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| Vohra outlines coalition’s priorities | | |
Early Times Report
JAMMU, FEB 25: The Governor NN Vohra’s address to the joint sitting of the legislature, which could not be read out due to Opposition protest, outlined the priorities of the Omar Abdullah government as he said that the overwhelming public faith shown in the democratic system during elections has placed greater responsibility upon the elected representatives.
In his address, the copy of which was later laid on the table of the House, the Governor termed the recently-held elections free and fair and said it was an occasion for immense satisfaction for him personally since he had taken over the reins of the State in trying and turbulent circumstances. He also complimented the security forces for creating a safe and stable security environment for the elections, which were conducted without any major incidence of violence.
The Governor said that problem of militancy has been overcome to a great extent which is reflected in the decreasing trend in the violent incidents. He, however, said, we have not to become complacent and have to maintain constant vigil and alertness while ensuring that the fundamental rights and civil liberties guaranteed to our citizens by our Constitution are respected and maintained.
Vohra said that it would be the endeavour of the Government to address the renewed assertion of the people of the State for development and better governance. He said the three regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are interdependent components of one organic whole and the only way for the State to progress is for the three regions to grow in a spirit of mutual cooperation and co-existence.
The Governor expressed confidence that the new Government led by Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah will proceed determinedly to achieve the objective of making J&K a prosperous State. He said it shall be the endeavour of the new Government to create a conducive atmosphere for attracting private investment in the industrial and tourism sectors for creation of employment for the youth of the State. He said that a new prestigious Silk Development Institute shall be established for imparting intensive skills to school dropouts and unemployed youth in ITIs and upcoming polytechnics in 18 uncovered districts.
On the issues of bijli, sadak and paani, Mr. Vohra described power as the most critical factor in the development process. He said the Government has taken a fresh look at the power scenario and decided to adopt a multi-pronged approach for harnessing the available hydel potential of the State within the shortest possible time. He said the State Government shall pursue with the Central Government the implementation of the Rangarajan Committee recommendation for transferring 390 MW capacity Dul Hasti Power Project to the State, adding that four new power projects with 2,080 MW capacity are proposed at Ganderbal, Baglihar, Parnai and Rattle.
The Governor said that the Government is committed to provide potable water to all 12,015 habitations of the State under Bharat Nirman Programme. So far, 8,626 habitations have been covered under the programme, he said, adding that for provision of safe drinking water to the capital cities, projects worth crores are in progress under JNNURM.
Maintaining that communication network was imperative for socio-economic development of the State, the Governor said the Government will make optimum use of the funds available under various Central and State sector schemes to provide connectivity to every habitat. He said that presently 1,463 major and minor road projects costing Rs. 2414.50 crore are under execution across the State, while as under PMGSY, 885 schemes of 4,773 km length involving Rs. 2222.63 crore have been sanctioned by the Centre.
Mr. Vohra also mentioned the landing of the first international flight from Dubai to Srinagar International Airport on February 14 as well as the extension of Anantnag-Mazhom rail link to Baramulla the same day, which, he said was a long cherished dream in the Valley. He said the Centre would be requested to extend the Jammu-Qazigund rail link up to Kupwara to harness the full economic potential of this backward area.
The Governor said that highest priority is being given to women empowerment in all fields and steps are being taken to provide reservation for women in various elected bodies.
Referring to strengthening of Panchayati Raj institutions, the Governor said the Government is committed to conduct Panchayat elections so that people at the grassroots level are directly involved in decision-making process. He said that National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), Integrated Watershed Development Programme (IWDP), Drought-Prone Area Programme (DPAP) and Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) having direct impact on rural economy would be implemented with a new thrust and in a transparent manner.
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