Economic dev, youth engagement, community welfare Govt’s priorities : LG tells Valley deputations

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu, while meeting several deputations at SKICC Srinagar here Friday, said that Government is taking several steps for weaker sections, economic development, enabling atmosphere for employment creation, economic development, tribal and community welfare.
Deputations of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, J&K Gujjar and Bakkerwal Association, Kashmir Economic Alliance, Transporters Welfare Association, Dal Dwellers Association, Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Association, Employees Associations, J&K Wokers Party, PHD Chamber of Commerce, Youth groups and several organizations called on the Lt Governor and projected their demands and issues.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor said that community involvement in rehabilitation and planning is the hallmark of Dal dwellers rehabilitation process and Government is sensitive to the needs of their livelihood and economic development, for which effective steps have been finalized. On being informed about the issues of the transport organizations, he asked the concerned authorities for coming up with concrete proposals to resolve their issues.
The Lt Governor said that Forests Rights Act will be extended to Jammu and Kashmir to empower the forest dwelling tribal communities. Emphasizing the need of efforts for tribal development, he said that number of scholarships for students has undergone a massive rise and 100 new hostels are being established. The deputation of Gujjar and Bakerwal association also projected the demand for a Gujjar Regiment, reservation issues and recruitment.
The Lt Governor further stated that steps are being taken for strengthening grassroots level democratic institutions and they have been provided a vital role to play in developmental process as well. He informed that 15000 bunkers will be constructed in border villages affected due to cross-border shelling.
Emphasizing the need for constructive engagement of youth in Kashmir, the Lt Governor said that sports infrastructure would be strengthened at Panahcyat level and indoor stadiums are being provided in every district. He asked the NGOs to play their role in soft-skills, public communication and awareness
The Lt Governor also listened to the demands related to road safety and said that road engineering would be modernized and steps would be taken for establishment of Emergency Trauma Centers along the highways. He also discussed about the steps being initiated by the Government for economic revival, schemes for business community, trade, commerce and supply chain. KCCI thanked the Lt Governor for several proactive steps initiated for economic revival in the state.
Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan; Chief Secretary, BVR Subrahmanyam; Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Dheeraj Gupta; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmed Khan; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary were also present on the occasion.