Regardless of political affiliations, everybody should contribute in development projects: Dr Jitendra

UDHAMPUR: “Regardless of political affiliations, everybody should contribute in accomplishing national level developmental projects”, said Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh here on Sunday.

Addressing a public meeting here, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the developmental projects brought by Prime Minister Narendra Modi do not belong to a particular leader or party, instead, they are for the benefit of the masses across all sections. After being felicitated for winning the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda Parliamentary constituency for a third time, he said, “Prime Minister Modi has followed a policy of making available what is required where, rising above vote banks”, adding that therefore, everyone should offer their suggestions and give inputs as to how these projects can be further improved and executed.If there is any substance in an input received , the administration will be instructed to make the necessary rectifications”, he said.

Dr Jitendra Singh appealed to the gathering that the developmental projects, including the Devika River Rejuvenation project, belong to every section of society and the benefits will reach everybody’s children.

Talking about the famous “Kaladi’ product of district Udhampur, the Union Minister informed that the milk-made consumable has already been identified for promotion under the One District One Product scheme of the government. Branding of kaldi is necessary to increase its acceptability and value”, he noted, urging the local Chamber of Commerce to play its part in this endeavour.

In the same vein, Dr Jitendra Singh pitched for harnessing the lavender, and informed the gathering that its cultivation has already commenced in Dudu-Basantgarh area of the district. “The Aroma Mission which began in Bhaderwah tehsil of district Doda has reached Udhampur”, he said, adding that start-ups born from the Purple and White Revolutions have emerged as the new avenues of self- employment and sources of sustainable livelihoods.

“Udhampur is home to numerous milk products which can be converted into brands in the New Industrial Estate coming up here”, the Minister suggested. He appealed both to the media and society to create awareness about lavender cultivation and milk products of the area. Underlining that the natural resources of Udhampur have not been fully explored, the Union Minister stated that these resources will add value to India’s economy as it rises.