Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 9: Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla today said that Government was committed to upgrade living standard of the urban poor, adding that in this view, a comprehensive plan of several projects has been formulated for providing all basic amenities to them.
The Minister was addressing a large gathering after laying foundation stone of Multipurpose Community Hall at Mahasha Basti in Bahu Fort, here today.
Mr Bhalla said the double-storey complex would be completed at an estimated cost of Rs 50 lakh within six months with the facilities of marriage hall, kitchen and toilet block. He said after the completion of the project, the Mahasha biradari would arrange their social as well as religious functions on minimum rates there.
The Minister asked the JMC to complete the project within time frame, for which Government has earmarked Rs 50 lakh. He said Government has taken various innovative measures to develop all the urban pockets on modern lines by providing all basic amenities like safe drinking water, road connectivity, healthcare, education, electricity, sewerage besides better lanes and drains. He said UPA Government has released Rs 7300 crore state annual plan including Rs 700 crore under PMGSY for developing a model State.
Laying stress on maintaining quality standards, Mr Bhalla emphasized on undertaking routine inspections to ensure use of quality material in development works undertaken by the Government in every corner of the State, adding that durable infrastructure can only be created when proper standards are maintained in work execution.
Earlier, at Deeli in Sainik Colony, the Minister inaugurated various development works including bathroom, toilet, lanes and drains, coming up at a cost of Rs 35 lakh.
Responding to the demand of locals, Mr Bhalla asked the JMC to construct pre-fabricated shed over the open space available at newly constructed bathing ghat at Deeli village so that the people could avail the benefit of such place during rains and summers. Regarding construction of Passenger Shed on way to Raika village, he asked JMC to prepare estimate and submit the same for funding.
The Minister said that Government has approved Rs. 68.10 crore including compensation of acquired land for channelization of 20.48 kilometer long storm water drains and construction of secondary drains in Trikuta Nagar, Nanak Nagar, Shastri Nagar, Digiana Ashram, Ambedkar Nagar, Deeli, Sainik Colony, Dashmash Nagar, Gangyal, Rampura nallah.
He called upon the people of localities to cooperate with the ERA in completing the works within stipulated time frame.
Later, at Malik market in Channi Rama, Mr Bhalla kick started construction work of approach road to Masjid including landscaping in front of the mosque.
Follow our WhatsApp channel