Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 17: Cautioning the people against opportunist politicians, the Minister for Industries and Commerce, S. S. Slathia today said National Conference (NC) is the people’s movement which has track record of serving people of the State since last six decades. The party has offered supreme sacrifices for upholding honour and dignity of the people of the State, he added.
Addressing a public gathering at Smailpur, Mr. Slathia said that NC has a clear vision about “Naya Kashmir”- an ambitious dream conceived by Sher-i-Kashmir to transform the State as a model State of the country and the onus, now, lies on the younger generation to strengthen the hands of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah to ensure that this dream is fructified into a reality.
“Omar Abdullah is a sincere, honest and straight forward leader and the posterity will never forgive us if we cannot lend him whole heated support and cooperation in his endeavours to usher in an era of new socio-economic emancipation in the State”, Mr. Slathia added.
Enumerating landmark achievements of the Coalition Government, Mr. Slathia said 22 new Degree Colleges and 50 Polytechnic Colleges have been opened in nook and corners of the State to provide latest professional and vocational streams of education to the students to enable them compete well in the job market. “Road connectively, which is imperative for tourism, economic and business activities, has been given focused attention with special focus on rural development”, Mr. Slathia added.
During his tour, the Minister also inaugurated two additional class rooms and library block in Government Higher Secondary, Smailpur constructed by PWD at an estimated cost of Rs. 15.50 lakh. He also inaugurated a link road from Smailpur to Baba Santok Nath constructed by PWD (R&B) at an estimated cost of Rs. 5 lakh. He also inaugurated a link road from Smailpur to Bahdori constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 40 lakh.
Responding to the demands of the people, Mr. Slathia announced many development works which include construction of lane and drain in Ward No 4, replacement of transmission lines and electric poles in Smailpur and construction of retaining wall to Nallah at Smailpur.
Mr. Slathia also inaugurated Panchayat Ghar at Bari constructed by Rural Development Department under MGNREGA at an estimated cost of Rs. 23 lakh. He also inaugurated Panchayat Ghar at Meen Charkan constructed by RDD under the same scheme at an estimated cost of Rs. 20 lakh.
He also addressed public meeting at Meen Charkan and assured that the water supply scheme in the village will be augmented besides opening of dispensary at the Meen Charkan for which he on the spot announced a grant of Rs. 25 lakh. He also assured to open a Post Office branch in the village. He instructed the engineers to construct the lanes and drains in Bhagat Mohalla.