Govt taking steps to promote religious places: Nanda

Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, May 28: The three- day long Baba Samthal Mela concluded at Panchayat Galiote of Panchari tehsil witnessing huge participation of devotees from across the Udhampur district.
Minister of State for Finance and Planning, Ajay Nanda was the chief guest at the   valedictory function.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said the Government was taking concrete steps to promote religious places as pilgrim tourist spots by creating necessary infrastructure. He said sustained development of Baba Samthal and other heritage spots of the district has been taken up to attract tourists. He further said that these sites owe huge potential for attracting tourists from across the country.
The Minister appealed to the public to ensure their overwhelming participation in the mega events which help in people to people contact and exchange of culture and ideas.
He assured the people   that   Samthal Devsthan would be developed a major pilgrim spot to attract the pilgrim tourists. He announced Rs 10 lakh out of his CDF for the development of the Devsthan.
Nanda also highlighted social security schemes launched by Centre for the welfare of general public.  He asked the common masses to avail maximum benefits of these schemes.
The three day Mela witnessed various cultural items  presented by the local artists as well as the school children.
Earlier, the Minister inaugurated 8000 gallon GSR provision water supply tank at village Kousal and Badhota.