Describing bridges as a key component of rural infrastructure, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today promised to break new ground in removing distances for people living in remote and inaccessible areas of the state.
She congratulated the Rural Development Department (RDD) and DDC, Udhampur, Shahid Iqbal, for their trendsetting initiative of adopting the convergence model.
"Today we are witnessing at Udhampur what Mufti Saab had envisioned during the DDB meetings when he used to emphasize upon convergence models to create sustained infrastructure," she said.
The chief minister made these observations while addressing a gathering after e-inaugurating 56 small bridges (footbridges) under Project Rahat here.
She also inaugurated Model Girls' Higher Secondary School, Udhampur, as part of the Model School Scheme of the Education Department.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said Udhampur district has shown the way in how convergence model can be put together to create assets worth crores.
She said other Deputy Commissioners need to take a cue from Udhampur in convergence so that these are replicated in all districts of the state.
Seeking people's cooperation in putting the state on the path of development by good governance, Mehbooba said the coalition government wants to bring the three distinct regions of the state together on one platform.
"If we are able to gel the three regions together, only then will we be able to turnaround the state on the development front," she said.
On the industrial scenario in the state, Mehbooba said she has flagged skill development as a major area of intervention.
She said Industry and Commerce Department will start mapping skills of local human resource as per the requirement of big investors who venture into the state.
Appreciating the Model School Scheme launched to provide students access to e-learning, Mehbooba said all district hospitals will be upgraded as model hospitals in the state and added that one maternity-cum-childcare hospital will be set up in each constituency.
She dedicated 56 small bridges constructed under the first phase of Project Rahat, a unique concept launched by Udhampur District Administration at a cost of Rs 18.50 crore with an aim to provide connectivity to remote schools and inaccessible hamlets under convergence of funds from MNREGA, CSR, District Innovation Fund and Untied Grants.
