CM Omar Abdullah Boosts Kathua Infrastructure with Projects Worth ₹11.58 Crore
KATHUA | January 07, 2026:- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah spearheaded a major developmental push in Kathua today, inaugurating and laying foundation stones for projects valued at ₹11.58 crore. During a comprehensive District Review Meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, the Chief Minister dedicated several key facilities designed to bolster rural entrepreneurship and infrastructure.
Significant among these were the Bamboo Crafts Common Facility Centre at Sallan and an Agarbatti Common Facility Centre at Billawar, alongside the Kathua Kriti Showroom, all aimed at providing vital marketing and production support for local artisans and self-help groups.
Additionally, the Chief Minister underscored his commitment to the primary sector by inaugurating a ₹3.88 crore poultry and hatchery unit under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and addressing educational needs by laying the foundation for new classrooms at Government Higher Secondary School, Kathera.
The review meeting, attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary and various cabinet ministers, focused on accelerating the district’s physical and financial performance. Chief Minister Abdullah issued strict directives to ensure the time-bound execution of ongoing projects, with a specific emphasis on the quality of PMGSY and NABARD-funded roads.
He highlighted the need for robust drainage and slope protection to ensure all-weather connectivity. The Deputy Chief Minister also confirmed that the long-awaited Juthana Bridge is nearing completion.
Addressing social welfare and employment, the Chief Minister called for the effective implementation of Mission YUVA and the expansion of e-Shram coverage, ensuring that development reaches the most remote areas of the district.In a dialogue with local MLAs and elected representatives, the Chief Minister addressed critical regional concerns including staff shortages in healthcare, the “monkey menace,” and the absorption of local youth into industrial units.
Minister Sakina Itoo specifically directed the rationalization of teaching staff and the filling of vacant gynaecologist positions to improve essential services. A notable highlight was the appreciation expressed by local representatives for the newly sanctioned MRI machine at GMC Kathua.
Concluding the session, Chief Minister Abdullah commended the district administration’s resilience during recent floods and urged a final push to achieve full Capex expenditure, ensuring that every rupee translates into high-quality assets for the people of Kathua.