Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma has called upon various communities to work for strengthening the bonds of communal harmony and mutual brotherhood, which he said is must for a prosperous and healthy society.The Minister was addressing the large gathering of devotees at village Baswah and Turgala on the occasion of annual congregations organized by the Bral Biradhari and Parihar Biradhari on Sunday.Member Parliament, Mr. Madan Lal Sharma, Vice Chairman, OBC Welfare Advisory Board, Mr. Kuldeep Raj were also present on the occasions.The Minister said that certain vested interests are trying to disintegrate the society in the name of religion and casteism, vitiating the peaceful atmosphere in some parts of the State. He asked the people to thwart the nefarious design of such elements and help in promoting peace and communal harmony, which is pre-requisite for the overall development of the State. He said democracy is the real strength of India where all communities have equal right to grow and contribute for the development of nation.
He appreciated the efforts of the Bral Biradhari for the upliftment of poor and needy. He asked the Members of the Biradhari to continue their efforts for the welfare and rehabilitation of the destitute.
Responding to the demands of people, the Minister assured that the work on construction of road from main Jammu-Poonch highway to Bua Dati shrine will be taken up soon. He said a large number of devotees throng the revered shrine and road facility is necessary. He also assured to upgrade other amenities in the shrine.The Minister also inspected the free Medical Camp organized by the health department in the premises of Bua Dati shrine.Earlier, the Minister inspected PHE Scheme, Thorni (Bal Sario) and directed the engineers to take immediate steps for its further augmentation to meet the increased drinking water needs. Interacting with the people at Turgala, he said the present capacity of the scheme will be increased from 10000 gallons to 20000 gallons. This will meet the requirements of the adjoining areas, also. To overcome the scarcity of drinking water in the area, seven new tube-wells have been established in Chowki Chowra belt. He asked the people to cooperate with the department for ensuring adequate supply of water. He also directed the ground level functionaries to maintain work culture and regulate the supply rationally to all areas.
The Minister also inspected the pace of progress of Emergency Hospital at Chowki Chowra and directed the engineers to speed up the pace and complete the project in the shortest possible time. He stressed for judicious use of funds and maintaining quality standards strictly as per the specifications.Mr. Madan Lal Sharma also addressed the gathering and highlighted the programmes and policies of the UPA Government at the Centre. He asked the people to avail benefits of various welfare schemes launched by the Central Government.
He said during the past five years, massive development has taken place in the rural and far-flung areas with special focus on upgradation of road network, education, social welfare and health.. He cautioned the people against the rumor mongers and asked them to defeat the designs of such elements which are weakening the strong democratic structure of the country. He made special mention about such elements which incite the sentiments of innocent people in the name of religion during the electioneering for their petty gains, which is dangerous for the society.The Minister and M.P also felicitated the executive Members and meritorious students of Bral Biradhari on the occasion.President of Bral Biradhari, Mr. Mangal Sharma also addressed the gathering and highlighted the initiatives taken by the management for the development of the shrine and facilities created for the devotees. He expressed his gratitude to the leaders for gracing the occasion.The Biradhari also honored the leaders by offering traditional Dogra Turban. Both the leaders also paid obeisance at the Temple of Bua Dati and sought her blessings.Sectoral Officers of various departments were also present on the occasions.