PM promises funds for development to J&K

On his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday announced that the state would never face constraint of funds for developmental works.

The prime minister reviewed the implementation of Rs 24,000 crore economic reconstruction plan in a meeting and appreciated the state government for launching short-term and long-term projects in the state to overcome power shortage and also ensuring maximum road connectivity in the state.

Dr Singh asserted that 1,000 Mw power should be made available in the state by the next five years. He gave instructions to power authorities to find out ways and means to achieve this goal and also provide sufficient power to the state.

Reviewing the road connectivity projects in the state, the PM directed the Union Finance Ministry to arrange necessary sanctions for filling up of 5,000 vacancies of various capacities in Border Roads Organisation within 15 days. Road connectivity in the state is being undertaken under the Bharat Nirman and Border Roads projects.

The Prime Minister also observed that there was a need for vigorous drive for creation of jobs for youth especially in tourism, road, agriculture and health sector.

Later in his inaugural remarks at the second roundtable conference, he maintained that the Rs 24,000-crore reconstruction plan was being implemented efficiently in all the three regions of the state. "Specific plans for the development of Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh are in place. For this, the funding is largely through central assistance and this year, Rs 830 crore have been allocated for the purpose," he said.

He expressed satisfaction over the progress in the generation of electricity, creation of employment opportunities, expansion of tourism, and construction of roads in the state.

"The long-term vision for Jammu and Kashmir which is being prepared by the Task Force on Jammu and Kashmir under Dr Rangarajan is ready to submit its report and the recommendations of this report will be included in the 11th Five Year Plan," said the prime minister.

However, he asserted that there was an urgent need to generate greater employment opportunities.

"To give the public a sense of participation in economic development, we need to improve the connectivity between villages. Through this, distances will be reduced and far-flung areas will have access to modern amenities."

To strengthen the medical infrastructure, the PM announced that the Jammu Medical College had been given the status of AIIMS. "Institutions of public health and education have to be increased to make life better for the common man," he said.