Dialogue imperative but development can’t be ignored: Altaf Bukhari

Minister of Education Mohammad Altaf Bukhari addressing a workers convention at Srinagar on Thursday.
Minister of Education Mohammad Altaf Bukhari addressing a workers convention at Srinagar on Thursday.

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 2: Senior PDP leader and Minister for Education, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari today said that while dialogue and reconciliation is imperative, the development of the State especially Summer capital Srinagar cannot be ignored or neglected by the Government.
Bukhari was addressing a workers’ convention held at his private office in Sheikhbagh this afternoon.
The Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir is faced with many challenges but the Government headed by  Mehbooba Mufti is working on series of socio-economic reformative measures to empower the people of the State.
Bukhari assured the convention that the agenda of development and good governance is being implemented in letter and spirit by the present Government.
“Yes I share your concern that a major section of people in Kashmir is distressed because of limited employment opportunities in the Government sector and business activity that has been marred by sustained phases of tepid industrial growth coupled with the law and order issues,” he said in response to the demands put forth by the workers.
The Minister, however, added that the present Government’s focus is on how to reduce an over-reliance on Central funds and a deferred liability practice in Government accounting that can benefit the people of the State in different developmental activities.
Lauding the efforts of the party workers for braving all odds and staying firmly with the idea and principles of the PDP, he said “our collective efforts have succeeded in stabilising the situation, and there is a lot that needs to be done to restore the dignity and livelihood of a common man”.
“I assure this convention that there will be an equitable development across all areas in my constituency. Be it macadamization of roads, drainage, electricity, ration or drinking water supply.  Some of major works have been already completed in different Municipal wards of Amirakadal and some works are in progress,” Bukhari remarked.
He said that the present dispensation in J&K is committed for development and welfare of its people living across the nook and corners of the State and it would ensure that no injustice or discrimination is done with any region in this regard.
The Minister for Education observed that PDP wants to see the Srinagar city as one of the best cities in the world. He said the priority for the Government is that all the developmental projects undertaken in this regard must meet their deadlines.