Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 16: Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for Tourism and Culture, called on N. N. Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan here today.
During their meeting, Mr. Jora briefed the Governor about the various initiatives being taken by the Tourism Department for the promotion of tourism in the State, including the projected schemes for developing a pilgrim tourism circuit in Jammu, a Sufi circuit in Kashmir Valley and a Buddhist circuit in Ladakh.
They also discussed the arrangements to be made for the ensuing Yatra to the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji, particularly those which relate to the Department of Tourism. Among other matters, the timely commissioning of the shelter sheds/toilets at the various identified locations along the Yatra routes, by the Tourism Department, and increasing their number, wherever required, also came up for discussion.
Venkatesh Mohan, Principal Accountant General, Jammu and Kashmir, also called on Mr Vohra.
During the meeting, the Principal Accountant General briefed the Governor about the Audit Report 2010-11 for the Jammu and Kashmir.
Referring to the crucial role of the CAG at the Centre and the Principal Accountants General in the States, the Governor stressed the urgent need for ensuring effective financial discipline in the functioning of the administrative apparatus to achieve the objectives of good governance.
Meanwhile, a deputation of the Pahari Speaking People called on Mr. Vohra, and presented to him their demands.
The main demand presented by the deputation led by Syed Mushtaq Ahmad Bukhari, Vice Chairman, State Advisory Board for Development of Pahari Speaking People, related to the grant of Scheduled Tribe status to the Pahari Speaking People.
The Governor gave a patient hearing to the deputationists and informed them about the discussions on this issue which he recently had with the concerned authorities at the Centre. He assured the delegation that he would be further pursuing this matter.
The deputation comprised Mirza Abdul Rashid, former Minister, and Kuldip Raj Gupta, Narinder Gupta, Principal Controller of Defence Accounts, Northern Command, also called on Mr Vohra.
The Governor wished Mr Gupta high success in his new assignment, which he has taken over recently.