Maintaining that development should not be dependent on doles, the Minister for Finance, Labour and Employment Dr Haseeb Drabu today said that stakeholders should also be involved in planning, to make development process broad-based and result-oriented.The Minister was addressing officers during a state level sensitization workshop on Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) organized by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) at SKICC here today.The workshop was attended by Commissioner Secretaries of Finance, R&B, Health and Medical Education, Agriculture, Chief General Manager NABARD and other senior officers.Dr Drabu while calling for inclusive development maintained that the role of stakeholders should be increased which is imperative for the sustainable development of the state. “Special care should be taken for increasing the role of the stakeholders in the schemes of the NABARD so that these are effectively implemented within the shortest possible time”, he maintained.Expressing concern over the under utilization of NABARD funds during 2013-14, the Minister said it is a matter grave concern that the funds meant for developmental activities have not been utilized properly and the matter needs to be investigated. He said we have to do away with these tendencies and ensure proper and timely utilization of money meant for accelerating the development of the state especially the far-flung and rural areas.
Dr Drabu asked the officers to give focused attention on horticultural and agricultural infrastructure as these form the backbone of the State economy. He said the concept of value chain and craft financing should also be undertaken in J&K.
The Minister also asked the NABARD to adopt two districts of the state, one each in both divisions, to undertake the gamut of activities so that they can be showcased as models of development undertaken by the Bank in Jammu and Kashmir. “These districts would be known as NABARD districts”, he added.The Minister for Agriculture Mr. G N Hanjura also spoke on the occasion and underscored the need for prioritizing horticulture and agriculture sectors by giving focused attention to these crucial sectors. He said that these sectors are vital for the state and therefore there is pressing need for giving due importance to these sectors. He said that they are imperative for making the economy of the state viable and vibrant.
Chief General Manager NABARD gave a brief over view of the functioning and activities undertaken by the Bank in Jammu and Kashmir State.