Srinagar, Apr 20: Enumerating the benefits of education, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said that greater thrust is being laid towards this important sector of socio-economic development. He said that the benefits of reservation, development projects, welfare programmes and employment packages would be visible only when there is overall improvement in the field of education.
 Speaking at the annual function of All Kargil Students Union, Srinagar, (AKSUS) at the College of Education here this afternoon, the Chief Minister said that the Government was striving for the development of all the areas of the state and added attention was being accorded to the far flung areas. He said that greater focus was being laid on development of educational infrastructure in rural and other far off places so that students of these areas have necessarily not to come to the cities to receive education.
 Omar Abdullah said that accommodation facilities for students of areas like Kargil are being given due consideration and added that two hostels one each for girls and boys have been set up at Bemina for students from Kargil. He said library, recreational and communication facilities would also be made available in these hostels in due course of time. He said coaching and career counselling would also be given due thrust so that students are benefited. He, however, appealed to the students not to forget their places of origin and at least serve there for some period once they get adjusted in some profession. This, he said, would benefit the people of far flung areas like Kargil.
 The Chief Minister said connectivity is essential for overall development of an area and said that it is a good sign that survey is being conducted for construction of a tunnel across the Zojila. He exuded hope that the construction of the tunnel would provide round the year connectivity to the Ladakh region. He said that work is also apace on Nimobuzgo and Chutuk Hydro electric projects which on completion would extend adequate power availability in the region. He said that solar and other renewable sources of energy are also being exploited for the benefit of the people.
 Minister for CA&PD and Transport, Qamar Ali Akhoon and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Kargil, Kachoo Ahmad Ali Khan also spoke on the occasion.
MLA Zanskar, Feroz Ahmad Khan, Executive Councillor LAHDC, Ghulam Rasool, senior officers and students in large numbers were present on the occasion.
Earlier, colourful cultural programmes depicting the rich ethos and traditions of Ladakh were presented.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 20 Apr 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 IST