SAC approves ‘Decentralized Policy for Procurement of Supplementary Nutrition’ to ensure transparency, community involvement

Jammu, Jan 25 : The State Administrative Council (SAC) which met here today under the chairmanship of Governor, Satya Pal Malik approved the ‘Decentralized Policy for Procurement of Supplementary Nutrition’ under the Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS) Scheme to bring transparency, accountability and greater involvement of community in the implementation of the nutrition scheme. The policy shall be effective from the procurement year 2019-20.
Under the Policy procurement of nutrition items will have to be strictly as per Recipe menu displayed in the Anganwadi Centres and to be preferably procured from Super Bazaar/Cooperative Stores/Fixed Price Shops/Registered Local Shop keepers on the rates not exceeding the rates notified by FCS&CA.
The new policy has been framed as per the delegation of powers of Panchayati Raj Institutions under the amended Panchayati Raj Act. Under the revised policy, supplementary nutrition shall be procured at Halqa Panchayat/Municipal Ward level.
Based on suggestions of all the stakeholders and analysis of procurement models followed in different States particularly in the States of Kerala, Uttarakhand and Odisha, procurement process under the scheme has been decentralized to the Anganwadi level except for Rice and Wheat which will continue to be procured from Food Corporation of India (FCI) through Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs.
The procurement at Anganwadi level will be made under the supervision of respective Panchayati Raj Institutions as per the delegation of powers to Panchayati Raj Institutions under the amended Panchayati Raj Act.
The Procurement process will be ensured through various Committees including Procurement Committee-Rural, Procurement Committee-Urban and a Recipe Committee, under the chairpersonship of Sarpanch, Municipal Councillor/Corporator and District Programme Officer respectively.
A District Level Monitoring Committee under the District Development Commissioner (DDC) with representatives from line Departments will on monthly basis review the progress of implementation of nutrition programme under ICDS and submission of report to Mission Director, ICDS, for pointing out any deficiency, and give necessary recommendations for improvement/strengthening of the present policy; resolve inter-departmental issues ,if any, at District Level and ssupervise& monitor procurement, expenditure, quality control, hygiene, and other related issues.
ICDS has six main components viz Supplementary Nutrition, Immunisation, Health Check-up, Referral Services, Non-formal Pre-school Education, and Nutrition and Health Education. The first component, i.e Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP), involves supply of food materials to Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) to ensure adequate nutrition for children aged 0-6 years, pregnant and lactating mothers and adolescent girls. However, the implementation of this programme suffered due to various transparency, quality and delay in supply issues. Further, under the centralised system, Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) did not have any control over the quantity and quality of food supply. Therefore, a need was felt for an alternate Model.
Moreover, Supreme Court has issued orders with regard to ICDS directing “Universalization with quality” and prescribed minimum nutrition standards that must be guaranteed and further envisaged decentralization of procurement by eliminating the involvement of contractors, encouraging engagement of local Self-Help Groups and MahilaMandals in supply and distribution of nutrition.
It may be reiterated that with the implementation of the new policy, the targeted groups viz children aged 0-6 years, pregnant and lactating mothers and adolescent girls will be effectively covered.

Srinagar, Jammu to have IT Parks, Towers with Plug & Play features
Govt to set up Jammu & Kashmir IT Infrastructure Development Company
Jammu: The State Administrative Council (SAC) which met here today under the chairmanship of Governor, Satya Pal Malik approved the incorporation of “The Jammu and Kashmir I.T. Infrastructure Development Company Private Limited” under the Companies Act, 2013.
The decision by the SAC is aimed at attracting IT/ITES companies to the State to operate from constructed spaces created by the State and to establish their offices/work facilities on developed land having adequate civic amenities and robust transport connectivity thereby boosting the economy of the State by way of investment, employment and increased economic activities.
With the growth of IT industry and IT enabled Services (ITES), there is a need to undertake IT related infrastructure development in a focused manner in the state. Such infrastructure involves constructed space for being hired out to firms delivering ITES including call centres, outsourcing works, software development, etc. Also, IT Companies establish their offices in areas that have developed amenities i.e., providing residential, recreational and institutional spaces with reliable connectivity to existing and future city centers/transportation hubs.
In both the Capital cities, it is proposed to identify and develop certain areas in the vicinity of cities or in the Metropolitan Region that would act as the basis for planned future growth. For attracting investment to such areas as also to provide adequate infrastructure facilities to I.T. Industry, it is proposed that I.T. Parks/City is planned as a part of it. There will be IT Parks with Towers having the latest facilities to attract world class investment.
Through the IT Parks & Towers, the investors will make full use of the recent extension of the benefits under NE Package to J&K in addition to the existing benefits under Industrial Development Scheme for Jammu and Kashmir (JKIDS), 2017 namely Capital Investment Incentive, Interest Incentive, Central Goods & Services Tax (CGST) Reimbursement, Income Tax (IT) Reimbursement, Transport Incentives (TI) and Employment Incentive (EI).
To begin with, a provision of Rs. 20 Crore has been kept in the Annual Budget of 2018-19 with subsequent annual inflows of the same order and it is proposed to leverage it to raise loans of the value of Rs. 200 Crore. This will be used for creating the necessary infrastructure.SAC grants Toll Tax exemption for special development projects
Jammu: The State Administrative Council (SAC) which met here today under the chairmanship of Governor, Satya Pal Malik accorded sanction to the exemption of Toll Tax on machinery, equipment and key input materials being brought to the State for special projects like those under PMDP, National Highways, Airports, Railways, Educational and Medical Institutions etc.
Such exemption will only be granted if the executing organ of the Central Government or the State directly seeks such exemption in advance specifying numbers or volume of machinery, equipments or key input materials being brought. Such exemption will not be granted, if applied directly by the contracted executing private firms.
Pertinent to mention is that Toll Tax on machinery, equipment or key input materials being brought into the State for the execution of important projects adds up to the cost of the project, which was not originally envisaged. Since all prestigious projects are almost 100% centrally funded in the absence of State’s own resources, therefore, it makes sense that the State plays a facilitating role by not levying additional tax on machinery, equipment or key input materials being brought into the State for execution of these projects.

