*Manmohan announces Rs 710 cr package for rural road network
Sanjeev Pargal/ Fayaz Bukhari
KISHTWAR/SRINAGAR, June 25: A day after the terrorists struck in Srinagar killing eight Army soldiers and wounding 11 others in an ambush, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh declared today that the entire nation stands united against terrorism and wouldn’t tolerate it but expressed Government’s readiness to talk to anyone who shuns violence and made it clear that it would not succumb to terrorists efforts to destabilize the State.
Addressing a huge public gathering at Chougan Ground in Kishtwar town this morning after laying foundation stone for 850 mw Ratle Hydro Electric Power Project through remote control and later speaking to select reporters in Srinagar this evening, Dr Singh announced Rs 1629 crore worth Srinagar-Leh power transmission line, which would help provide power supply to Ladakh throughout the year and Rs 710 crore worth package for rural road network in the State under Prime Minister’s Grameen Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
Accompanied by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad, Governor NN Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Dr Singh also announced additional supply of 150 mw power to Jammu and Kashmir from Northern Grid to overcome the electricity shortage.
“I want to pay my tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives while fighting the terrorists. I would like to make it clear that the entire nation stands united against terrorism and will not allow their nefarious designs to succeed,” the Prime Minister said in his brief speech, read in Hindi with the use of a number of Urdu words.
Noting that security was a pre-requisite for growth, Dr Singh said the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir Governments would work together towards improving the situation in the State for fast and uniform development.
“Our analysis is that, security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has shown considerable improvement. Terrorist-related violence in 2012 had shown a sharp decline and was the lowest in last two decades,” he said.
Dr Singh said: “the Centre and the State Government have vowed to improve the security situation in the State to ensure fast, sustainable and uniform development in the State.”
“After several “difficult” years, collective efforts have resulted in putting Jammu and Kashmir on a faster pace of development,’’ he said but added that constant vigil was required to prevent attacks like the one that took place yesterday at Hyderpora killing eight Army soldiers and injuring 11 others.
“I am proud of what Army is doing for the service of nation,’’ he said.
Dr Singh expressed Government’s readiness to talk to anyone who shuns violence but made it clear that it would not succumb to terrorists efforts to destabilise the state.
“I have always said that those who shun violence, we are ready to talk to them,” he said in a brief interaction with select journalists.
The Prime Minister was replying to a question whether the Government was willing to consider holding talks with separatists Hurriyat Conference and others.
Dr Singh said yesterday’s terror attack in Srinagar that had claimed the lives of eight soldiers was “most unfortunate”.
However, he hastened to add that “this should not frighten leaders or our opponents to conclude that we will succumb to terrorists efforts to destabilise Jammu and Kashmir and our economy.
“I can only say that this is most reprehensible and cowardly act on the part of the terrorists.”
The Centre has often made clear its intentions for holding a dialogue with the separatists and other organisations, who have not taken to arms.
Moderate factions of Hurriyat Conference have always maintained that they would be ready to participate in any dialogue with the Centre but before that they would prefer some Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) like withdrawal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and repatriation of all Kashmiri prisoners lodged in various jails.
The Prime Minister virtually ruled out any plans for announcing a development package for the State now.
Asked about a package, Singh said whenever the Chief Minister comes to meet him about the problems of the State and if there was any change to be made or something new to be started, it was discussed.
“This visit was only for laying the foundation stone of 850 MW power project and to inaugurate the railway tunnel between Qazigund and Banihal and let the work continue further,” he said.
In view of the Uttarakhand tragedy, the Prime Minister stressed on the need for a national consensus on regulating religious tourism in the country with all stakeholders on board.
“These are long term things which should be looked at how we can regulate religious tourism, if at all it is possible considering the sentiments of the people, we should do that,” he said.
Replying to a question on regulating the pilgrimage to Amarnath shrine in south Kashmir in view of the Uttarakhand tragedy, Dr Singh said he did not have answers to these difficult questions as it required a broader national consensus.
