Govt to make Municipal Committees autonomous: Finance Minister

* Members raise issues of public importance

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 24: Minister for Finance, Culture and Labour & Employment, Dr. Haseeb A. Drabu today said that the Government is planning to make Municipal Committees autonomous bodies.
The Minister was responding to some issues raised by various members during Zero Hour in Legislative Council.
He said that the Government wants to empower municipalities by making them autonomous. He added that separate funds would be given to them to make them independent and effective in carrying out various developmental works.
For constructing receiving stations under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) scheme, the Minister said that the Government is working on it by simplifying its norms.
Regarding demands of increase in legislator’s Constituency Development Fund, the Minister said that the Chief Minister has already said that she will look into it.
Several legislators raised other issues of public importance during the Zero Hour.
Vibodh Gupta sought details of number of FIRs registered in Poonch and Rajouri to tackle drug menace.
Gulam Nabi Monga drew the attention of Government towards malfunctioning of water filtration plant in Gingil, Uri and demanded early repair to make it functional.
Zaffar Iqbal Manhas demanded ban on the sale of liquor in the State, saying that the Government should adopt same yardstick on sale of liquor as used on cultivation of bung and sale of drugs.
Muzaffar Parray demanded early release of select list of teachers “Migrant” whose interviews were conducted last year.
Ramesh Arora demanded vacating Jammu University land from Army and relocation of Nagrota Sainik Colony. He also sought information related to half widows.
Ashok Khajuria demanded immediate lifting of rubbish from Nagrota Park in Ustad Mohallah Jammu.
Sham Lal Bhagat demanded early start of work on receiving stations sanctioned under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) in Doda, Kishtawar, Rambhan for the benefit of the people.
Showkat Ganai demanded regularization of Substitute Migrant Teachers on Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT) analogy.
Vikramaditya sought detailed information regarding number of awareness camps organized in schools and colleges regarding drug menace. He also sought details of drug de-addiction and counseling centers established in the State. While as,  Mr. Charanjeet Singh pleaded for  opening of  drug de-addiction centers at various places in the State.

Saif-ud- Din Bhat asked the Government to make sure that Municipal Committee of  Budgam is dumping wastes in notified land only. He also suggested that a member from village panchayat should be appointed to take care of water leakages of pipes.
Khursheed Alam demanded proper toilet arrangements at tourist spots and religious places for the convenience of visitors.
Yasir Reshi demanded conduct of inquiry with regard to irregularities in various recruitments.
Jughal Kishore demanded providing I-PADs to legislators and release of Travel and Dearness Allowance to them.
Dr. B A Shah (Veeri) demanded regularization  of employees working in various hospitals under Hospital Developmental Fund (HDF).
Yashpal Sharma demanded to ensure basic facilities in Tribal hostels established in the State.