Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today said that the Central Government wants a new dawn of development and accountability in the functioning of government machinery in Jammu & Kashmir.He said this at the Public Outreach Programme and E-inauguration/foundation stone laying ceremony at Harwan block in Srinagar.Advisor to Lt Governor, Farooq Khan and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Chowdhary were also present on the occasion.The function was also attended by large number of people from different areas of Srinagar.In his opening remarks, the Union Minister said that the Center’s outreach programme provides an opportunity for people to raise their demands and seek their resolution. He said the huge gathering at today’s event reflects the interest of people in development of their place.“It is time for people to take benefit of development schemes. J&K should be part of developmental story of India. Our government wants people of J&K as first beneficiaries of any developmental programme,” he told the gathering.He added that central government is monitoring and ensuring that funds that are meant for developmental schemes reach to the grass root level.“Central governments were always releasing funds for J&K, but there was no accountability on the spending. They were going into the pockets of few people,” he said.
Regarding the Haj quota this year, Naqvi said they would try to accommodate all the Haj aspirants from Jammu & Kashmir.“More than 2 lakh Hajis go for Haj every year from India. We ensure all the facilities are available to the Hajis. To ensure transparency India is the first country to digitize details of journey of pilgrims,” he said.He also said that to encourage youth to take different job-oriented courses, skill development courses are being imparted for minority communities.Meanwhile, Naqvi in presence of Advisor Khan e-inaugurated the 5x44 meter trussed Girder Bridge over River Jehlum at Malroo which has been constructed at the cost of Rs 16.53 crore. He also e-inaugurated a mega 1223.69 sqm Forest Protection Force(FPF) office complex at Bemina which was constructed at a cost of Rs 6.62 crore.The Union Minister along with Advisor Khan also laid e-foundation of High School Building at Dara to be constructed at a cost of Rs 97.01 lacs.On the occasion Advisor Khan said that it is a golden opportunity for the people of J&K to raise their issues with the Union Ministers.“It will also help the Ministers to know the status of various schemes/programmes on ground,” he said.Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Chowdhary during his welcome address gave historical background of Harwan area.Later, Union Minister also toured the Dal Lake and interacted with members of boatmen community. He heard their demands and assured them Central Government is working on various fronts to promote tourism in Kashmir.