Padam (Zanskar), Sep 12: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Monday said that focused attention for development of the people in far-flung, remote and inaccessible areas figures among the top most concerns of the Government.
  “We have flagged this aspect as an important feature in our policy planning and added care is being taken to give fillip to the basic amenities in these areas”, he said elaborating that special allocations for the holistic upliftment of bad pockets are being made under the “projectization” initiative put in place by his Government.
 Addressing public meetings at Padam and Sankoo in Zanskar area, one of the remotest corners of the state, the Chief Minister said that his visit to the difficult and farthermost areas of the state is aimed at reaching out to people in these areas personally and getting first hand appraisal of their requirements on development front.           
 The Chief Minister said that he has made regular public rapport as an important feature in the functioning of the administration to ensure good-governance and help address the development problems confronting people in remote areas.
 Omar said that by the establishment of Panchayat System in the State development of far-flung areas as per the requirements and needs of the people there, would receive considerable boost. “The Panchayat Members are empowered to formulate plans and implement area specific schemes for the multi-sectoral development in these areas”, he said adding that the involvement of public representatives would give impetus to the development activities. Omar said that he would take up the issue of air linkage of Zanaskar area and mobile connectivity with the Union Government.
 He directed the administration for mooting proposals for the construction of Mini-Secretariat, establishment of ITI and upgradation of health facilities in the area.
 The Chief Minister said that work on Rs 55 crore road project from Kargil to Panikher is under progress and the State Government has preferred a project involving Rs 300 crores to the Central Government for construction of road between Pahalgam and Panikher.
 He said the project report for the launch of 80 MW Suroo Hydel Project has been formulated adding that it would augment the electricity supply in the district to a greater extent.
 The Chief Minister said that 600 kanals of land has been identified for the establishment of Kashmir University Campus in Kargil. He said this would give impetus to the higher education sector and provide opportunity to the students to pursue higher education in their district.
 Interacting with Sarpanchs and Panchs at Padam, the Chief Minister reminded them of their stupendous responsibility of serving the people to their best capacity. “We have already transferred powers to you to formulate plans, implement schemes and monitor the progress and execution of works”, he told the Panchayat Members assuring them full Government support in transforming the socio-economic scenario in their areas.
 Laying the foundation of renovation, preservation and beautification project for historic and heritage Jamia Masjid at Padam being executed by the Zanaskar Development Authority, the Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir possesses rich heritage and has been abode of grate religious scholars, sufis and saints.
 Omar also inaugurated Highland Agriculture Research and Extension Centre at Padam, established to undertake research for developing disease and drought resistant varieties of crops for propagation in Ladakh and other areas of the State. The Chief Minister also visited Higher Secondary School at Sankoo and dedicated it to the spiritual and social leader Aga Syed Hyder.          
 Earlier the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of Kargil District Development Plan at a meeting at Kargil.
 Stressing on timely completion of works, the Chief Minister asked the officers to make field visits necessary aspect of their business schedule and keep constant rapport with people to address their problems.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 12 Sep 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 IST