KL Desk
NOBRA (LEH)
Maintaining that gun has never been instrumental to resolve issues, chief minister Omar Abdullah reiterated the necessity of addressing political issues of Jammu and Kashmir in a political and peaceful atmosphere
“Gun has always created problems and bloodshed”, he said underlining the importance of peace to work out solutions to issues.”
Addressing a public gathering at Diskit, one of the remotest corners in Leh district, Omar said that while campaigning in 2008 Assembly Elections he had asked votes from the people to resolve their development issues. “However, my government right from the day first also worked for creating an atmosphere in which political issues of Jammu and Kashmir could be addressed both by the internal as well as external dialogue processes”, he said.
Emphasizing that Indo-Pak relations have direct bearing on J&K, Omar said that the thaw in their relations affects peace and development in the State and any tension between the two creates difficulties here.
“We are continuously working in this direction and want Indo-Pak relations to improve so that all the outstanding issues between the two neighbors are resolved peacefully across the table”, he said.
On delivery of good-governance and reduction of chances of corruption in the administration, Omar referred to the enactment and implementation of historic Public Service Guarantee Act and said that his government has empowered public legally to receive public services within a fixed time frame. He said that his government has made functionaries responsible for such delivery and any laxity or failure on their part in this regard makes them liable for fine up to Rs. 5000, a part of which would be paid to the affected consumer as a compensation.
“Implementation of Public Service Guarantee Act has topsy-turvyed the system. Now government official is liable for punishment and fine for failing or delaying delivery of public service and the consumer is entitled to receive compensation if he does not receive the particular service within the prescribed time frame”, he elaborated.
Omar Abdullah said that by strengthening institutions and empowering people to ask questions to the administration for its every commission or omission, has put the government under public scanning and transparency.
On development, the Chief Minister said that during the last three and a half years his government has ensured holistic and balanced development all across the State. He said that special focus has been on construction of roads and bridges, power generation, health and education facilities and on the sectors of PHE, agriculture and allied disciplines, tourism, social welfare and entrepreneurship development to generate employment.
The Chief Minister said that various schemes have been launched in Nobra area to upgrade basic amenities. He said he is persuading Centre for construction of Khardungla Tunnel and is hopeful that he will succeed in his efforts and the Central Government would accedes to this demand of the State as it has done in case of Zojila and Z-Morh Tunnels.
On the occasion, Omar announced construction of three bridge projects at a cost of Rs. 35 crores in Nobra area adding that his government has successfully advocated these road projects for the area for which Central Government has assured funding.
Omar Abdullah said that his government is paying special attention to electrify far-flung and remote areas of the State like that of Nobra by harnessing new and renewable energy sources. He said that he has laid foundation of six mini hydro projects and two more have been tendered out for construction in the area to generate electricity locally for the distribution of local people.
During his day long visit, Omar laid foundation of Model Degree College at Nobra and also mini hydel projects at Turtuk, Chulungkha, Bogdang, Henache and Chamshen.
The Chief Minister said that construction of these projects would benefit a large number of people residing in remote areas. He said that construction of mini hydel projects are less time consuming and involve lesser expenditures.
He also laid foundation of 25 kilometer T04 to Largyab Pachaphang road to be constructed under PMGSY involving over Rs. 23 crore.
