Minister for Revenue, Haj & Auqaf and Parliamentary Affairs, Abdul Rehman Veeri today inaugurated various projects executed by Auqaf Department in Rajouri, here today.MLA Rajouri, Ch. Qamar Hussain, ADDC Rajouri A S Chib, Regional Director, Survey and Land Records Showkat Qazmi, Additional SP Mohammad Yusuf, ACR Rajouri, Qayoom Mir, Special Officer Auqaf, Raj Mohammad, Administrator Auqaf Rajouri, Abdul Qayoom Dar and other concerned officers were also present on the occasion.On the second day of his visit to Rajouri district, the Minister inaugurated Shopping Complex at Old City constructed at the cost of Rs 68 lakh. He inspected the shops, other units at the complex and directed the concerned for initiating the auction process so that the assets can be utilized properly.Veeri also visited Jama Masjid in Rajouri city to inaugurate newly constructed Islamic Research Centre and Toilet Complex built at the cost of Rs 60 lakh. The Minister then inaugurated the office of the Administrator Auqaf and residence of Imam Sahib of Jama Masjid. This building has been completed at the cost of Rs 30 lakh.The Minister congratulated the people of Rajouri and Auqaf Department for these newly created properties and asked for their proper and timely maintenance.Later, the Minister participated in a function organized by Auqaf department which was attended by intellectuals, Ullemas and large number of local people.On the occasion, various speakers thanked the Minister for dedicating these assets to the people and raised many concerns and demands including conducting a survey to identify Auqaf land/properties encroached by the people in the state and to adopt a mechanism to protect them, constitution of Madrassa Board on the pattern of other states, enhancing salaries of Ullemas and other issues pertaining to the welfare of the beneficiary community.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister appreciated the efforts of Auqaf Islamia Rajouri for creating durable assets for the benefit of the people.He said that Administrator Auqaf is doing tremendous job in the district and has also developed various facilities for the visiting devotees at Shahdara Shareif Shrine. 'The department has no doubt created properties and assets everywhere in the state but there is dire need of adopting a mechanism to protect them', he added.Terming the role of intellectuals important for making people realize their responsibilities towards the society, the Minister said that people respect the teachings and advice of intellectuals and they should go on spreading message of peace and harmony among all.Veeri exhorted upon all to contribute in ensuring education to every child in the society. “Our efforts in this regard will surely go a long way in making our state and nation strong”, the Minister said.Regarding governments endeavor to bring Rajouri and Poonch on the path of development, the Minister said that the government is trying hard to provide all basic amenities to the people living in these hilly districts. He said that proposed tunnel on Mughal Road is the necessity of the time and this project once completed will provide all weather alternate road connectivity to both the divisions.The Minister said that former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Syed had special attachment with the people of Poonch and Rajouri and wanted to see development here under every sector.
The present government is carrying forward his mission of bringing development in this region, he added.On the occasion, the Minister also released 2 books authored by Prof. Dr Mohammad Bashir Magray namely ‘Shahen-e-Shah-e-Jabbal’ based on life, times and contribution of Baaba Ghulam Shah Badshah (R.A) and ‘Systematic Geography of J&K State’.Veeri congratulated Prof. Magray for authoring these books and said that through his book, people will come to know about life and contribution of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah. He further said that his book on geography will surely help the scholars/students studying states geography.Responding to the issues raised by the people, the Minister assured that the government will look into the issue of creation of Madrasa Board in the state and action will be taken accordingly. He said that instructions have been issued to Auqaf department to update the land/property record so that steps can be taken to protect and save them from getting encroached. He assured the gathering that all their other genuine concerns will also be looked into.MLA Rajouri, Ch Qamar Hussain thanked the Minister for showing concern to the demands of the people of Rajouri and said that government under the leadership of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is working on the agenda of development which is being witnessed by everyone on the ground.