Akhnoor (Jammu), May 20: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said that establishment of Panchayat Raj in the state was one of the most important achievements of his Government.  

 “The decision of holding Panchayat elections was most significant and establishment of Panchayat Raj in the State is one of the most important achievements of my Government. This will help empower people at grass roots and bring transparency in the expenditures made on works,” Omar said while addressing a public meeting at Manova, 40 kilometres from Jammu.

 Omar earlier inaugurated Kathar Bridge. While underlining the importance of bridges in hilly and geographically diverse state like Jammu and Kashmir, he said that the gaps in economic development between the remote and well-connected areas can be filled up by a well-nit and a dependable communication system.

 “The importance of bridges in this regard is of pivotal significance”, he said adding that disparities on development can be well addressed by linking remote areas with highways,” he said.

 The Chief Minister said that road communication sector was receiving priority attention of his Government.

  “A comprehensive roads development and upgradation programme under various schemes is under implementation in the State. While attention is being paid to the construction of new roads and upgradation of existing ones under Prime Minister’s Grameen Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in the rural areas, special efforts are afoot to link various districts through new roads, bridges and tunnels”, he added.

 The Chief Minister said that economic growth of any area depended on good road communication, as such the focus of the Government is to provide better roads in the State and give new dimension to the economic activities and equitable development.

 The Chief Minister said that his Government had focused on consolidation of works in various sectors and completion of ongoing schemes to ensure benefits to the people of the huge number of projects under implementation in the State at present.

 Omar Abdullah congratulated the people for the Bridge saying that its construction would also provide shortest route to the pilgrimage site of Shiv Khori from the Akhnoor. “This will enable more and more pilgrims to visit Shiv Khori which is being developed and showcased in the manner of Mata Vaishno Devi”, he added.

 Kathar Bridge has reduced the distance from Akhnoor to Reasi from present 120 kilometers to near 45 kilometres. It will benefit a large chunk of population and link up various remote areas with the main highways.

 Minister for Health, Sham Lal Sharma, Minister of State for R&B, Javid Ahmad Dar, Chief Minister’s Political Advisor, Devender Singh Rana and Parliament Member, Madan Lal were present on the occasion.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 20 May 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 20 May 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 21 May 2011 00:00:00 IST