SRINAGAR: Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, highlighted the remarkable progress of Baramulla district during her visit, commending its climb from 108th to 46th place in NITI Aayog’s Aspirational District Programme (ADP) Delta Ranking. The district achieved a composite score of 59.3 as of September 2024, reflecting significant development across key sectors.
During a review meeting, attended by Member Legislative Assembly Javed Hassan Beig, Deputy Commissioner Minga Sherpa, and officials from various departments, the Union Minister was briefed on Baramulla’s achievements. Notably, the education sector saw increased student enrolment, particularly among girls, reduced dropout rates, improved teacher training, upgraded infrastructure, and the introduction of digital learning through smart classrooms.
The Minister appreciated the district’s progress and urged health officials to research and address the causes of infant and maternal mortality. She called for targeted healthcare interventions to improve outcomes and directed the administration to promote food processing units for efficient utilisation of local apple production, reducing wastage and boosting farmers’ incomes.
She also emphasised accelerating developmental projects focusing on MSMEs, employment generation, and skill development, reaffirming the central government’s commitment to data-driven governance and holistic development in Aspirational Districts.
As part of her visit, the Minister inaugurated a hi-tech poly greenhouse at Chakloo, developed under the HADP scheme, benefiting a local farmer with a 95 per cent subsidy. At Government Medical College Baramulla, she inaugurated advanced Endo-Urological Equipment and a new Medical Registration Department, enhancing healthcare facilities.
Karandlaje distributed essential resources, including computers and smart boards, to Panchayati Raj Institutions and schools, supporting community development efforts. She also interacted with hospital attendants to gather feedback on healthcare services.
Deputy Commissioner Minga Sherpa provided a comprehensive overview of improvements under ADP indicators, including advancements in health and nutrition, agriculture, water resources, and infrastructure. These efforts, coupled with the effective implementation of initiatives like Poshan Abhiyan, have contributed to Baramulla’s impressive rise in the Delta Ranking.
Local MLA Javed Beigh raised issues of water scarcity and developmental challenges, seeking the Minister’s intervention for timely solutions. The visit underscored the government’s commitment to addressing local challenges and furthering development in Baramulla.
