KL NEWS NETWORK
SRINAGAR
Maintaining that development should not be dependent on doles, the Minister for Finance, Labour and Employment, Dr Haseeb A Drabu Wednesday said that stakeholders should also be involved in planning, to make development process broad-based and result-oriented.
Drabu while calling for inclusive development maintained that the role of stakeholders should be increased which is imperative for the sustainable development of the state.
“Special care should be taken for increasing the role of the stakeholders in the schemes of the NABARD so that these are effectively implemented within the shortest possible time,” he said.
The Minister was addressing officers during a state level sensitization workshop on Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) organized by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) at SKICC today.
Expressing concern over the underutilization of NABARD funds during 2013-14, the Minister said it is a matter grave concern that the funds meant for developmental activities have not been utilized properly and the matter needs to be investigated. “We have to do away with these tendencies and ensure proper and timely utilization of money meant for accelerating the development of the state especially the far-flung and rural areas,” he said.
Drabu asked the officers to give focused attention on horticultural and agricultural infrastructure as these form the backbone of the State economy. He said the concept of value chain and craft financing should also be undertaken in J&K.
The Minister also asked the NABARD to adopt two districts of the state, one each in both divisions, to undertake the gamut of activities so that they can be showcased as models of development undertaken by the Bank in Jammu and Kashmir. “These districts would be known as NABARD districts,” he added.
The Minister for Agriculture G N Hanjura also spoke on the occasion and underscored the need for prioritizing horticulture and agriculture sectors by giving focused attention to these crucial sectors.
“These sectors are vital for the state and therefore there is pressing need for giving due importance to these sectors,” he said. “They are imperative for making the economy of the state viable and vibrant.”
