Excelsior Correspondent
Kathua, Dec 14: Minister of State for Cooperatives, Finance and Planning, Dr Manohar Lal Sharma today inaugurated a tube-well at Bhagoche Chack in Hiranagar. The tube-well has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 1.10 crore and will benefit over 5000 souls of about half a dozen villages.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Manohar said that Government was committed to upgrade the basic amenities with special focus on mitigating the problems of Kandi belt. He added that massive development has taken place in Kandi areas with an objective to improve the infrastructural facilities in vital sectors. To overcome the scarcity of drinking water in the Kandi belt over 40 tube-wells have been set up during the past over four years years, the Minister informed.
Responding to the demands of the locals, the Minister said that a separate tube-well will be constructed at Gurha Beldaran to address the drinking water problem of the people of this village. He said Government was aware about the difficulties of the Kandi belt and a comprehensive programme has been devised to address these in a phased manner. He said MGNREGA which is a prestigious flagship programme of Central Government has become instrumental for the rural development with employment to the locals. He appealed the people to take maximum benefits of this important scheme for which adequate funds are available.
Dr Sharma announced two hand pumps and Rs 3 lakh for Bhaiya Panchayat for upgradation of basic amenities from his Constituency Development Fund.
Among those present on the occasion included, Sarpanchs, Panchs, sectoral officers of different departments and local people.