Minister of Finance Dr Haseeb A Drabu today said that Panchayat empowerment is the key to taking development to every nook and corner of the state.
The Minister was speaking after winding up the discussion on the Resolutions that “This House resolves to establishment Hill Development Council for Gool Gulab Garh on the analogy of Leh and Kargil Hill Development Councils and “separate Hill Development Council for Udhampur, Reasi and parts of Kathua district” moved by Mr. Ajaz Ahmad Khan and Mr. Ranbir Singh Pathania respectively in the House.The Minister said that strengthening of Panchayats would ensure the involvement of local population in development works. He said that Government will also make incremental increase in funds to different areas. He said that funds will be provided on the basis of criteria including area, population, level of backwardness etc. He said that this will ensure equitable distribution of resources.
Initiating the discussion Mr Ajaz Ahmad Khan said that Gool Gulabgarh areas are backward with no facilities. He said that creation of Hill Development Council will speed up development of these areas.Mr R S Pathania while supported the Resolution said that Udhampur is at the tail end of the development index in the state.Mr G M Saroori said that hilly areas like Chenab and Pir Panchal valley have only 20 per cent road connectivity. He said that there is no development in these areas and Hill Councils can help in this regard.Mr Jewan Lal demanded special provision for Hilly areas.The Members later withdrew the resolutions after assurance by the Finance Minister.