Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 17: Minister for Social Welfare, Forest, Ecology and Environment, Bali Bhagat today said that the Government is committed to provide equal opportunities to the people of all three regions and welfare of weaker sections of the society is the priority of the Government.
This was stated by the Minister after distributing cheques amounting to Rs. 1.32 crore under various welfare schemes among the beneficiaries at a function organized by the J&K State SC/ST & BC Dev. Corporation at Panchayat Ghaink (Sajwal) in block Bhalwal in Raipur-Domana, near here today.
Addressing an impressive gathering, Bali Bhagat said that the State and Central Governments are fully aware of the problems of the people and all out efforts are being made to mitigate the same on priority. He said that the Government is keen to reach out to the people in every area to address their grievances.
Mr. Bhagat informed that the corporation under its Direct Financing Schemes in collaboration with National Level Corporations has disbursed loans to the tune of Rs. 67.03 crore among 4558 beneficiaries to establish the income generating units under transport, agriculture, business and handicraft sectors etc and also set up 27850 units under Bank Tie-up scheme with the involvement of subsidy amounting to Rs. 15.49 crore and banks loan of Rs. 57.43 crore so far.
He called upon the Managing Director of the Corporation to give wide publicity to the welfare schemes available for the targeted group and cover each areas of the State. He underscored the importance of various welfare programmes aimed at to bring a change in the living conditions of poor and needy.
Y. P. Suman, Managing Director of the Corporation, while highlighting the schemes/programmes of the corporation informed that the corporation is working as state channelizing agency for the six National Level Corporations of the Government of India and working for the upliftment of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes, Notified National Minorities, Safai Karamcharis and Handicapped categories in the State and also implementing welfare schemes in collaboration with the Banks.
Meanwhile, Mr Bali dedicated two fountain parks at lower and upper Roop Nagar to the people, developed by the Jammu Municipal Corporation at a cost of Rs. 12.50 lakh each.
While speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that need of the hour was to sensitize the new generation about the importance of environment, adding that saving environment and protection of forests and wildlife has been prioritized by the present Government. The development of the parks is also a step in this direction.
The Mohalla Welfare Committee, Roopnagar put forth various demands including sanction for special connection of water for the maintenance of parks and fountain, engagement of Mali, installation of lights for EWS Colony, repair of lights, engagement of Safai Karamcharis, engagement of permanent forest guard for Roopnagar Janipur Forest, etc.
The Minister assured that all their genuine demands would be addressed in a phased manner.
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