“I cannot say today that I have the answers to these difficult problems. We must have a pattern of development, which is sustainable which respects the imperatives of the ecological consideration. It required a broad national consensus in which all stakeholders must take part,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the priority of the Government at the moment is the relief and rehabilitation work in the affected State.
“We have to deal first and foremost with rehabilitation of victims,” he added.
On the chopper crash in flood-hit Uttarakhand and its resultant loss of life, Dr Singh said it was a “very sad tragedy”.
“Our jawans are doing a brave job. They were taking a lot of risks also. They have lost their lives. I share the grief of the bereaved families and the entire nation is with them in this hour of grief,” he added.
He said the best tribute to the jawans would be to complete the mission in Uttarakhand.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister today announced Rs 710 crore for land acquistion for expansion and upgradation of rural roads network in the State.
He made the announcement after a meeting with the Council of Ministers of the State during which he reviewed the progress of various development projects, especially the Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Plan (PMRP) in Srinagar, the summer capital of the State.
“The Prime Minister has announced that an additional Rs 710 crore will be granted to the State for acquisition of land under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) for expansion and upgradation of rural road network,” an official statement said.
A senior official from the Rural Development Ministry had reviewed the implementation of PMGSY earlier this month.
The Prime Minister made the announcement at a high- level meeting here in which State Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made a comprehensive presentation.
The “good news is this that a note has already been prepared for grant of Rs 710 crores to the State under PMGSY for land acquisition,” Singh said adding the proposal would be receiving Union Cabinet’s nod soon.
The Prime Minister assured full support to the State for its holistic and inclusive development.
He said despite financial constraints the Union Government faces at present, he would use his influence to provide substantial plan to the State for the current fiscal.
However, “when it comes to financing Jammu and Kashmir, we do not count the financial constraints”, Dr Singh said.
The Prime Minister emphasized on upgrading the financial discipline saying better financial management would help the State to receive enhanced funds.
He also called for enhancing the agriculture growth saying he would use his office for providing more funds to the State under horticulture mission.
Dr Singh praised the power-point presentation made by Omar in the meeting.
He said the Chief Minister in his presentation has given a complete account of the achievements, problems and needs of the State to realize the ambition of providing better facilities to the people.
Dr Singh assured full support of the Union Government to the State for its holistic and inclusive development. He said despite financial constraints at the Union Government level prevailing at present, he would use his influence to provide substantial plan to the State for the current fiscal.
He said UPA Government notwithstanding the difficulty of financial constraints is extended full financial support to the State. “When it comes to financing Jammu and Kashmir we do not count the financial constraints”, he added.
The Prime Minister emphasized on upgrading the financial discipline and added that better financial management would help the State to receive enhanced funds. He also called for enhancing the agriculture growth and said that he would use his office for providing more funds to the State under horticulture mission.
Earlier, Omar, explaining the development contours and economic indicators of the State, underlined the need for political resolution of grievances and aspirations of pluralistic and diverse State like Jammu and Kashmir.
Omar also talked about resumption of sustained and meaningful dialogue with Pakistan expressing the hope that the new Prime Minister in the neighbouring country would create a conducive atmosphere for resumption of talks.
The Chief Minister also pitched for restoration of internal dialogue with diverse political opinion in an inclusive manner.
The Chief Minister stressed on making a start to the implementation process of the recommendations made by interlocutors group.
He also sought a comprehensive review of cross-Line of Control trade and travel and demanded early provision of full body scanners to be installed at Poonch and Uri besides easing trade restrictions.
Omar also advocated for early completion of demining of areas across LoC.
He also expressed satisfaction over the Rehabilitation Policy saying 422 cases have been sanctioned under this policy out of 1094 applications received.
The Chief Minister reiterated the demand for granting ST status to Pahari-speaking people, terming it as a long-pending demand.
Speaking on the security scenario, the Chief Minister said the coalition Government has lived up to its promises and expectations of people adding the positive atmospherics marked by hope, optimism, peace and harmony is rooting in the State.
Asking people of Jammu and Kashmir to participate more in the electoral process for a better future for the youth as they (the elections) reflect true aspirations and hopes, the Prime Minister said this included the elections at all levels. “Elections express the aspirations and hopes of the people in the true sense. I appeal to the people to participate in this process so that we can together ensure a better future for our younger generations,” he said.
