Minister of Finance, Culture and Labour & Employment, Dr Haseeb Drabu, Tuesday stressed on evolving a mechanism to judiciously spend funds available under centrally and state-sponsored schemes for infrastructure creation in Jammu and Kashmir which often lapse due to tardy execution of schemes."There is not going to be any dearth of funds, but we should be able to utilize the money judiciously. I feel there is a need of a mechanism for executing developmental works by taking all stakeholders, regardless of their political affiliations, into confidence so that the development of J&K doesn't suffer," Dr Drabu said.The Finance Minister made these remarks in south Kashmir's Drabgam and Lassipora areas on Monday after attending the District Development Board meeting in Pulwama which was chaired by Minister for Public Works, Abdul Rehman Veeri.
Dr Drabu said the state government has revived the process of development in Drabgam which has suffered over the years of strife. "J&K Bank has set up branches here, roads have been macadamised, six bridges have been built, it is not a favour from me, but your right which should have been granted to you earlier," he told the locals.The Minister said the public should not be made to suffer due to their political affiliations and there is a need of all inclusive development in Jammu and Kashmir.The Minister said he has released Rs 25 lakh from his Constituency Development Fund for development of Tahab School under 'Model School Scheme', the highest amount by any legislator of Jammu and Kashmir.
On the growing need of healthcare facilities in the area, Dr Drabu said the hospital in Drubgam will be upgraded on modern lines and a community hospital will be set up in Lassipora to cater to the residents of adjoining areas.The Minister said he has proposed a mega lift irrigation scheme for Drubgam during the DDB meeting, "This area doesn't need roads as much as it needs irrigation facilities. Keeping this in view, I have proposed construction of a lift irrigation scheme," he said.The meetings were attended by senior officials of civil and police administration.