Minister of State for Education, Tourism and Horticulture, Priya Sethi today said the Government is making concerted efforts to give boost to tourism sector, which is the mainstay of State’s economy. She said several steps are underway for the upgradation of infrastructure at various tourist resorts according to the needs of the tourists.Addressing an impressive public meeting at Gool, the Minister assured that all important historical tourist sites in the area, especially Ghora Gali and Tata Pani will be appropriately developed and brought on the tourist map. She said these sites have huge tourism potential and authorities will undertake due exercise for their exploration.During her visit to historic Ghora Gali, an area having rare sculptures of Mahabharata era carved out of stones, she inspected the site and evinced keen interest in the antique valuables and said that every effort will be made to preserve the site as a cultural heritage. She said efforts will be made to link this historic site with road to make it accessible for the tourists.
While reviewing the functioning of the educational institutions in this hilly and remote area, the Minister called for maintaining punctuality of teachers and constant monitoring by the senior officers. She assured to overcome the paucity of staff and early filling of the vacant posts of teaching staff. She also assured to strengthen the infrastructural facilities in the schools.She also highlighted the educational importance of special children train ‘Waadi Ki Sair’ launched by Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti and said that the students now will be able to get chance of learning by practical experience after moving out of their four walls. This move certainly will add to their outlook and harmonious personality.Meanwhile, the Minister also distributed 38 regularization orders to ReT teachers including six of KGBV of Zone Gool who recently completed successfully five years of their service in different schools.
Responding to the issues of up-gradation of fruit nurseries at Sangaldan and Gool, the Minister disclosed that instructions have already been passed to the concerned for releasing funds for developing the same. District administration will be geared up for holding camps for promoting exotic fruits in the hilly belts, she said. She also emphasized for making optimum use of services of banks, JKEDI and other agencies for availing the benefits of various Central and State sponsored schemes by the locals. The Minister also mentioned about package of 500 crore given by central government and said that district Ramban shall definitely get its share for initiating tourism projects. Appreciating the proposed rail connectivity passing through Sangaldan areas, the Minister said it will promote tourism activity in Gool and Sangaldan and help boost rural economy and the village people can also exploit the potential of eco-tourism to generate income. SDM Gool, Mohammad Bashir Lone, Chief Education Officer Mohammad Shrief, ZEO Om Parkash, Chief Horticulture Officer L K Bali and other officers also accompanied the Minister. Locals presented charter of demands particularly the up-gradation of schools to the Minister.