Dr Singh said the policies of the Government for providing better future for the people of the State would be successful only when all economic and political processes are carried out in a democratic manner.
“Elections held at all levels are part of this process,” he added.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come in the wake of recent opposition by separatists to people’s participation in the elections due next year. A reference is also being drawn from Dr Singh’s remarks on holding Urban Local Bodies and second tier of Panchayat elections in the State.
While ULB elections have been delayed by more than three years, the second tier of Panchayat elections was also pending for a long time.
Both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the State are scheduled to be held next year.
The hardline Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani has already called for boycott of the elections.
In a significant announcement, Dr Singh said the Centre proposed Rs 1629 crore worth Srinagar-Leh power transmission line to provide electricity to Ladakh throughout the year.
He said the Centre will provide all help to the State in overcoming the electricity shortage and announced several steps in this direction, including additional 150 MW supply from the Northern Grid.
On the Rattle project, whose foundation stone Dr Singh and Mrs Gandhi laid today at Chougan ground in Kishtwar through remote control before addressing the public meeting, the Prime Minister said that it was awarded after tariff-based international competitive bidding and is an important milestone in exploring the State’s hydroelectric potential.
“The Rs 5,500 crore project has got all requisite sanctions and work on it has also begun,’’ he said.
“It is worth mentioning that Rs 262 crore environment management rehabilitation and resettlement project has commenced along with the power project,” the Prime Minister said and hoped that every efforts would be made to complete the project on scheduled deadline of February 2018.
Pointing that out after several “difficult years’’ (a reference to militancy in the State), Jammu and Kashmir has started march towards fast paced development, Manmohan Singh said the State would have to generate electricity as it has immense potential to keep pace with development.
Noting that Chenab, Jhelum and Sindhu rivers had given the State the potential of generating 14,000 MW Hydro Electric potential, the Prime Minister, however, pointed out that the State had been able to generate only 2500 MW.
“The Centre and the State Government are making efforts to exploit the remaining power potential. Though the power generation by Central generating stations in Jammu and Kashmir has reached 1664 MW, yet the State had been facing power shortage. To overcome this, I announce 150 MW power supply to the State from the Northern Grid.
“I am also happy to say that the State has started getting 89 MW electricity from two just completed Hydro Electric projects—Nimo Bazgo and Chutak (in Ladakh region) by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). I hope that Uri-II power project will also be ready for commissioning shortly,’’ Dr Singh said.
He said the NHPC has taken over 5 Industrial Training Institutes (it is) to make them better and would shortly be taking two more ITI as a part of its initiative to contribute in development of the State. The Power Grid Corporation will also set up an ITI at Kangan in Ganderbal district, he added.
Giving the progress report on Rs 37,000 crore worth Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Plan (PMRP) for Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Singh said work on 34 of the 67 projects and schemes under this plan have been completed.
“During my visit to the State in 2004, I had announced a reconstruction plan for Jammu and Kashmir. It included projects and schemes worth Rs 37,000 crore aimed at creating infrastructure development, basic amenities, employment and other income generating activities and rehabilitation and resettlement of militancy-affected victims,” the Prime Minister said.
“I am happy to inform you that out of 67 projects and schemes under the reconstruction plan, 34 have been completed. Work on remaining schemes has seen good progress,” he added.
Dr Singh said, in addition to this plan, nearly Rs 1,000 crore worth of projects are being implemented in Jammu and Ladakh regions for meeting development needs of these areas.
For skill development and making the State’s youth employable, he said that schemes like ‘Himayat’ and ‘Udaan’ have been launched and the results were encouraging.
“Special scholarships for students of the State have encouraged and enabled them to avail higher education opportunities,” he added.
In her brief address, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi stressed that the ecology and biodiversity should be protected while carrying out development projects.
Her remarks came in the backdrop of recent disaster in Uttarakhand, which has taken heavy toll of human lives.
“I believe that the ecology and biodiversity should be protected,” Mrs Gandhi said, adding that the projects like Rattle should benefit the local population.
She expressed hope that the people whose land has been acquired for the project will get adequate compensation.
The UPA chairperson condoled the death of eight Army soldiers in a militant attack in Srinagar yesterday.
Mrs Gandhi said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have shown determination to put the State on the path of peace, progress and development.
She also expressed satisfaction over the increasing number of youth from the State qualifying UPSC examinations.
“The youth have shown that given an opportunity, they can do well at all levels,” Sonia said.
Noting that the Central Government has launched several schemes for development and employment generation in the State, she said: “the Centre has launched Udaan and Himayat schemes for upgrading employment skills of the youth in the State.
“Recently, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Rahul Gandhi (AICC-I vice president) launched Umeed scheme for making the women of the State self-reliant,” she said.
Mrs Gandhi said Jammu and Kashmir Government has taken several steps for inter-linking many parts of the State.
She also applauded Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is a former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and was present at the dais, for the leadership shown by him in the State.
Mrs Gandhi congratulated the people for the start of work on the prestigious project and said it would open new venues for development of this part of the State and generate employment for the youth.
She said that this was second big project coming up on the mighty Chenab river and recalled that the foundation of the first Hydel Power Project in the area at Dulhasti was laid by then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi in the year 1983.
She said that late Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were deeply concerned for the development of this hilly area and wanted to see it progress on all fronts.
Maintaining that the Centre was making every effort to see the State of Jammu and Kashmir progressing on all fronts, Mrs Gandhi said that the UPA Government provided liberal funding to the State for laying a massive road connectivity programme.
She said that Mughal Road connecting Jammu region with Kashmir valley was among various such projects. She said that the railway line linking Jammu region with Kashmir valley was another big achievement, which would accelerate trade and commerce in the State besides opening new avenues for employment. She also made a mention of Bhaderwah-Chamba road and said that it would provide another surface link to the State with rest of the country.
Sonia said that the State was heading towards a new era of development as peace was gaining roots and youth of the State are touching new heights with a large number cracking IAS and IPS service exams.
She said that the youth of the State are highly talented and there was a need to channelize their energies in right direction. She added that programmes like Himayat and Udaan have greatly helped the youth to lead a dignified life by honing their skills.
In his address, Mr Azad sought Rs 750 crore help from the Centre to complete ongoing road projects in Jammu and Kashmir.
Mr Azad said: “there are shortcomings in the area regarding connection with accessibility and during a survey conducted by him as former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister about the availability of road communication it was found to be only 5 per cent, the lowest in the country.
“Though under PMGSY road connectivity, this area is being attended holistically, yet there is need of Rs 750 crores to complete the ongoing road projects”.
He also referred to the recent earthquake in Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts and sought philanthropic package from the Union Government for the people of earthquake-hit areas so that they could construct their houses before the onset of winter.
Highlighting the benefits of Rattle power project, the Union Minister said it would enhance the economic activities in the area.
While presenting resume of the backwardness of erstwhile Doda District, Mr Azad said it was for this reason that during his tenure as Chief Minister of the State, Doda district was bifurcated into three districts under a historic decision.
He, however, also highlighted the potential of Chenab Valley regarding generation of Hydro electricity and referred to some projects in the area launched and inaugurated by late Indira Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
GVK Tatle Hydro Electric Project Pvt Ltd, a unit of GVK Power, was awarded the 850 MW (4 x 205 + 30 MW) Rattle Hydro Electric Project for implementation on build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) basis by Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corp Ltd on the Chenab river in Kishtwar district of J&K through tariff based competitive bidding in May 2010.
The project is located on NH-24 and will provide 16 per cent of its output free of cost to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Besides the Forest Clearance from the State Government, the project has obtained the Environment clearance from Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) and Techno Economic Clearance (TEC) from CEA.
A sum of Rs 110 Crore has been earmarked for the benefit of Project Affected Families (PAFs).
The J&K State would be getting upfront premium of Rs 42.5 crores from the project besides free power of 16 per cent and, 62.2 per cent total power including free power of 16 per cent.
