Minister of State for Finance and Planning Ajay Nanda today said that government is laying a network of roads, bridges and foot paths to connect all villages of state. The Minister was addressing public gathering of Pouni Tehsil after launching up-gradation work of 6 km Pouni to Thorni road which would be completed at an estimated cost of Rs. 3.33 crore.The Minister said that up-gradation of Pouni-Thorni road would facilitate people of Tehsils Pouni as well as Akhnoor. He also said vigorous follow up was made for up-gradation this road after constructing bridge over it. Nanda also called for timely completion of various roads being executed by R&B and under PMGSY and instructed the concerned officers to conduct regular monitoring of the works besides making their vigorous follow up. The Minister while deliberating on road networks in the district said that major focus is being laid on connecting every left-out village with roads apart from widening and macadamization of existing roads. He said the upgraded road network would also help in expansion of tourism potential besides exploring trekking routes in hilly areas.Reiterating commitment of Prime Minister of India for providing smooth roads, round the clock power supply, water supply and other basic amenities to the people, the Minister called for coordinated efforts by all the concerned agencies for realizing the commitment.The Minister further said the state of Jammu and Kashmir would certainly run on the path of progress, economic development and enhancing standard of life in general and said it will also help to catalyze the potential of youth to emerge as good entrepreneurs.Meanwhile, local people also put forth their demands and development issues which include drinking water, construction of toilets, old age pensions, labor related schemes etc.