Poonch, Apr 13: Describing communal harmony warp and woof of Jammu and Kashmir’s pluralistic culture, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday called for its strengthening and nurturing. He said the State symbolizes traditional amity, brotherhood and love between various sections of the society. “It has been aboard of different faiths living in harmony”, he said emphasizing on its preservation.
Addressing the Baisakhi Mela at Nangali Saheb in Poonch, the Chief Minister said that celebration of festivals and holy occasions in unity and amity has been the characteristics of people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said extending greetings to each other on different festivals adds colour to the celebrations and strengthen the bonds of love.
The Chief Minister said that universalization of development and economic welfare equitably in the State is benchmark of the functioning of his government. “We are determined to reach out every area and every section of the society equally in the process of development”, he said adding that comprehensive uplift of weaker sections and people living in backward pockets of the State is on high focus.
Omar Abdullah said that improvement and upgradation of education and health sectors in far-off areas is receiving priority attention. “While various new health institutions and schools have been opened in these areas, the government has also sanctioned new degree colleges, polytechnics and ITIs for the students living in these areas”, he said adding that accessibility of students in backward and remote areas to higher and technical education is being enhanced by providing adequate educational facilities to them.
 “Similarly, health sector is receiving impetus to expand healthcare facilities across the State”, he said elaborating on the infrastructure development programme, placing of manpower and consolidating the health institutions in all the districts and rural areas of the State. He said health institutions are being upgraded and modernized as per the present day requirements. He said many more steps are afoot to further strengthen the health and education sectors in the State besides other sectors relating to the public service delivery.
 The Chief Minister extended Baisakhi greetings to the people and also referred to the importance of this day as the foundation day of Khalsa. He prayed for peace, prosperity and progress of the State and the country.
 Minister of State for Home, Nasir Aslam Wani, legislators Ajaz Ahmad Jan and Jahangir Mir also spoke on the occasion.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 13 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 14 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST