Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Sept 23: Union Minister of Heavy Industries, Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey today said that the present dispensation of Jammu and Kashmir UT under Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha has taken new initiatives to attract investors, along with supporting efforts of Central Government which will not only limit J&K UT to becoming self-sufficient but also a big export hub of the region in coming years.
The Union Minister said this while addressing a public as part of the ongoing public outreach programme at Sodhi Resorts, Barnoti in Kathua.
He pinned hope that Kathua district, due to its existing congenial infrastructure along with topographical advantage, will come up as a big industrial growth centre of Jammu & Kashmir.
The Minister virtually inaugurated five projects executed with an estimated cost of Rs 25.59 Cr comprising of two PWD and one PMGSY road, one Drug Ware House of Health Department besides a Common Facility Centre of SIDCO Industrial Complex Ghatti. He also laid foundation of two upgraded Water Supply Schemes of Jal Shakti Department to be completed at an estimated cost of Rs 1.96 Cr.
The Minister also handed over five tractors to the beneficiaries who have availed Rs two lakh subsidy under Farm Mechanisation scheme of Agriculture Department. He also handed over nineteen Maize Thrashers to Panchayat Heads of different blocks of the district.
Dr Pandey also gave away sanction letter to the beneficiary of SMAM scheme of Horticulture Department under which farmer procure Multiple Agriculture Tools/ Implements to establish Farm Machinery Bank.
The Minister also handed over passbooks to the parents of Laadli Beti scheme beneficiaries and track suits among Adolescent girls.
The Minister also gave away Rs 10.15 lakh Education Assistance Cheque to the wards of registered construction workers through Labour Department. He also handed over Death Assistance of Rs 2.05 lakh each to two next of kin of dead registered construction workers.
Dr Pandey also inspected stalls of different departments demonstrating products, schemes and other exhibits of different Government departments and of local industrial units.
Deputy Commissioner, Kathua Rahul Yadav presented District Profile of Kathua besides throwing light on the industrial and development scenario of the district.
DDC Chairperson, Mahan Singh expressed hope that more industrial complexes will be coming up in other parts of the district.
The Union Minster said the Central Government is keen to bring qualitative development in Jammu & Kashmir to ensure all round social upliftment of its people.
Referring the initiative of opening of twin AIIMS in Kashmir and Jammu, the Minister said that the opening of these institutions along with new Government Medical Colleges in the district will give huge fillip to the medical infrastructure besides saving time and money of the people who will get best medical facilities within Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the schemes like Mumkin are being launched under the hand holding efforts of the government to engage youth to avail self-employment opportunities.
“Kathua District housing big and small industrial units have immense scope of its extension which will pave the way for employment to locals” the Minister added.
Referring to the initiatives of opening Rs 500 cr Bio Technology Park project in Kathua, the Minister said that the Central Government will extend every possible help to nurture industries in Jammu and Kashmir so that the economic achievements of the UT attain new heights.
Earlier, during his visit to SIDCO Industrial Center in Ghatti, the Minister inspected the newly built assets developed on modern lines to attract industries in Jammu & Kashmir. The minister also planted a sapling in SIDCO office complex.
The Heavy Industries Minister also inspected Chenab Textile Mills unit in Kathua Industrial Area and took a brief account of its operations and working.
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