On the last leg of their two day visit to this border district, Union Minister of State for Steel, Faggan Singh Kulaste and Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Krishan Pal Gurjar today chaired Public meetings at Mankote and Dak Bungalow Poonch, respectively.During the largely attended public meetings, 'Balika Diwas' was also celebrated in which school going girls, women and nursing mother were given school bags , blankets and baby care kits.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.MOS Steel laid the foundation stone of Tehsil Complex at Mankote. In his address, on the occasion, MOS Steel 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.
He also shared his own experience about Panchayati Raj and highlighted the importance of Gram panchayats for development of rural areas.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 redress of the same. He assured that Government Girls Middle School Mankote would be upgraded to next level (High School level). He appreciated the courage of people living along the border belt.The Union Minister of State also gave away sanction letters for benefits under Individual welfare schemes to eligible beneficiaries. Meritorious Girls were felicitated with cash prizes.MOS Social Justice and Empowerment, Krishan Pal Gurjar inaugurated newly constructed Tourist Cafeteria at TRC Poonch. Public Outreach Program was also held at Dak Bunglow, where the Union Minister listened to the grievances 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. The benefits of various central schemes were also presented to the eligible beneficiaries.Several public delegations of the area also met the Ministers and projected string of demands.