Srinagar, Jan 22: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai Wednesday said the central government was committed to “eliminate militancy” from Jammu and Kashmir.
“India and Pakistan were earlier one nation and partition was in no way good for both the countries. But now we are here to eliminate militancy and follow the Prime Minister’s model for development and peace,” Rai said while addressing people at Sheikhpora in Budgam district.
Rai was the fourth union minister to visit Kashmir as a part of Centre’s reach out programme in the last two days.
He said Article 370 had “hampered” the development of the erstwhile state. “Now youth can go to various states to realize their dreams and make country proud. All this was not possible before the abrogation of Article 370. There will be new opportunities, prosperity and development for the Kashmir valley,” he said.
The union minister interacted with various delegations including local representatives, Panchayat members and Block Development Council members.
He said that special focus shall be given on industrialization in the newly carved Union Territory to open up new employment generation avenues for the local youth. Besides, he said, special focus shall also be given on the improvement of education sector in JK. The Minister said that people of J&K will be provided access and development at par with other states of the country.
Terming secularism as unique strength of the country, the Minister said that all citizens have responsibility to strengthen it and make good out of it. He said that the present dispensation is committed to protect rights and land of the people.
Stressing on the empowerment of people at grassroot level, the Minister said that now funds are at the disposal of Panchayat members and PRIs functionaries to empower them financially.
During his visit, the Minister e-inaugurated Girls Hostel Budgam, Hostel for Doctors at District Hospital and laid foundation stone for MGNREGA works. During the outreach programme various delegations including BDC Chairmen, Ring Road delegation, Contractual Teachers Association, Auqaf Committee Ompora, Ichgam and Gurduwara Prabandhak Committee met the Minister and raised their demands with him.
The Minster assured the deputations that all their genuine demands shall be taken up with relevant quarters for prompt and early redressal. He further stressed on implementation of all government sponsored schemes including SBM and Ayushman Bharat in letter and spirit so that all the beneficiaries are benefitted from these welfare schemes.
The Minister was accompanied by District Development Commissioner Budgam Tariq Hussain Ganaie. The DDC apprised the Minister that all centrally sponsored schemes are being implemented in letter and spirit in the district.
Among others, IG CRPF, SP Budgam, ADC Budgam, SE Hydraulics, ACR, ACD, CEO, Exens of PDD and Irrigation were also present on the occasion.
Later in the evening union Minister for Communication, Law and Justice Ravi Shankar Prasad landed in Srinagar. He inaugurated a women post office at General Post Office, where he spoke about Centre government’s motive for reaching out to people.
