"Upliftment of downtrodden sections of the society, particularly SCs, STs including Gujjar community was being given top priority," Minister for Forests and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmed, said during a public gathering at Lathi in Ramnagar belt of Udhampur district.
Upgradation of road connectivity, better health care, drinking water and education facilities in backward and remote areas were priorities for the present government, he said.
Responding to the demands of locals, the minister said minor local bridges in the area can be constructed under MGNREGA, adding that the forest department would provide the timber required for the purpose.
