Involve Panchs, Sarpanchs in Implementation of schemes: Sham

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 9 : Reaffirming coalition’s government resolve to empower the Sarpanchs and Panchs, Minister for Health, Horticulture and Floriculture, Sham Lal Sharma today said that devolution of powers for making panchayats effective unit of democracy at grass-root level is a conscious decision of the Government led by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah.
The Minister was addressing a public meeting at Nai Basti (Sungal) in Akhnoor block which was attended by the large number of people, local Sarpanchs and Panchs besides senior officers of various departments.
Mr. Sham also directed the officers to conduct tours to the far off places to physically monitor the status of works being under taken and also get the requisite feedback from the local representatives as well as the people of that area. He also asked them to involve the Panchs and Sarpanchs in the implementation of various schemes besides preparing the plans for that area.
Spelling out measures of the Government in socio-economic emancipation of the people, Mr. Sham said that over the past 3 years a number of reformative steps have been taken to ensure better living to underprivileged sections of the society. He said that people’s participation in all endeavours of the government has really helped the state to enter into new era of peace, progress and prosperity.
Responding to demand of staff at Government Middle School, Nai Basti, the Minister assured that the vacant posts will be filled up at the earliest. He said that Central Government has sanctioned Rs.4.70 crore project for development of Samaha village which will become an attractive tourist destination for domestic and foreign visitors.
Earlier, the Minister inspected the compact 10 hectare horticulture plantation at Nai Basti Akhnoor. He directed the officers of Horticulture and Floriculture to jointly organize a mega awareness programme to educate the farmers about the Government schemes and incentives under Modern Hub Horticulture Programme. He directed them to encourage maximum number of farmers towards these sectors to tap the potential in the area.
Later, the Minister visited the Government Sub District Hospital Akhnoor and enquired about the facilities being provided to the patients.