*Takes stock of people’s grievances
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 29: Emphasizing the need for fast paced promotion of tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir, Advisor to Governor, Khurshid Ahmed Ganai asked the officers to optimally utilize the State’s natural scenic grandeur and other resources to increase tourist influx towards the State who throng here from the country and abroad to enjoy the ecstasies of adventure, leisure and religious tourism.
The Advisor said that it is endeavor of the administration to see that the tourism sector in the State receive focused attention of all stake holders so that this lucrative industry touch the new highs.
The Advisor said this while interacting with the delegation of All Hotels and Lodges Association during public grievances redressal camp under the aegis of JK Governor’s Grievance cell, here today. The delegation projected its various demands including revival of Jammu Festival, incentives of power tariff to the hotels in Jammu as well as in Kashmir on the pattern of industries, registration and renewal of the hotels under the single window system.
Referring to holding of Jammu Festival, the Advisor informed that this gala event would be organized in Jammu next month for which necessary instructions have already been issued to the concerned authorities for preparation of comprehensive action plan. “Holding of such events in the State would play a significant role in further boosting the tourism sector in the State besides promoting the cultural heritage of the region”, he added.
A delegation of Dacchan from Kishtwar projected the demand including reservation in appointments in Chenab Valley Power Projects for unemployed youth of project affected families and project affected areas of Pakka-Dul Hydroelectric Project, opening of degree college and ITI in Dacchan, early completion of up-gradation work of motorable road from Dangdhoru to Dacchan, up-gradation of primary health centre to Sub District Hospital, creation of Niabat in Janakpur/Panjdhara, opening of Public Health Centre in Sounder, development of Dacchan as a tourist destination and inclusion of danger zone areas of the Dam and left over houses in the R&R plan.
Another deputation from Bishnah demanded for the construction of road from Jung to Bishnah, up-gradation of power infrastructure and many others.
The inhabitants of village Panchari, Udhampur demanded establishment of Government Degree College at Panchari, allotment of residential plots and agriculture land to the displaced persons.
A deputation of all Jammu and Kashmir Polytechnic Academics Arrangements Association raised the issues of their regularization and absorption in the institution. While a delegation of in-service 10+2 lecturers raised the issues of pay protection and other related benefits to in-service lecturers appointed under SRO 202.
Another delegation of J&K ITI Employees United Front Jammu projected its issues including holding of regular DPC meetings, amendment in recruitment rules, filling up of vacant posts, separate directorate etc.
All J&K Maha Sabha delegation thanked the Administration for enhancement of OBC creamy layer limit from Rs 4.50 lakh to Rs 8.0 lakh. The deputation further demanded for settlement of OBC persons at Nagwani, displaced due to widening Jammu-Akhnoor road. All J&K BowriaBiradari demanded for inclusion of Bowria community in the state list of other social castes.
The resident of village Rethal from Rajouri projected the issue related to the compensation for damaged crops and land due to the construction of HT line.
Another deputation from Gadwal of Akhnoor demanded release of pending payments lying with the department of Rural Sanitation.
The residents of Pamposh Colony Janipur demanded for augmentation of drinking water supply in their area.
Many other delegations including Ex-Service Man Cooperative Consumer’s society from Udhampur, Home Guard Welfare Association, Skilled casual labourers and government employees of various departments raised their issues.
The Advisor gave a patient hearing to the demands and assured due consideration in a phased manner. He also passed on the spot directions with regard to various grievances projected by the delegations and individuals.