Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 9: Stressing on launching mega awareness campaigns about Government policies and programmes, Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand said different Central and State Government schemes have been launched in the State for welfare of the people and now rigorous camps need to be organized to make people aware of these initiatives.
He said Panchayat Raj Institution (PRI) functionaries can play a pivotal role in making people aware of various welfare programmes and development initiatives launched by the Government for all round development and benefit of all sections of the society.
“Empowerment of Panchayats has given new dimensions to development profile of the State ensuring better planning and implementation of welfare and development programmes at grass root level,” he added.
A mega awareness camp cum felicitation function was organized at Khour today.
Newly elected MLCs from Jammu province Shahnaz Ganai and Sham Lal Bhagat were given rousing reception at the function.
On the occasion, two special awards of Rupees 10 lakh and 5 lakh were announced to encourage Panchayats of the area for better implementation of different welfare schemes and development programs. The award would be funded from CDF and would further boost the cause of development among Panchayats.
Congratulating newly elected MLCs, Tara Chand said that Sarpanchs and Panchs need special applaud for massive participation in the elections and the election of four members into Upper House is a giant leap forward in ensuring a strong Panchayati Raj system in the State.
He said both Ganai and Bhagat have a long history of serving people and represent far-flung areas of the State, adding that with their election people now can hope that different issues of people living in border and far off areas would get projected in a better way.
“The dream of late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi for a strengthened Panchayati Raj system is getting fulfilled with each step of the Government and our aim is to empower people at village level for better planning and efficient delivery,” he added.
Cautioning people against communal forces, Tara Chand said that country has won independence after long struggle and is guided by ideals laid down by its stalwart leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and others so people should always be aware of those forces who want to divide society on different grounds. He said the country in past 65 years of planned growth has shown tremendous achievements and is among one of the most powerful nations.
Referring to all round development of Khour and Pargwal, Mr. Tara Chand said the block is number one in road connectivity and numerous development projects have improved the development profile of the far-flung border area, adding that with start of two new multi-crore model cluster villages projects the rural areas would be equipped with all modern facilities.
Describing unemployment as biggest problem, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the State has suffered a lot during twenty years of militancy and lack of industry has also contributed in growing unemployment. But now the State is moving fast on the path of development and the Government has also initiated landmark schemes like SKEWPY and other such programs for helping youth in getting training for starting their own ventures, he added.
He said the Government has included different public services under PSG Act which has made the service delivery time bound and Public Disclosure Law in Urban Bodies has made it mandatory for the offices to display a board giving detail of different projects and their funding as well as start and expected date of completion.
Among others the camp was attended by District Development Commissioner, Jammu Sanjeev Verma, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Akhnoor N.S.Jamwal and other senior level officers of various departments.
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