Excelsior Sports Correspondent
![Minister for Sports, Raman Bhalla and Minister for R&B Abdul Majid Wani addressing youth at Hathlangoo Sopore after laying foundation stone of stadium.](http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/page10-5-300x168.jpg)
BARAMULLA, June 9:- Saying that the youth have a pivotal role in making the Jammu and Kashmir a developed, progressive and strong State, the Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Youth Services & Sports, Raman Bhalla has said that youth can contribute best for the welfare and prosperity of State and their welfare and prosperity is Governments top priority.
The Minister was addressing a huge gathering of youth at Hathlangoo Sopore, here today, after laying foundation stone of Stadium coming up at the estimated cost of Rs 3.22 crore.
Minister for R&B, Abdul Majid Wani was also present on the occasion.
The ceremony was also attended by former MLA Sopore, Abdul Rashid Dar, local representatives, prominent citizens and senior officers of the District administration.
Mr. Bhalla said that the government has launched number of youth friendly initiatives and is committed for ensuring better future for the youth of the State. He said schemes like SKEWPY, UDAAN, and HIMAYAT have been launched so that youth are provided with ample opportunity to start their own entrepreneurial units and get dignified jobs in multinational companies within and outside the State.
Speaking on the occasion, R&B Minister, Abdul Majid Wani asked people to extend their cooperation to the Government in successful implementation of developmental programs underway.
Earlier, Mr. Bhalla visited indoor sports stadium and took stock of construction work for the stadium coming up at the cost of Rs. 17.53 crore. He asked the concerned executive agency to speed up the pace of the work and maintain quality.
The Minister also visited Sopore Sports Stadium Tulibal for which an amount of Rs.2.29 crore has been earmarked, of which Rs. 1 crore has been spent on the construction of the Pavilion and allied works.