Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar laid foundation stone of new model village at Dagpora (Gadoora) in Ganderbal district here today. MLA, Hazratbal, Dr. Mustafa Kamal was present on the occasion. Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Officers of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, officers of district administration and other officers besides pubic representatives and large gathering of people were present on the occasion.Addressing a large gathering on the occasion, Mr. Sagar said that a golden era has begun since the Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah took over the reins of Jammu and Kashmir State. He said that the promises made by the government for setting up of model villages was aimed at providing basic facilities to the people at their doorsteps. He directed the authorities of Rural Development to complete the work on model village Dagpora (Gadoora) within nine months on which Rs 1.12 crore are being spent.Mr. Sagar said that the progress registered on development and welfare front is the contribution of Omar Abdullah government. He said crores of rupees were spent to construct roads, bridges besides colleges, schools hospitals and playfields. He said present government has made administration responsive, transparent and accountable before public.
The Minister said visible change has been registered by launching massive development projects in rural as well as urban areas across the State and developmental activities have been speeded up to ensure completion within stipulated time. He said by setting up of Panchayati Raj System the State public representatives have been empowered with 16 departments.Underscoring the importance of Article 370 the Minister said it acts as bridge between State and Central Governments and there is no question of its eradication. He said Article 370 in J&K State has a special status and identity for which National Conference will never compromise.Mr. Sagar cautioned the people about the vested interest of some political parties and asked them to play their efforts for strengthening of democratic setup in the State so that people living in Jammu and Kashmir can touch new heights of prosperity and development.Responding to the demands put forth by the people Mr. Sagar assured them that area focused attention will be given to the area for its further development. He asked people to take maximum benefits from the government schemes being implemented for the welfare and economic development. He urged upon youth to involve themselves in various employment generation schemes including SKWEPY, Himayat, Udaan besides other entrepreneurship schemes so that they are able to earn their livelihood with honour and dignity.
Recalling the contribution of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in promotion of education system and land to tiller like revolutionary steps, Sagar said several welfare schemes were launched for the development of the people of J&K.Mr Sagar said amicable solution can be derived from bilateral talks and not by use of force, whatsoever.Dr Mustafa Kamal in his address asked people to differentiate between right and wrong and go through the history of J&K and see the developmental graph registered by the National Conference for the welfare and development of the State. He said government under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah will usher era of peace, progress and development in the State.He urged upon the people to struggle against pisive forces and asked them to work for cementing the bonds of brotherhood between various communities. He expressed serious concern over the emergence of pisive forces and termed the tendency as bad omen for healthy and vibrant growth of democracy. Without naming any party, he exhorted the people to alienate, not only the inpiduals who carry out myopic politics based on hate and intolerance, but also the parties they belong to, at the strength of their vote.