Excelsior Correspondent
WARWAN (KISHTWAR), July 1: Minister of State for Industries & Commerce and Home, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, today said that road connectivity to leftover villages of far-flung and remote areas of Warwan area of Kishtwar will be provided by the end of this year.
The Minister said this while speaking at a public meeting during his two-day whirlwind tour of Warwan area.
Welcoming the announcement of Central assistance of Rs. 710 crore for land compensation under PMGSY, the Minister stated that special attention will be given to Warwan area under the Centre’s flagship programme.
“The Government will strive to improve the image of Warwan by improving its connectivity and bringing it on the tourism map of the State,” the Minister said, adding that separate funds under Government of India and State Government schemes will be allocated to create tourism-related infrastructure in the area.
Vouching for undertaking winter sports activities in the area, the Minister said private investment in tourism sector will expedite creation of tourism-related infrastructure. This, he said, will have a huge impact on the socio-economic profile of the people residing in Warwan area.
Disclosing that the next District Development Board meeting will be held at Sukhnaie, Warwan, the Minister said he will continue his effort of extending benefit of Government schemes, especially in social sector, to the poor people residing in the area.
Stating that awareness drives for making young educated youth cognizant about industry-related schemes will be undertaken shortly, the Minister asked Directorate of Industries to initiate process of identifying lines of industrial activities that the people can establish with strong forward and backward linkages. “We have a number of Central schemes like PMEGP and KVIB from which our youth can benefit by setting up self-sustaining units. For our artisans in Handicrafts sector, incentive-based schemes exist that will be popularized in the region,” the Minister said.
Mr Kichloo assured the ponywallas that he will take up the issue of registration of additional 200 horses and ponies with the administration coordinating the ongoing Amarnathji Yatra. “Already 350 ponies from Warwan area have been registered for Amarnathji Yatra this year. I am hopeful that additional 200 ponnywallas will be registered which will bring succour to the poor people of Warwan,” he assured.
People presented various demands which included opening of Warwan-Pahalgam Gali, installation of mobile towers for cellular connectivity and upgrading school and healthcare facilities. The people also complained about lack of staff in schools and dispensaries as well as that of medicines in the region.
The Minister assured that he will look into the demands and take immediate action so that instant relief is brought to the people.
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