Minister of State for Science & Technology, Information Technology and School Education Mr. Feroz Ahmad Khan inaugurated a 15 KW Solar Power Plant at District Hospital, Poonch.He was accompanied by MLA Poonch-Haveli Mr. Aijaz Ahmad Jan, District Development Commissioner, Poonch, SSP Poonch, CEO JAKEDA and other Officers of the Science & Technology Department.The Solar Power Plant has been commissioned at a cost of about Rs. 40 lakhs and will be utilised to keep functional emergency services of the hospital viz operation theatre, X-ray machine, testing laboratories etc for 6-8 hours during power cuts. The plant will also boost the power of Grid station of Hospital.Meanwhile, the Minister also presided over a Prize distribution function of Science Popularization at Degree College, Poonch and gave away prizes to the students showing outstanding performance in different fields. The Minister also handed over a cheque of Rs.5 lakhs to the Principal of the College for development and up-gradation of Science Laboratories of the College.In his address the Minister informed that Science & Technology Department will give financial support to the students in science related research activities. He said Information Technology Department will provide computers to the College for up-gradation of computer laboratories and shall render technical support also.
Later, the Minister chaired a meeting to review the functioning of School Education Department and progress achieved under the centrally sponsored schemes of RMSA and SSA. The Minister stressed on construction of the Girls toilet, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidayalaya and Drinking water facility in each school at the earliest.Feroz asked for establishing one fully equipped computer lab in centrally located High/Higher Secondary Schools of district Poonch with the sponsorship from Science & Technology Department with directions to the CEO to initiate the process at the earliest. He also directed CEO to initiate the process for setting up of solar power plants in schools having computer labs for their smooth functioning.The Minister along with Minister of State for Health, Mr Shabir Ahmad Khan also inaugurated 5 KW Solar Power Plant at CIC Manjakote, Rajouri, to facilitate the students.