Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Abdul Haq Thursday termed rural- urban migration a challenge for the government and said the trend needs to be checked and reversed.Speaking on the inaugural function of the 10th “SARAS Mela”, Khan said migration of people from rural to urban areas is presenting as a challenge to the government as increased inflow into a city takes a toll on its environment and also on health of the people.Khan said the Mission ‘’My Village My World’’ (Gaon, Jahan Hamara) launched by Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj will help in reversing this trend of rural to urban migration.He said main focus of the mission is to have a planned Development of the villages. “Through this mission we will ensure cleanliness and conservation of water bodies and the environment in the villages,” he said. Khan said the government has imposed a ban on the use of Polythene and added that through ’My Village My World’’ mission villages shall be made Polythene free.
Giving a brief about the functioning of the department, Khan said in the current fiscal year the department has taken up projects worth Rs 2000 crore under different schemes including MGNREGA, IWMP, IAY, Umeed, JKNRLM, 14th Financial Commission, RSETI and others. He said under these schemes the department will not only help generate employment but shall also help in developing infrastructure and accelerate the economic activity. The Minister said in the first year, 1.5 lakh High Density Fruit Plant (HDFP) saplings will be distributed to the orchardists. “All these HDFP will be produced in local indigenous nurseries,” he added. Khan further said that the department has planned to construct Community Facilitation Centres (CFC) in every assembly constituency.
Minister further said that his ministry has also cleared liability of about 400 crore left pending by the previous government.Regarding “SARAS Mela”, Khan said the Mela offers pan-India handicraft and handloom products to the people and is being hosted by Department of Rural Development. Abdul Haq said Self-Help Groups from 22 states of the country are visiting Kashmir to participate in the exhibition. “This Mela will help local artisans to interact with groups from various parts of the country,” he said.Minister said, he hoped that the Mela shall provide a good platform to the rural artisans of Kashmir to exhibit and promote their indigenously made products besides helping the sellers earn a good profit.He said events like these help boost the confidence of local artisans and craftsmen. Moreover it also helps them earn bulk orders besides direct sale of products.