Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 25: Minister for Industries and Commerce, S S Slathia said that the Coalition Government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is committed to socio-economic empowerment of people of the State especially those living in hilly, remote and far-flung areas.
The Minister said this while addressing a public meeting at Chak Heera near Showkha in Vijaypur Constituency. He was accompanied by senior officers of various departments.
The Minister also inaugurated newly completed lanes and drains at Chak Heera constructed at a cost of Rs. 8 lakh under BADP scheme Model village Abtal by Rural Development Department.
Mr Slathia reiterated the resolve of Government to develop the rural as well as urban infrastructure on modern lines as per requirements of the people. He said that better road connectivity, water and power supply, health, education are the top priority sectors of the Government and will continue to receive the focused attention.
On the occasion, Sarpanchs, Panchs and local people apprised the Minister of their grievances and demands which included provision for uninterrupted power supply, potable drinking water, road connectivity, better medicare and installation of transformers and regular supply of LPG gas to the area
Listing the development projects in the area, the Minister said that equitable development of all three regions of the State was the prime motto of the Coalition Government. He said that last three and half years have witnessed massive development activities which have changed the developmental profile of the State.
Regarding sanctioning of IAY houses and old age pensions, the Minister said that the names of beneficiaries would be recommended by local Panchayat Representatives (PRs) to ensure that no deserving person was left out.
The Minister assured the people that the Government is completely abreast with the hardships of the people particularly residing in rural and far-off areas and their legitimate demands and grievances would be given sympathetic consideration.
He appealed the people particularly public representatives to cooperate with the executive agencies for smooth and timely construction of all the ongoing prestigious projects being executed under various schemes in their respective areas.
Regarding power supply, the Minister said that several innovative measures have been taken by the PDD to cope up with the power crisis in rural belts. He said that Government is already providing power to the people of state on huge subsidy. He appealed the people to use power judiciously and cooperate with the department by getting their illegal connections regularized. He asked the officers to make frequent visits in their respective areas to reduce power thefts and hooking which is a major cause of power pilferage.
District Development Commissioner Samba Mubarak Singh, SSP, Israr Khan, senior officers of various department, sarpanchs, panchs and prominent citizens were also present on the occasion.
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