Stating that Jammu and Kashmir will usher in a new era of development, Union Minister of State, Arjun Ram Meghwal today said that central government is committed to ensure all-round progress of J&K.The Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation & Parliamentary Affairs, Arjun Ram Meghwal made these remarks today while addressing a public outreach programme at Basholi area of Kathua District.He said that the central government is committed to ensure all-round development of Jammu and Kashmir and the current visit of Union Ministers is part of the initiative to take efficient governance to the doorsteps of people.Addressing the huge gathering, Meghwal said that the dam-affected families of Basholi area, who have not yet received compensation will soon receive their compensation amount besides other entitled benefits will also be given to them.He said the demands put up by people like execution of 200 MW Solar Power Plant, Trauma Centre at Mahanpur, up-gradation of Girls High School at Basholi, adequate strength of teachers and doctors besides skill development centre for Pashmina Shawl and Basholi Paintings to promote this art will be looked into.
He also announced that 10 computers under CSR will also be provided to JNV Basholi.He also said that all-out efforts must be made to bring Basholi on the Tourist map by developing wayside amenities and exploring tourism potential around the famous Atal Setu Bridge.Panches, Sarpanches and BDC Chairpersons raised several demands which mainly pertained to road connectivity, district status to Basholi and involvement of local representatives in development process of the villages.Earlier, the Union Minister inaugurated a BDC Building at Pathiyara Panchayat of Basholi block, several road projects under PMGSY and laid foundation stone of Sports Stadium at Mara Patti of Mahanpur block through e-mode.The Union Minister also distributed State Marriage Assistance Scheme orders and LPG gas connections among the female beneficiaries and also participated in a plantation drive.District Development Commissioner O P Bhagat presented a brief profile of the District before the Union Minister and listed progress achieved so far under various schemes in the district. ADC Basholi, T R Thapa, SSP Kathua, Shridhar Patil and other concerned were also present on this occasion.