Committed to safeguard rights, land of J&K’s people: Shah’s Jr

4 union ministers visit Valley, 10 in Jammu

SRINAGAR: Asserting that secularism is a unique strength of the country which should be strengthened, Union Minister of state for home Nityanand Rai on Wednesday said that the Centre was committed to protect the rights and the land of Jammu and Kashmir's people.
Rai’s colleague in North Block G Kishan Reddy assured people that development, peace and economic prosperity would soon change fortunes of people in Jammu and Kashmir.
Both these junior home ministers were part of 14 union ministers, who reached out to public across the Union Territory, on the fifth day of the Centre outreach programme.
Besides these two, Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Union Minister for Communications, Electronics and Information Technology and Law & Justice, Ravi Shankar Prasad were also in the Valley on Wednesday, while the other 10 ministers were in Jammu region.
Addressing a public meeting in Budgam, Rai said Jammu and Kashmir's development is a priority for the central government and the present dispensation is committed to protect the rights and the land of the people, according to an official release.
Secularism is a unique strength of the country, he said, adding that all the citizens have the responsibility to strengthen it.
“Jammu and Kashmir's socio-economic development is the focal point and special focus will be given on industrialisation to open up new employment opportunities for the newly-formed Union Territory's youth,” Rai said.
Focus will also be on improving the education sector, the minister said, adding that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will be provided access and development on par with other states.
MoS Home G Kishan Reddy visited Ganderbal district as part of the outreach programme and he distributed pension cards among beneficiaries under the Prime Minister's Pension Scheme.
The Ganderbal visit's aim was to meet people, listen to their issues and come up with a developmental plan, he said while addressing a gathering.
The Centre has come up with the concept of 'Golden Card' through which beneficiaries can afford the treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh, Reddy said, adding that so far, 3.5 lakh families have received this card in Jammu and Kashmir.
Stressing on empowerment of people at the grassroot, MoS Rai said now, funds are at the disposal of panchayat members and functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Rai e-inaugurated a girls hostel in Budgam, a hostel for doctors at the Budgam district hospital and laid the foundation stone for MGNREGA works.
Delegations, including those of contractual teachers, the Auqaf committee Ompora, Ichgam, and Gurduwara Prabandhak Committee, met Rai.
The minster assured the deputations that their demands will be taken up for prompt and early redressal.
Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today visited city center Lal Chowk and interacted with traders there. He was accompanied by Advisor to Lt Governor Farooq Khan and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Chowdhary.
The Union Minister interacted with shopkeepers and asked them about issues, if any, in smooth conduct of their business.
Earlier, various delegations called on the Union Minister and apprised him about their demands.
The Minister assured them that all their genuine demands will be addressed at earliest.