The project will revert to the State after 35 years of operation of the power plant.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr GVK Reddy, founder chairman and Managing Director, GVK said, “our power plants are benchmarked to the best standards of efficiency and productivity. This is the first ever power project in the State that has been awarded through a tariff based competitive bidding process and is the first private sector investment in the power sector in Jammu & Kashmir.
Meanwhile, Kashmir’s dream of an all-weather surface link will turn into a reality tomorrow when Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi inaugurate the rail link between Banihal to Qazigund in the Valley at Banihal railway station.
Dr Singh and Mrs Gandhi will jointly flag off the first train at around 11.50 AM on 18-km-long section between Banihal in Jammu and Qazigund in Kashmir.
The 8-coach train will make regular operation from Banihal to Baramulla from June 27 after the inaugural run on June 26.
The Banihal-Baramulla-Banihal train will make five trips daily beginning at 7.10 AM from Banihal and 7.35 AM from Baramulla.
Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge, Governor NN Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah along with other Central Ministers Farooq Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad are expected to be present on the historic occasion.
“We have seven pairs of trains to run between Banihal and Baramulla. Earlier there were five rakes only but now it has been increased,” said a senior Northern railway official.
The Banihal-Qazigund section, which includes an 11-km-long tunnel, will reduce the distance from 35 km (by road) to 18 km. It has been constructed at a cost of Rs 1,691 crore.
This rail section is very significant as it will provide an all-weather link to Kashmir Valley, which often gets cut off from the rest of the country due to snowfall during winters.
Passengers travelling by train from Kashmir Valley to Banihal can avail bus service from there till Udhampur where train service is available for the rest of the country.
Northern Railway is coordinating with Jammu and Kashmir Government for arrangements for the bus service.
“The bus service will be available from Udhampur to facilitate passengers availing train from Banihal next month,” a senior Northern Railway official said.
Train service is already operational within Kashmir Valley on the 118-km-long route between Qazigund and Baramulla in north Kashmir.
“It (Qazigund-Banihal section) was a challenging task. Besides the difficult terrain, land was acquired for the Kashmir rail link project in adverse law and order situation in the state,” the official said.
Trial run on Banihal-Qazigund section was successfully done on December 28 last year and since then trains carrying stones are running on regular basis.
Currently, problems are being faced by passengers travelling between Banihal and Qazigund due to closure of Jawahar Tunnel in winter months due to heavy snowfall.
Last winter, only one-way vehicular movement was allowed between Jammu and Srinagar on national highway. There were sudden closures for almost four months from December 2012 to March this year due to heavy snowfall and slippery conditions.
“All these problems will be reduced to a large extent by running of train services between Banihal and Qazigund,” the Northern Railway official said, adding that “it will be a cheaper, faster and dependable mode of transport for the people.”
Known as Pir Panjal tunnel, it is the longest transportation tunnel in India and third longest in Asia. The tunnel has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 1,300 crore and taken almost seven years to complete.
The tunnel has been constructed using New Austrian Tunneling Method, which has been used for the first time on such a large scale in India.
This method optimises the tunnel design by mobilising the inherent ground strength in adopting a curved section, providing primary support system immediately after excavation and monitoring the ground behaviour while permitting it to develop its inherent strength.
A three-meter wide road has been provided inside the tunnel for maintenance and emergency rescue and relief operations. The tunnel has been made water-proof by providing continuous PVC membrane between primary and secondary lining.
It has also been equipped with the state-of-the-art air quality monitoring system, ventilation system, communication system, fire fighting system and emergency rescue system.
Earlier, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah in his presentation before the Prime Minister in which Rs 710 cr package was announced, said that average annual growth in the State has been achieved at 6.25 percent adding that robust plan allocations of Rs. 44000 crore for 12th Plan and an Annual Plan of Rs. 7300 crore last year, and reasonable high increase in resources under 13th Finance Commission has given considerable fillip to the development activities.
He also mentioned enhanced connectivity through construction of Railway Lines, 4-laning of National Highway and upgradation of Srinagar and Jammu Airports. He referred to the benefits of initiatives like Uddan, Himayat and Umeed.
