KATHUA, Oct 21: MLA Jasrota Rajiv Jasrotia laid the foundation stone of a 1.35-kilometre link road from Ratwana Padyari to Charpad in Block Dinga Amb, being constructed by the Public Works Department (PWD) at an estimated cost of Rs 2.40 crore. He also inaugurated other development facilities, including a link road, a cricket practice pitch and road blacktopping works, with the combined cost of the four projects amounting to Rs 4.66 crore.
The road from Ratwana Padyari to Charpad is expected to improve connectivity for residents of the adjoining areas and facilitate the movement of commuters. Jasrotia also inaugurated the link road from Logate Rameshwar Shop to Pheran Talab, constructed at a cost of Rs 10 lakh, while a net cricket practice pitch developed at a cost of Rs 15 lakh was inaugurated at Panchayat Chilkh West in Block Dinga Amb. In addition, blacktopping work on the road from Uttri to Sahar, involving an estimated expenditure of Rs 2.01 crore, was taken up to improve road conditions and provide smoother connectivity.
Addressing the gathering, Jasrotia emphasised that quality road infrastructure is essential for rural development, as it connects villages with markets, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and other public services. He said that people living in rural and far-flung areas deserve the same access to basic infrastructure as residents of urban centres.He stressed that development projects must be completed within stipulated timelines and according to prescribed quality standards. He also underlined the need for effective monitoring to ensure that public money is utilised transparently and that the intended benefits reach local residents.
Jasrotia said that road connectivity is particularly important for farmers, students, traders and working families, who depend on reliable transport facilities for their daily activities. He maintained that improving rural infrastructure should remain a continuous priority, with particular attention to areas where residents face difficulties due to inadequate roads and connectivity.
Speaking in the context of his role as a BJP legislator in the opposition in Jammu and Kashmir, Jasrotia stressed that development should remain above political considerations and that every region must receive fair attention in the allocation of public resources.He said that elected representatives have a responsibility to raise public concerns, question delays and deficiencies, and ensure that the administration remains accountable for commitments made to the people. He emphasised that constructive opposition means highlighting genuine public grievances, seeking answers from the government and advocating timely solutions rather than allowing essential development issues to be overlooked.
Jasrotia also called for close coordination between the concerned departments, local representatives and residents to identify infrastructure gaps and ensure that development works meet the actual requirements of the people. He said that accountability, transparency and quality execution must form the foundation of public works, particularly when substantial public funds are involved.
Highlighting the inauguration of the net cricket practice pitch at Panchayat Chilkh West, Jasrotia said that sports facilities can provide young people with opportunities to develop their talent, discipline and teamwork. He stressed the need to strengthen grassroots sports infrastructure so that aspiring players in rural areas can access facilities closer to their homes.He observed that investment in sports should complement efforts to improve education, employment opportunities and other avenues for youth development. Better facilities at the village level can encourage participation, nurture local talent and promote a healthy and constructive sporting culture.
Several local representatives and prominent residents were present on the occasion, including Logate Mandal President Surinder; Sarpanches Bodh Raj Syana, Sukhdev Singh DC, Kewal Singh and Roshan; Naib Sarpanch Sahar Vikas; and Panchayat representatives Sham Parsad, Bikram and Sudesh Rani.Others present included Munish, Ashwani, Jagdev Singh, Ram Paul, Anshu, Ranjeet Pathania, Monu, Bhagwan Dass and Omkar.The four development works, collectively valued at Rs 4.66 crore, cover road construction, connectivity improvements, blacktopping and sports infrastructure in Block Dinga Amb, addressing key local infrastructure needs in the Jasrota constituency.