Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 16: Mian Altaf Ahmad, Minister for Forests, called on N N Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan here this evening.
The Governor had a useful discussion with the Forest Minister regarding various important issues relating to environment and forests. They also discussed several other matters relating to the speedy economic development of the State.
Sham Lal Bhagat, Member of the State Legislative Council also called on Mr. Vohra and presented him a list of various development related issues pertaining to his area.
During his meeting with the Governor, Mr. Bhagat discussed issues relating to the functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions and their empowerment and urged that adequate security should be provided to the Sarpanchs and Panchs, particularly in the far-flung areas of the Jammu region.
Mr. Bhagat also raised reference to the need for establishment of a Degree College and Trauma Hospital at Assar, creation of water sports and adventure tourism facilities around the Baglihar Hydel Project Dam and bringing Shivgarh Dhar and other virgin scenic spots of Doda district on the tourism map.
Other demands projected by the MLC included establishment of a Vegetable and Fruit Mandi at Assar and launching of a special recruitment drive in the State Police for the youth of the area. He also underscored the need for taking all possible measures for ensuring against road accidents which take place on Batote-Kishtwar National Highway and various link roads in the area causing loss of life.
The Governor gave a patient hearing to Mr. Bhagat and wished him a very successful political career ahead.
Meanwhile, S. L. Bhat, Chairman, Public Service Commission, called on Mr. Vohra.
The Governor had an extensive discussion with the Chairman regarding the crucial importance of the PSC maintaining unimpeachable standards in its selection procedures as any compromise or subjectivity would lead to the functioning of public offices, departments and agencies being marred by the inadequate performance of functionaries who were not selected on merit. Needless to say, such a consequence would harm the interests of the State.
The Governor observed that he would be taking up with the Chief Minister the need for the Commission’s functioning being referred on a time bound basis.
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