Union Minister of State for Steel, Faggan Singh Kulaste and Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Krishan Pal Gurjar today inaugurated public projects and listened to issues of locals at separate Public outreach camps, as they arrived on two day visit to this Border District.The MoS Steel laid foundation stone of Rural HAAT at Ajote. The upcoming facility would enable farmers to sell their agricultural produce like Maze, wheat and others directly to the traders.Later, the Union Minister listened to issues of locals at a largely attended Public outreach camp.District Development Commissioner (DDC) Poonch, Rahul Yadav; SSP, Ramesh Angral; MD Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), Aijaz Asad; Ex MLC Pardeep Sharma; ADDC Mohd Rashid Choudhary; ADC Malikzada Shahraj-ul-Haq; ASP Adil Hamid besides Councilors, Sarpanchs, Panchs and a large number of people attended the programme.Addressing the gathering, Faggan Singh Kulaste informed the public about various initiatives taken by the central government and Prime Minister for the development of J&K and its people. He mentioned about the increase in number of medical seats, besides introduction of flagship health scheme Ayushman Bharat for the poor, Housing scheme PMAY and scholarship for tribal people and other individual benefit schemes.Responding to local demands, the Minister said that all the issues raised by Sarpanchs of the area would be taken up with the concerned authorities, for early redressal.
He assured that Government High School Ajote would be upgraded to next level (Higher secondary level), while the demand for Women College and Community Health Center would also be taken up with the concerned authorities. He appreciated the courage and cooperation of the people living along the border belt in Poonch.Meanwhile, the Union Minister also gave away sanction letters for benefits under Individual welfare schemes to eligible beneficiaries. Financial assistance of Rs 41,780 each was provided to eligible girls under State Marriage Assistance Scheme. Later, Union MOS inaugurated newly constructed Indoor Sports Hall at Poonch. After the inauguration, Judo, Boxing and Table tennis competitions were held. Minister felicitated the winners of these competitions.Meanwhile, MOS Social Justice and Empowerment, Krishan Pal Gurjar toured tehsil Mandi of District Poonch, where he laid foundation stone for upgradation of 19.4 Km road from Mandi to Gagrian under PMGSY. He also inaugurated 100 bedded Gujjar & Bakerwal Girls Hostel at Banpat, constructed by R&B.A Public Outreach Program was also held in Mandi, where the union minister listened to the issues of local people.During the program, the Union Minister presented financial assistance of Rs. 41,780 each to 5 BPL girls under State Marriage Assistance Scheme, while pension sanction orders were given away to two physically challenged persons, two elderly persons, and 1 widow. Several public delegations of the area also met the Ministers and projected string of demands.