Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 8: Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma today said that Government was committed to resolve the problems of Numberdars and Chowkidars, adding that they are the important basic village level functionaries who are assisting the administration in different social and administrative matters and contributing in the development of the State.
While interacting with the Numberdars and Chowkidars at Akhnoor, the Minister said that Government was aware about their problems and efforts will be made to address these in a phased manner. He said the proposal for enhancement of their remuneration and other facilities for their smooth functioning is under the active consideration of the Government and an appropriate decision is expected soon.
Member Parliament, Madan Lal Sharma was also present on the occasion.
Later, addressing a largely attended public meeting at Akhnoor, the Minister also highlighted the role of Sarpanchs/Panchs in the socio-economic development of the State. He said the PRIs are the real authorities responsible for ensuring development of rural areas according to local priorities and merits. He said Government will take more steps to fully empower the PRIs so that they are able to contribute better in the development process. He said the Central Government has already announced Rs. 10 lakh to be placed at the disposal of each Panchayat and shortly this provision will be implemented in the State as well.
He said with the recent visit of Congress Vice President and Member Parliament, Rahul Gandhi, the matter regarding further strengthening of Panchayats has received momentum and State Government will do whatever possible to strengthen the PRIs in the State. He asked them to concentrate on the development of their areas and fullfill the aspirations of the people who have voted them to power.
Listing the measures initiated for the development of Akhnoor constituency, the Minister said that 16 more tube-wells will be set up in the water scarcity areas and work on 19 Lift Irrigation Schemes (LISs) is afoot at different places. On completion, the water scarcity and irrigation facilities will get new boost. He said the sites for construction of half a dozen Check Dams have also been identified, which will help in improving the irrigation facilities and also raise the water table in the dry belt.
Madan Lal Sharma highlighted the programmes and policies of the UPA Government at the Centre and asked the people to avail benefits of these programmes. He said UPA Government is people friendly and has taken many landmark decisions for the welfare of poor and down trodden people. He said the decisions for passing the Food Security Bill and Land Use Bill are paramount among various welfare measures for the poor and the farmers. He asked the people to strengthen the UPA Government headed by Prime Minister, Dr.Manmohan Singh.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included, SDM, Akhnoor, GirishDayalam, Superintending Engineer Hydraulic, Rajiv Malhotra, prominent local leaders, Ram Saran Bhagat, Baldev Sharma, Subash Langer, Kamal Singh, Sarpanchs, Panchs and sectoral officers of various departments.
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