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| rd RTC promises results: Azad | | Says frequency of bus service across LoC will increase | | JAMMU, APRIL 21
Articulating his firm belief in viability and effectiveness of dialogue to work out solution to issues, Chief Minister Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed optimism that 3rd roundtable on April 24 would be result-oriented. He said RTCs provide common platform to every shade of opinion from all over the state to put forth their views and discuss issues collectively.
He was addressing unprecedented public gatherings at Manjakote and Koteranka, far-off areas in Rajouri district, on Saturday.
Chief Minister said that opening of Poonch-Rawalakote road by UPA Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi in June last not only fulfilled the long-cherished desire of people but addressed humanitarian concerns as well enabling large number of divided families residing on either side of LoC to meet. “We have dismantled barriers between brothers and provided them ample opportunity to visit each other and spread message of love and goodwill”, he said and added that the frequency of bus service on Poonch-Rawalakote route would be increased in view of large number of intending visitors from either side.
Chief Minister said that a scheme has been formulated under which a corpus fund would be created to provide financial assistance to the next of kin of accident victims. Modalities are being formulated for this welfare fund.
Referring to Mughal road, Chief Minister said that there is no dearth of funds and the work on this road is being speeded up. He said with the construction of this road, entire area would open up for fast socio-economic development.
Mr. Azad said that the government is vigorously pursuing granting of ST status to Paharis and clarified that this will not be at the cost of Gujjars and Bakerwals. He said government is formulating Pahari sub-plan on the pattern of tribal sub-plan to address specific development needs of Paharis and token money of Rs. 25 lakh has been earmarked for the purpose during the current financial year. He said another Rs. 10 lakh have been kept apart for providing post-matric scholarship to Pahari students on the analogy of a similar scheme for ST, SC and OBC students. In addition, Rs. 10 lakh have also been earmarked for facilitating coaching of Pahari students for appearing in various national and state level competitive examinations including IAS and KAS.
He said pre-matric scholarship to the tune of Rs. 25 lakh were provided to 10,000 Pahari students during 2005-06 while as 30,000 such students were provided scholarship amounting to Rs. 75 lakh last year. He said Rs. 65 lakh have been made available to JDA for construction of Pahari hostel at Jammu having intake capacity of 100 students.
He said Pahari hostels at Rajouri and Poonch are being renovated and additional blocks constructed for which Rs. 50 lakh each are being made available. He said computer labs have also been made functional in both the hostels and required staff sanctioned. He said logistic facilities for Pahari Advisory Board have also been augmented.
ember Parliament Mr. Madan Lal Sharma listed the achievements of Mr. Azad in 17 months and said that these have made the real difference on development front. He said a new phase of socio-economic development has dawned in all areas of the state paving way for making Jammu and Kashmir a peaceful and prosperous state in the country. Vice Chairman Pahari Board Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan welcoming Mr. Azad at Manjakote enumerated programmes, policies and achievements of Chief Minister. He said state is witnessing massive infrastructure development across the state in all spheres of life the results of which are visible on ground. He also presented a charter of demands to Chief Minister and thanked him for visiting the area.
Minister of State for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Dr. Romesh Chander Sharma, MLC Mr. Lal Mohammad Sabir, senior congress leaders Mrs. Indu Pawar, Mr. Ravinder Sharma and Ch. Qamar Hussain and a large number of people were present.
At Koteranka public meeting, MLA Th. Puran Singh said that under visionary leadership of Mr. Azad state is sure to touch new heights of development and prosperity. He also dwelt on various development-oriented demands of the area.
MLC Mr. Ashok Sharma also spoke on the occasion. Senior political leaders, prominent citizens and a mammoth public gathering were present to listen to Mr. Azad who was accorded a rousing welcome at Manjakote and Koteranka. |
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