He said that resolution of large number of issues has been achieved in the meetings the State officers held with the Central team headed by the Cabinet Secretary and Union Secretaries. He also referred to the extension of Central package for industrial units in Jammu and Kashmir beyond June 2012 and thanked the Prime Minister for this gesture.
The Chief Minister while expressing solidarity with the sufferers of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh natural calamities said that the Jammu and Kashmir Government has pledged Rs. one crore to PM’s Relief Fund for the affected families of these States.
Speaking on security scenario, the Chief Minister said that coalition Government has lived up to its promises and expectations of people adding that positive atmospherics marked by hope, optimism, peace and harmony is rooting in the State.
He said year 2012 has been the best in 25 years on all security parameters. He said footprints of security forces are being progressively reduced and local police is visibly involved in counter insurgency operations.
Omar said 54 bunkers have been removed from Srinagar city while 179 schools, 37 hospital buildings, 33 hotels, 919 private buildings, 264 Government buildings and 26 industrial units have been vacated from the forces.
Omar said that Jammu and Kashmir’s economy has grown at 15.36 percent last year. “GSDP at current price is up from Rs. 42315 crores in 2008-09 to Rs. 76115 crores in 2012-13. The per capita income is up from Rs. 37282 crores in 2008-09 to Rs. 63684 crores in 2012-13.
He said the State has received highest ever plan of 7300 crore last year and is pitching for Rs. 8000 crore for the current year and Rs. 600 crore under PMRP. He said capital expenditure of over Rs. 12000 crore has been made this year to result in significant economic growth, qualitative upgradation of social and economic infrastructure and creation of massive employment opportunities.
The Chief Minister also referred to the initiatives taken for smart-governance and talked about revival of important institutions of governance like State Information Commission, State Accountability Commission, State Vigilance Commission and State Human Rights Commission. He also made reference to the landmark legislations of Right to Information Act and Public Service Guarantee Act.
Omar said that by the efforts of the Government, the Panchayats in the State are emerging as vibrant and effective institutions. He said transfer of powers in respect of 14 departments and devolution of Rs. 231 crore to Panchayats besides training to 34000 Panchayat members within and outside the State and constitution of 4000 Panchayat Adalats has given considerable strength to the Panchayati Raj System in the State.
Omar said that road sector is receiving considerable thrust adding that State Road Development Corporation is in place. He said 3000 kilometers of roads have been black topped and macadamized in 2012 while work on 567 bridges has been accelerated.
He said 81 new bridge schemes have been taken in hand during the current fiscal while 1161 kilometers of new roads have been completed under PMGSY by December last year. He sought Central assistance for construction of 3 major tunnels namely Singhpora-Vailoo, Lolab-Bandipora and Chattapani-Zaznar on Mughal Road. He also sought Rs. 932 crore financial support from the Centre for construction of 102 roads in militancy hit areas.
The Chief Minister while giving resume of the power scenario in the State, said that turn-around of the State’s finances is possible through power sector. He mentioned multi-pronged strategy put in place to execute hydro electric projects with 9000 MW capacity over 12th and 13th Finance Commission.
He sought construction of 220 KV, S/C Srinagar-Leh Transmission Line by PGCIL at the earliest and another 400 KV Transmission Leh from Srinagar to Leh besides help for upgrading HT/LT network in rural areas of the State.
The Chief Minister also mentioned major achievements in health and education sectors as also those registered in other public service delivery sectors and the sector of social welfare and employment generation. He made mention of the endeavours of the Government to ameliorate the lot of artisans and referred to the development of handicraft clusters in Srinagar down town to bring it on tourist map.
Omar also spoke on other sectors and sought Prime Minister’s help in strengthening the education and health sector. He said 45 Degree Colleges, 2 Central Universities, 3 Private Universities and 11 Offsite Campuses have established in the State and sought Union Government’s help for establishment of 12 Degree Colleges in 12 uncovered districts.
Present on the occasion were Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad, a members of State Council of Ministers, Advisors to the Prime Minister, J&K Chief Secretary, Union Additional Secretary Home, Director General of J&K Police, all Principal Secretaries, Commissioner Secretaries and Secretaries to the State Government.
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