Excelsior Correspondent
DODA, Dec 22: Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Abdul Rahim Rather today inaugurated Government treasury at Kahara, a remote and rugged hilly terrain in district Doda, bringing six more backward places, on the treasury map of the State within a week. These treasury included Assar (Doda), Manjakote (Rajouri) and Ramsoo (Ramban) which were opened with a view to provide better service to the people of far-flung and inaccessible areas with regard to clearance of pension claims and bills.
The inauguration of another Government treasury at the far-flung of Warwan in Doda district could not be done due to recent heavy snowfall there which was also slated to the commissioned today.
While addressing a large public gathering at Kahara, Mr. Rather said that speedy development of bad pockets and underdeveloped areas of the State is the first priority of the Coalition Government, adding that for the first time in the history of J&K, special funds have been earmarked in the Annual Budget for the development of the bad pockets which will be over and above the normal funds. He said the allocation of special funds for development of bad pockets will now be a permanent feature of the State’s Annual Budget.
Mr. Rather said, keeping in view the importance of treasuries and banks in the socio-economic transformation, the Coalition Government soon after taking the charge decided to open more treasuries especially in remote and backward areas, adding that in 2008 the number of treasuries was only 112 which has increased to 128 during the last four years of the present dispensation.
He hoped that opening of treasuries in Kahara would prove a harbinger of socio-economic progress in the area. He said though Kahara did not fall within the norms, but in view of its backwardness, the treasury was sanctioned out of way, after getting the Cabinet nod. He also announced a modern Treasury building at Kahara.
Mr. Rather said that the Government is well abreast with the problems of the people adding that the present coalition is a conscious decision of two big secular and democratic political parties to join hands and utilize their energies and capabilities for the betterment and welfare of the people. He said both the partners are working in tandem to come upto the expectation to the people especially belonging to the backward and downtrodden sections of the people.
Responding to the demands of the people, the Minster said that Bijli Adalats, as assured in the budget speech, to settle disputes regarding power tariff will be put in place shortly. He said financial requirements with regard to enhancing stipend of Rehbar-i-Zerat candidates from Rs. 1500 to Rs. 3000 as announced in the Budged speech have already been put at the disposal of the concerned department and orders in this regard are expected shortly.
Mr. Rather said that his visit to the far flung areas of Doda district has given him a clear feedback about the problems and difficulties of the people. The Minister along with local MLA GM Saroori also distributed IAY cheques among the SC/ST beneficiaries of the area.
Mr. Saroori also spoke on the occasion and demanded adequate funds, out of Rs. 9 crore sanctioned by the Task force, for improving LT/HT in remote areas of Doda.
He also demanded for linking receiving Station, Thathri with Bathia to improve electric supply in the area. He demanded more J&K Bank branchs to give fillip to the trade and economic activities in the area. He also urged for opening of the sub-office of Chenab Valley Power Corporation in Doda, adding that its utility will be significant since 6 major Power Projects are coming up in Chenab Valley under the aegis of the Corporation.
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