Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 10: Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, Union Railways Minister, called on N.N. Vohra, Governor, here at the Raj Bhavan today.
Mr. Prabhu informed the Governor about the envisaged time frame for the completion of the Jammu-Baramulla Railway project. He also spoke to the Governor about the plans drawn up by his Ministry to enlarge the Railway network all over the country in the coming years, working the participation of State Governments and Private Partnerships.
G. Mohan Kumar, Union Defence Secretary also called on Governor.
Besides discussions about issues relating to external security and border management, the Governor sought Mr. Kumar’s urgent interest in meeting the State Government’s long pending requests about the release of lands held by the Army in Gulmarg and Kurbathang and the requirements for the extension of the Jammu and Kargil airports.
The Defence Secretary agreed to review the various pending issues including the settlement of Firing Ranges for the Army and Air Force.
Meanwhile, Nayeema Ahmad Mehjoor, Chairperson, Jammu and Kashmir State Commission for Women, called on Governor.
The Governor and Ms. Mehjoor discussed wide ranging issues which would fall within the purview of the Commission and the need for time-bound initiatives being taken to advance women empowerment and safeguard their rights.
The Governor also expressed his concern about the deteriorating gender ratio in the state and called for well planned action being taken to very early repair the damage which has already been suffered.
A delegation of Kashmir Concern Foundation (KCF), led by Advocate A.R. Hanjura, called on Governor.
The delegation apprised the Governor about the long pending demand of the Voluntary Sector to be provided representation in various autonomous bodies, State Legislative Council, Rajya Sabha, Social Welfare Board, State Human Rights Commission, State Rehabilitation Council, Planning Board, Public Service Commission etc.
The Foundation also aspired for the Voluntary Sector’s partnership in the various Government schemes and programmes; release of grant in aid to voluntary organizations for orphanages, schools, blind homes, handicapped centres, old age homes etc. and constitution of State Commission for Child Rights Protection, Juvenile Boards and implementation of Integrated Child Protection Scheme in the State, among various other demands.
The Governor observed that the Foundation’s demands would be taken up with the Chief Minister.
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