Prahlad Joshi listens to people's issues at Kotranka

Inaugurates newly constructed Road, lays foundation stone of waste management plant

RAJOURI, JANUARY24: Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines, Prahlad Joshi today listened to people's issues here at Kotranka as part of Centre Government's public outreach programme.
A large number of people, including BDC Chairpersons of Budhal New and Budhal Old, Sarpanchs, Panchs, civil society members, youth and women attended the public outreach camp.
Addressing the gathering at Jam packed Kotranka Indoor stadium, the Minister highlighted achievements and development recorded in the UT of J&K under various central schemes and development projects. He said Central Government is for the equitable development of all the areas of the country, without any discrimination. "Our focus is on providing best services in health, education, transport and other core sectors," he said and elaborated the measures being taken in this regard.
"To improve the health scenario of the UT, the Government has sanctioned two AIIMS, the establishment of which will reduce the inconvenience of the patients to a great extent, who have to presently visit Delhi AIIMS for receiving treatment'' he added. He also informed that the GMC Rajouri would be soon made functional, which will benefit the people of the three districts of Rajouri' Poonch and Reasi. The Minister also highlighted that 958 doctors have been appointed in the UT in just forty days.
Prahlad said that 8721 students of JK got a chance to move out of the UT last year, and visited several places of the country under 'Watan Ko Jano' Scheme. He informed that this year the Government has decided to take about 5000 students of J&K on exposure tour across the country.
"For strengthening democracy at grass root level, as many as 29 Government services are being brought under PRIs," he said. He added that first ever BDC elections held in J&K shall ensure proper utilization of funds for the execution of various developmental projects through PRIs, which have been conferred the powers to formulate developmental plans of their areas. He asked the BDC chairpersons, sarpanchs and panchs to understand their roles in ensuring proper development of their areas. He also informed that all the provisions of 73rd Amendment Act will be implemented in J&K at the earliest.
He also informed that after its reorganization, legislations like Right to Education Act, provision of Maintenance and Welfare of Senior Citizens and several other pro-people Acts and rules have been extended to UT of Jammu and Kashmir.
Referring to Rs 80 thousand crore central package for the development of the UT of J&K and Ladakh, he said the focus will be laid on completing the ongoing mega projects, like railway and four laning works.
He also listed achievement under Ayushman Bharat and several other central schemes adding that 'One Nation One Ration Card' Scheme shall be rolled out soon enabling the consumers to avail the benefit across the country using the same ration card. The Minister also informed that mining of coal reserves in Kalakote will be revived to enhance the employment opportunities among the unemployed youth of the area.
Earlier, BDC chairpersons projected major issues and demands of their areas, seeking immediate start of Rajnagar to Shopian road, adequate staff in Degree college Budhal, making the Tehsil office of Budhal functional, augmentation of the rural infrastructure like roads ,bridges and up-gradation of schools, bringing 7 sister lakes on the tourism map etc.
Earlier the Minister inaugurated newly constructed 17 KM Mandir Galla to Tarkassi PMGSY Road and laid foundation stone of solid, liquid waste management plant at Budhal old.
Joint Secretary Parliamentary Affairs GoI Dr.Satya Parkash; Principal Secretary to Government, Housing and Urban Development Department, Dheeraj Gupta; Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Mohammad Nazir Sheikh; Senior Superintendent of Police Yougal Manhas; Additional Private Secretary to Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coals and Mines, Narayan Ghambir; Additional Deputy Commissioner Kotranka Surinder Mohan Sharma; Additional Superintendent of Police, Liaqat Choudhary; Assistant Commissioner Development, Sushil Khajuria and officers of line departments attended the programme.