Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, today met several public delegations from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir and patiently heard their grievances and developmental concerns, reaffirming the government's commitment to responsive, transparent and people-centric governance.
A core group of the Brick & Tile Factory Industrial Estate, Pampore, led a delegation of 118 lessees and apprised the Minister of the prolonged delay in the handing over of possession of industrial land. The delegation informed the Minister that despite completing the required formalities, the matter has remained unresolved for nearly four years, causing immense hardship to entrepreneurs and adversely affecting industrial growth and employment generation in the region.
Giving a patient hearing to the delegation, Satish Sharma assured the members that the issue would be taken up at the highest level and that every possible effort would be made to settle the issue. He said that the government is committed to promoting entrepreneurship, creating employment opportunities and ensuring that genuine investors and industrial stakeholders are not made to suffer because of procedural delays.
The Minister observed that industrial development plays a crucial role in strengthening the economy of Jammu and Kashmir and emphasized that genuine concerns of entrepreneurs deserve timely attention. He assured the delegation that the government would work in close coordination with the concerned departments to facilitate an expeditious settlement of the issue within the framework of rules.
The Minister also met a delegation of the Fair Price Shop Association, which raised issues pertaining to the functioning of ration depots, timely release of commissions and other operational matters concerning the Public Distribution System. Satish Sharma assured the association that their genuine demands would be examined sympathetically and appropriate steps would be taken to further strengthen the delivery mechanism of essential commodities across the Union Territory.
A delegation of the Kerosene Dealers Association also called on the Minister and highlighted various issues affecting dealers and consumers. The Minister assured them that the concerns raised would be discussed with the concerned authorities to arrive at practical solutions in the larger public interest.
Representatives of the NYCs also met the Minister and submitted a memorandum regarding issues concerning their welfare and functioning. Satish Sharma assured them that the government remains committed to constructive engagement with youth and would examine their demands on merit.
Besides these, several other delegations and individuals from different districts of Jammu and Kashmir met the Minister and projected issues relating to public infrastructure, civic amenities, sports facilities, consumer affairs, road connectivity, drinking water, electricity and other developmental matters.
Interacting with the delegations, Satish Sharma reiterated that the Omar Abdullah-led Government is committed to ensuring responsive governance by maintaining direct engagement with the people. He said that public grievances are being addressed on priority and every effort is being made to ensure timely redressal through coordinated action among departments.
The Minister assured all the delegations that each issue brought to his notice would be taken up with the concerned departments for appropriate action. He reiterated that the government remains dedicated to safeguarding public welfare, promoting inclusive development and ensuring that the benefits of governance reach every section of society.