Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Nirmal Singh today said that government has initiated the necessary measures for undertaking inclusive and sustained development of the State on equitable basis.The Deputy Chief Minister was addressing a huge gathering after inaugurating Baisakhi Mela at Nach Ground Bilawar in Kathua district.Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries, Mr. Abdul Gani Kholi, MLA Bani, Vice Chairman J&K Kissan Board, Mr. Diljit Singh Chib and Deputy Commissioner, Kathua were also present.The Mela would showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region including Dogri folk songs, dances, devotional songs, pahari performance besides stalls have also been installed by different departments.Recalling the historical perspective of the mela, the Deputy Chief Minister said that it has been traditionally celebrated since times immemorial and is being attended by people of all walks of life irrespective of caste and creed. “Baisakhi has been harbinger of peace, prosperity and also serves as a strong binding festival for various sections of the society and it has contributed in making the social fabric of our country holistic and broad based”, he added.
Deputy Chief Minister said that the uniqueness of our country lies in its concept of Vasudeva Kutumbakam wherein every section of the society is treated equally and given equal opportunities without discriminating against any particular community. He said that we should go by this concept so that the country emerges as one of the leading world powers wherein every citizen contributes positively in national building.Referring to the various developmental initiatives being undertaken by the government, Dr. Singh said that developmental project works worth Rs 200 crore have been initiated in Bilawar constituency in different sectors like PDD, Housing, R&B, RDD, PHE and necessary instructions have already been issued for their timely completion. He said the work on the indoor stadium being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 4 crore would be started soon besides Bilawar, Bani and Basohli would be developed as tourist circuits so that tourism and related activities receive the needed fillip and economic profile of the area improves. Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries, Mr. Abdul Gani Kholi also spoke on the occasion and said that the government would ensure that the developmental activities are expedited so that rural and far-flung areas get all the basic amenities of modern living at par with the urban areas. He said several historical developmental programmes have already been initiated by the government.The Deputy Chief Minister also distributed prizes among the meritorious girls who have excelled in studies and sports under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padao initiative.