Highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs and Information Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali today said preserving cultural heritage is an important aspect for every citizen’s identity as it helps in shaping cultural future.The Minister made these remarks after starting off conservation and renovation work of Heritage Complex at Directorate of FCS&CA at Shaheed Gunj here.Addressing a huge gathering of FCS&CA employees, the Minister said cultural heritage is the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a society that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations. He emphasized on need to preserve cultural heritage, and said future generations respect those who protect their culture.Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali said a paradigm shift is must to preserve cultural heritage, and by renovating and converting its directorate building as “Heritage complex”, the FCS&CA is laying an example for others.Urging people from all walks to help the Government in conserving State heritage, the Minster said the endeavor of preserving cultural heritage should not be limited to intellectual elites only, but everyone including the less educated have to play a role in it.The Minister revealed the outer facelift of Heritage Complex will be done at an estimated cost of Rs 61 lakh and it will be ensured that the architect syncs with archaic architect of Valley.
Speaking about the various employees issues brought up by the Director FCS&CA earlier, the Minster said the Government is concerned for the welfare of its people and for those who are helping them in the process.Appreciating the services rendered by the employees during the turmoil last year, the Minister said the present dispensation is committed to address all the problems faced by FCS&CA employees who irrespective of the situation last year or during 2014 floods delivered their duties and ensured food grains reach every nook and corner of the State.The Minister lauded the Employee Union leaders for attributing the FCS&CA department. Zulfkar Ali expressed optimism that the employees would work with renewed zeal to take the Department to the new heights.The Minister also assured that issue of regularization of Departmental Football players would positively be considered and directed the concerned to formulate a proposal in this regard.Commissioner Secretary FCS&CA Shafiq Raina, Director FCS&CA Nissar Ahmad Wani, Joint Director Legal Metrology Department Kashmir, Amar Singh, Assistant Directors, Tehsil Supply Officers and other concerned officers were present in the gathering.