Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 16: Eminent economist, former Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Bank and senior leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Dr Haseeb Drabu today assured that PDP, if voted to power, would carve out a path of equitable and balanced development in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that agenda of party was aimed at inclusive development and growth of every individual.
Dr Drabu was speaking in interactive session with prominent citizens of the civil society of Jammu. Prominent heads of various organisations and associations of Jammu took part in the interactive session to highlight the concerns and expectations of the people of Jammu from the future Government.
Various issues regarding trade and commerce were discussed. The participants highlighted various disparities between the different regions of the State, but the major concern of all the associations was the need for transparency in the system at all levels and accountability of the officials in all fields.
Dr Drabu said that if their party came into power they would concentrate on support and infrastructure development and reduce the discretionary powers of the bureaucracy.
He laid emphasis on region specific economic policy and the need for increasing the domestic private investment to strengthen the economy of the state in the long run. Dr Drabu also stressed the need for developing special education zone in the region to make it an education hub.
Vikramaditya Singh, who was guest of honour highlighted the need for strengthening the existing religious tourism in Jammu region.
Prominent among present included Ved Mahajan, senior PDP leader, Amreek Singh Reen, PDP nominee for Gandhi Nagar constituency, Rakesh Gupta, President Chamber of Commerce, Annil Suri, President Bari Brahmana Industrial Association, SL Sehgal, President Kashmiri Hindu Migrant Organisation, Dr Adit Gupta from the Private Colleges, Davinder Chowdhary, President Taxi Association, Chander Gulhati, President of J&K Automobile Dealers Association, Col Sawhney, Tarun Singla, Raju Chowdhary, Sandeep Jain from Jain Yuva Sangh, Anil Gupta from Bahu Plaza Association and Mr Reen, former Chairman Federation of Industries.
The interactive session concluded with vote of thanks by Deepak Handa.
Meanwhile, Dr Drabu held interaction with representatives of Kashmiri migrants’ community and said PDP would end the exploitation of religious minorities in J&K by ensuring constitutional and legislative framework for their political and economic empowerment.
PDP youth wing president Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra and Kashmiri Pandit representatives AK Naaz, DN Trisal, SK Raina, Sunil Hali, Moti Lal and Sunil Bhat were also present.