Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh today rolled out the contours of comprehensive development plan envisaging series of initiatives to accelerate the state’s economic growth through creation of dependable infrastructure in core areas and employment generation in private as well as public sector.The Deputy Chief Minister was addressing a huge gathering of citizens after hoisting the national flag here at Mini Stadium Parade Ground- the venue for the main Independence Day function in Jammu region.In his 18 minute speech, the Deputy CM touched range of issues including targets set for achieving self-sufficiency in electricity generation, improvement of economic indicators through infrastructure development and steps in pipeline to deal with the increasing unemployment problem.Reiterating Govt’s resolve to promote the lucrative tourism industry, the Deputy CM said the thrust has been laid to develop every potential area as independent tourism destination. In this regard, he listed various steps taken by the government to promote tourism in the region, especially in the winter capital.
“Besides further developing already famous tourist spots of the region like Patnitop, the prestigious Tawi River Front development project, Development of Mubarak Mandi Royal complex into heritage site and Peerkho-Mohmaya Rope way project and likes are bound to add new dimensions to tourism industry in the region” he added.Listing the steps taken to generate employment in public sector, he said the state government has started the process of appointing 19,000 youth by raising 5 police Battalions. “Besides this, doctors and teachers would also be recruited to overcome the problem of staff shortage in health and education sectors”, he informed.“In my opinion, the major step taken for employability of educated youth is the thrust on skill development through a series of state and centrally sponsored programmes. This initiative is definitely going to make a lot of difference on employment front” the Deputy CM said.
Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Kavinder Gupta, Member Parliament, Jugal Kishore Sharma, Shamasher Singh Manhas, Legislators, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, IG Jammu, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, senior civil and Police officers, prominent citizens and a large number of people were present at the function.On development of infrastructure in core sectors, the Deputy CM said the state was on way to witness a path breaking improvement in the power scenario - the sector which has remained a major challenge for the subsequent governments. “I assure you that by 2019, every household in the state will get round-the-clock electricity” he asserted, while listing various power reforms introduced to upgrade the existing infrastructure and reduce T&D losses.The Deputy CM also mentioned steps taken for improvement of healthcare, education, civic amenities including water supply and housing.“The land has been identified for prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and several new institutions like Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) in the state” he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister also mentioned about law and order challenges faced by the state and reiterated the government’s resolve to foil all attempts by forces inimical to peace. “Our security forces have given a befitting reply to all the negative forces which are always in search of an opportunity to disrupt peaceful atmosphere in the state,” he said, adding the people of the state have also showed unrelenting resilience to fight back such forces. He said under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, India has achieved a new recognition worldwide and garnered much support to fight back the forces which are bent upon to harm the country’s sovereignty and integrity.Paying tribute to Indian freedom movement leaders including Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev Thapar and Ashfaqulla Khan, the Deputy CM said, “The nation can never forget the contribution of those brave souls who laid down their lives for the freedom of the country.” He said the contribution by every citizen towards safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of the nation will be the real tribute to the leaders of the freedom movement.Earlier, Dy CM took salute at an impressive march post comprising contingents of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indian Reserve Police (IRP), J&K Armed Police, Jammu & Kashmir Police (JKP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire & Emergency Services, Forest Protection Force, Homeguards, National Cadet Corps (NCC), Govt. Boys Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Sarwal, GHSS (Girls) Shastri Nagar, GHSS (Boys) Bahu Fort, GHSS (Girls) Gandhi Nagar, SRML Higher Secondary School Jammu, GHSS (Girls) Mubarak Mandi, Shiksha Niketan Jammu, MC Khalsa High School Chand Nagar, Govt Hari Singh Hr Sec School, GHSS (Boys) Gandhi Nagar, GHSS (Girls) Nowabad, GHSS (Boys) Bakshi Nagar, Govt Girls High School Janipur, Govt Boys High School Rajpura Mangotrian, RNPS Sainik Colony, SNS Vidyamandir Talab Tillo, Police Public School (Boys) Miran Sahib and J&K Police Public School.
The melodious tunes of patriotic songs played by J&K Armed Police Pipe Band, Girls Combined Flute Band and students of Shiksha Niketan Jeevan Nagar and Sainik School, Nagrota, filled the atmosphere with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm.The message of “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” was given by the students of GHSS (Girls) Canal Road through their scintillating performance in the form of musical skit, while the students of GHSS (Girls) Shastri Nagar, Sainik School nagrota and GHSS (Girls) Rehari ,through their cultural item highlighted the age old secular values of India. The artists of Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages filled the hearts of the audience with a pride feeling of belonging to the largest democracy and only secular country in the World.Later, the Deputy CM gave away memento to State Motor Garage Department and Parade Commander Sandeep Kumar Mehta.The contingent of CRPF and Police Public School, Miran Sahib were declared as the Best Marching contingents while as Sainik School bagged the honour of Best Band Contingent. The students of Govt Girls Hr Sec School, Mubarak Mandi were awarded for presenting best Cultural Item on the occasion of Independence Day.