"An informed society can be a tool for speedy development," Singh said at a function to mark National Panchayati Raj Day in Kathua district.
The Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office said Panchayati Raj institutions were vital for ensuring rural development and all stakeholders should work for capacity development and empowerment of rural masses.
He said several development projects like Keeriyan Gandyal Bridge, Biotechnology Park and Shahpur Kandi irrigation canal have been initiated inKathua for the benefit of the people especially living in Kandi and hilly areasof the district.
Decrying the "false and contrived" impression being
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created regarding the change of status of WPRs, Jammu and Kashmir Government had on Thursday made it clear that such reports are deliberately being circulated to destabilise the situation and hit the political and economic interests of the people.
"It seems an orchestrated and misleading campaign has been launched to create an impression that the Government is changing the status of the WPR and they are being provided domicile certificates," Minister for Education and state government spokesman Naeem Akhtar has said in a statement on Thursday.
"Issuance of Identity Certificates does in no way change the status of the West Pakistan Refugees and they continue to be non-state subjects," he said.
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Meanwhile, Jitendra Singh said thatequitable development of all the regions of the state tops the agenda of the government.
He was speaking during an event organised todistribute LPG connections among the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) in Udhampur.
The Minister also emphasised on the 'Give-it-up' campaign launched by the present government in which many people had voluntarily surrendered their cooking gas subsidies.
He said providing LPG connections to BPL households would ensure universal coverage in the country besides empowering women and protecting their health.
Regarding covering the left-out under PMUY, he said that PMUY Plus will ensure covering of all such people under the scheme.
Elaborating on the Holy Devika Rejuvenation Project, Singh said that the project is not only important from the environment viewpoint but the religious sentiments of the people of Udhampur are also associated it as the river is one of the most pious and is considered as the sister of the holy Ganges.
He directed the Deputy Commissioner to take necessary steps in this regard.