New Delhi, Jun 16 : Governor, Satya Pal Malik while addressing the 5th meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog sought personal intervention of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, for accelerating the development in the State which is imperative for putting the State on the path of peace, progress and prosperity.
Addressing the 5th meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog, Governor highlighted the key initiatives undertaken during the last one year. He said there was a need for giving further impetus to the development process in the State for which the Government of India was requested to provide liberal financial support.
Highlighting some of the key initiatives undertaken, since the State was brought under Governor’s rule on June, 20 2018, followed by President’s rule on December, 20, 2018, the Governor said among the major achievements has been the empowerment of people through peaceful Panchayat and ULB elections held in November- December after a gap of over 7 years. Despite boycott calls and threats, people came out in large numbers to vote and overall turnover was 74% without any loss of life.
The Governor said that the State Government has introduced necessary amendments in the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act to strengthen the institution of Panchayats and given them more powers. In order to further this effort, he said that the State Government is organising a week long “Back to the Village” programme from 20th to 27th June 2019. All gazetted officers will stay in a Panchayat for two days and will connect with Panchayat representatives, see how government services are being delivered and understand local needs. “This is a first in J&K we are new to this. “The enthusiasm all around gives us hope that the future is bright for grassroots democracy in the state”, Governor observed.
Governor said that equitable development of all regions is a priority for the Government. While Elevated High Speed Rail Corridors and two satellite townships will be developed in Jammu and Srinagar, the aspirations of Ladakh have been fulfilled through creation of a separate division, a University and empowerment of the Hill Councils. Kargil will soon have a full fledged commercial airport like Leh, he said.
