Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 7: Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma today said that the Government was committed to provide succor to weaker sections of all the three regions of the State, adding that it has accorded priority to welfare plans meant for socially and economically backward classes.
The Minister was interacting with a cross-section of people including representatives of various political, social and religious organizations while participating at a congregation organized to mark Kabir Jayanti here at Mera Mandarian, Akhnoor. The congregation was organized by Kabir Jayanti Celebration Committee.
Mr. Sham said India was an abode of saints and rishis where people belonging to different religions and speaking various languages have been living in peace and tranquillity since centuries. He said that Saint Kabir was an apostle of peace whose message of ahimsa and brotherhood has greater relevance today when the world is faced with growing intolerance, violence and terrorism.
He said that the most significant need of the hour was to spread literacy among the backward sections of the society, adding that only education can transform their socio-economic condition.
Underscoring the importance of various welfare programmes aimed at to bring a healthy change in the living condition of poor and needy, Mr. Sham highlighted the role of the various departments in the implementation and monitoring of the welfare schemes. He asked the departmental functionaries to make every effort to ensure that the benefits reaches to the targeted population.
The Minister said that Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi have always evinced keen interest for making Jammu and Kashmir a model state for which this state is being liberally funded for various projects. He said several projects under PMGSY and ADB funded schemes were apace in the State, adding that various schemes for tackling unemployment have also been launched, which include SKEWPY, while thousands of rural people were benefited with the implementation of MGNREGA scheme.
Later, the Minister distributed mementoes among the committee members who cooperated in building temple of Kabir Ji Maharaj at Mera Mandarian. On the demand of President, Kabir Maha Sabha Akhnoor, Ram Saran Bhagat, the Minister asked the concerned departments to make a comprehensive plan for construction of community hall and boundary wall at this place.
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