During a review meeting held at Vikas Bhawan in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand Government Cabinet Minister, the Honorable Shri Satpal Maharaj, conducted a thorough review of the work of all departments in the district. He sought detailed information on ongoing construction projects, tourism projects, and building construction works under the Panchayati Raj system, and issued clear and strict directives.
Minister Shri Maharaj inquired about the progress of the Chharchum Bridge from the Public Works Department, Askot, and discussed the proposed plan for the security post. He also sought information from the Public Works Department, Didihat, regarding the proposed trolley system in the district and instructed the Executive Engineer to select a site and commence work promptly. He also gave strict instructions to ensure that information signboards are mandatorily installed at all construction sites.
Instructing the Forest Department on the effective utilization of CAMPA funds, the Minister said that informative signboards should be installed in forest areas so that the general public can be informed about the area and remain vigilant.
During the review of the Tourism Department, Minister Shri Maharaj instructed that a detailed list of practical problems arising due to ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) laws in the construction and development of temples be provided, so that the matter can be raised with the central government to obtain appropriate concessions.
Instructing the Panchayati Raj Department to work with a long-term vision, the Minister said that Panchayat buildings should be constructed in such a way that they can be expanded in the future with additional resources and also serve as wedding halls and community centers. He laid special emphasis on equipping Panchayat buildings with high-tech facilities.
Minister Shri Maharaj instructed all officers to work with a sense of national duty and ensure effective dissemination of information about public welfare works. He said that the construction work being done today will benefit the public for generations, therefore, the work should be such that it provides permanent solutions to problems and the district continues to progress on the path of development.
Subsequently, senior BJP leader Shri Jagat Singh Khati paid a courtesy call on the Minister and apprised him of the major public problems of the area. The issue of the Amlaghat motor bridge construction was prominently raised during this meeting. The Minister immediately spoke to the Secretary of the Public Works Department, Shri Pankaj Pandey, over the phone and gave clear instructions to expedite the bridge construction and complete it soon. The minister said that the construction of the Amlaghat motor bridge will facilitate travel between Pithoragarh, Gangolihat, and Berinag, reduce travel distance, and directly benefit many villages in the Bhairangpatti region. This will promote education, health, trade, and tourism, and create employment opportunities for local youth.
The Honorable Minister also stated that the problems faced by daughters who marry and come to India from Nepal were discussed in detail. The minister said that the government is making serious efforts to resolve issues related to ration cards and other documents. Discussions have already been held with the Indian Ambassador on this matter. He said that the traditional “roti-beti” (bread and daughter) relationship between India and Nepal is a matter of great sensitivity for the government, and a permanent and practical solution will be found soon.
The Honorable Minister also informed that the government is considering relaxing the ₹25,000 limit on the amount of money that Nepalese citizens can carry from India. Work is also underway to facilitate the opening of bank accounts, issuance of ration cards, and rehabilitation for people coming from Nepal.
Finally, Cabinet Minister Shri Satpal Maharaj said that the state government is fully committed to the all-round development of border areas, expansion of public facilities, and social harmony, and all works related to public welfare will be completed on a priority basis.
The meeting was attended by District Magistrate Ashish Bhatgai, Chief Development Officer Dr. Deepak Saini, District Panchayat President Jitendra Prasad, Municipal Mayor Kalpana Devlal, District President BJP Girish Joshi, along with senior administrative officers and officials from various departments.
