rehabilitation measures, including status of relief camps, medical facilities, restoration of road connectivity, and supply of essential commodities. He directed that special attention be given to vulnerable families, farmers, and school-going children during the recovery phase.
Reiterating his vision of people-centric governance, Dr. Singh stated: “The calamities may have disrupted life temporarily, but our resolve is to not let them disrupt the aspirations and developmental journey of the people. Relief and rehabilitation will go hand in hand with the implementation of already chalked-out plans.”
He instructed the Deputy Commissioners to submit district-wise progress reports regularly and ensure seamless coordination between Centre, UT Administration, and Panchayati Raj Institutions. He also called upon civil society and volunteers to actively support the government’s efforts in bringing relief to the affected communities.
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