Excelsior Correspondent
TANGMARG, June 6 : Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Wednesday underscored the importance of peace in generation of economic activities and carrying forward development on fast tract. He said peaceful and conducive atmosphere catapults development and enables every household to receive its share in the overall economic growth and employment creation.
Addressing a large public gathering after laying foundation of Mini Secretariat here, the Chief Minister said that the benefits of peaceful 2011 in the shape of faster development, successful tourist season, historic panchayat elections, enactment of public empowerment legislations and anti-corruption measures are visible before everyone.
Giving credit to general people for extending wholehearted support to the Government in restoration of peace and putting the development on faster track, Omar Abdullah said that he is determined to empower people and involve them in the process of development.
“My Government has successfully conducted panchayat elections and powers from 14 departments to these grass root level institutions have already been transferred through speaking Government orders. I am regularly monitoring the status of panchayat empowerment and in a high level meeting yesterday I received complete details of the powers transferred to panchayats by these departments through Government orders”, he said and told Sarpanchs and Panchs to utilize these powers for the benefit of the people.
On curbing corruption and bringing in transparency in the Government functioning, the Chief Minister referred to the strengthening of institutions by his Government through legislations. He said that historic Public Service Guarantee Act (PSGA) enacted by his Government to make public service delivery time bound and imposing fine on the officials found showing laxity or failing in performing their duty to provide 50 public services identified in 6 departments of Revenue, Power, PHE, CAPD, Housing and Transport in a time bound manner prescribed for each service is also an important tool to check the corruption at lower level which has direct bearing on common people.
The Chief Minister also referred to the strengthening of the State Accountability Commission and State Right to Information Commission and said that strengthening of the institutions has played a big role to check both higher and lower level corruption and malpractices. He said that Government and administration top to down below is now answerable before the general public for its every action or omission.
On tourism development, the Chief Minister said that the tourist boon witnessing the State at present should not be utilized wrongly exhibiting opportunist approach by the people associated with this industry. He said there are complaints against transport operators and hoteliers.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir talked about various development issues of local importance and sought Chief Minister’s help in addressing these. He said that the holistic programme launched by the Government is showing positive results on ground and Government will continue to work for the comprehensive development of the State.
Minister for Revenue, Raman Bhalla said that the Tehsil level Mini Secretariat coming up on an area of 25 kanals of land is likely to cost about Rs. 40.47 crore. He said the complex would house departments of Revenue, Education, Health, PHE, R&B, Rural Development, Fisheries, PDD, Horticulture, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Forest, Social Forestry, Treasury, CAPD, Social Welfare, Municipal Council and CPO. There will be a meeting hall and other facilities of common nature. The main complex will consist of a three-storey building with the built up area of 76875 sq. ft.
Minister of State for Revenue, Nasir Aslam Wani also spoke on the occasion.
Follow our WhatsApp channel