Minister for Labour, Planning and Development Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today said that focussed attention is being paid at inclusive development of Jammu and Kashmir with thrust in infrastructure and upgradation of various facilities to enhance the quality of life of the people. Addressing a large public meeting after laying foundation stone of 26.70 meter bridge at Choi at Dhetryal village of March block, the Minister enumerated various initiatives taken in this regard and said the effort will continue with renewed vigour and determination.
The bridge will cost Rs 41.40 lakhs and the Minister exhorted the executing agency to ensure its completion within stipulated time frame. He said the facility will prove immensely beneficial for the farming community which had to otherwise take long routes to reach their holdings. Describing rural development main plank of the Omar Abdullah led government, the Minister said referred to the historic Panchayat elections and said the step aims at involving the people at grass roots level in the decision making. He said putting of Panchayats in place is a step towards this direction and hoped that the village community will get involved in the development effort in a big way.
Mr Sadhotra said empowering people has been a cherished agendaof National Conference which started as a mass movement under the sagacious stewardship of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah. He said the party is committing to satiate the political, developmental and economic aspirations of the people of all the three regions of Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh. “For achieving self reliance and inclusive development, the people must strengthen the hands of Mr Omar Abdullah”, he added.He said massive mandate to Mr Omar Abdullah will help in satiating politicalaspirations and developmental needs of the people.Urging people to remain vigilant against the disruptive forces, Mr Sadhotra said these forces were employing all deceptive tactics to create wedge between various segments of the society. He asked the people to maintain unity and alienate these elements in the larger interest of peace and harmony.Referring to the measures taken to give fillip to developmental initiatives, Mr Sadhotra said that a massive effort is underway to ensure inclusive development of the three regions with focus on remote and far-flung areas.Mr Sadhotra expected continued support of people in implementingdevelopmental agenda and assured that all necessary measures are being taken to meet developmental requirements of remote, far flung and border areas.