SAC approves infrastructure development at Sheep Breeding Farm Khimberwith NABARD funding
Jammu: The State Administrative Council (SAC) which met here today under the chairmanship of Governor, Satya Pal Malik accorded administrative approval to the construction of required infrastructure at an estimated cost of Rs 35.80 Crore at the Sheep Breeding Farm Khimber, Srinagar under NABARD Tranche XXIV.
Sheep Breeding Farm at Khimber shall have state of art infrastructure & in- house fodder production for livestock. It shall serve as major Germ Plasm Centre/Mother Stud Farm of the State and elite rams produced at the farm shall be distributed for genetic upgradation of local livestock enhancing mutton/wool production besides creating avenues for employment through establishment of sheep rearing units.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Animal and Sheep Husbandry Department had a Sheep Breeding Farm at Dachigam. In 2017, the Sheep Breeding Farm at Dachigam along with its immovable assets was transferred to the Forest, Environment & Ecology Department. 
After inspecting various sites, land at Khimber, Srinagar was found suitable for relocation of Sheep Breeding Farm. The land measuring 629 Kanals and 7 Marlas at Khimber has been transferred to Animal and Sheep Husbandry department for establishing a Sheep Breeding Farm vide SAC decision No 01.01.2019 dated 04.01.2019.

SAC approves diversion of 57 ha forest land for developmental activities
Jammu: The State Administrative Council (SAC) which met here today under the chairmanship of Governor, Satya Pal Malik approved diversion of around 57 ha of Forest land in various parts of the State for undertaking developmental activities in the roads, drinking water, electricity, Railways and Fire & Emergency sectors.
The SAC also approved a proposal for diversion of Forest land for construction of Degree College at Sunderbani in Nowshera Forest Division keeping in view the importance of the project from public standpoint.
The diversion of Forest Land has been approved in pursuance to the recommendations of the 111th and 112th Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) meetings held on 04-01-2019 and 21.01.2019 respectively under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary.
The proposals cleared today include use of forest land for upgrading to Chenani – Sudhmahadev section of National Highway-244, widening / upgradation of R.S pura- Suchetgarh road, Water Supply Scheme at Baba ReshiCheerdara, Transmission line from Alustang – Leh for installation of Towers, construction of Fire and Emergency Station in Ramnagar, erection of Cell Phone Towers and providing Telecom Services in Kishtwar and Udhampur Districts, construction of PMGSY roads in Poonch, Rajouri and Bandipora Districts, construction of 1640 M Span bridge over River Chenab at Sajwal/Jourian and other critical infrastructure of Army and GREF.
Work on these projects could not commence till date due to pending Forest clearance. By virtue of the State Administrative Council decision, the work on all these projects shall get started and give impetus to the developmental projects much to the convenience of the general public.

SAC approves grant of 3rd Time Bound Promotion for Veterinary Doctors
Jammu: The State Administrative Council (SAC) which met here today under the chairmanship of Governor, Satya Pal Malik accorded sanction to the grant of 3rd Time Bound Promotion in favour of Veterinary Doctors.
The Time Bound Promotion scheme was introduced in the Animal/sheep Husbandry Department in February, 2004.
The scheme provides that veterinarians with more than 10 years’ service in respect of BVSC and more than 7 years’ service in respect of posts graduates will be entitled for first Time Bound Promotion. Veterinarians with 15 years of cumulative service are entitled to 2nd Time Bound Promotion.
Vide Government Order No. 03-ASH of 2010 dated 01.01.2010, sanction was accorded to the grant of dispensation of 3rd Time Bound Promotion to the eligible Veterinarians who rendered 20 years of cumulative service to the pre-revised pay scale of Rs. 14300-18300 revised to Rs. 37400-67000 with grade pay of Rs. 8700 at par with Assistant Surgeons of Health Department. However, retired doctors who completed 20 years of cumulative service before 01.01.2010 could not be covered under the scheme for having already superannuated from service.
Aggrieved by the Government order dated 01.01.2010, a group of retired veterinary doctors (Petitioners) filed a number of SWPs in the Hon’ble High Court. The High Court disposed of the SWPs with the directions to the State Government to accord consideration to the petitioners’ claim.
The SAC after considering various aspects and in view of the court directions accorded sanction to the grant of 3rd Time Bound Promotion notionally w.e.f 01.01.1996 and monetarily w.e.f 17.02.2004.

SAC approves promotion of IPS Officers of 2015 batch
Jammu: The State Administrative Council (SAC) which met here today under the chairmanship of Governor, Satya Pal Malik accorded sanction to the promotion of IPS officers Shri Sudhanshu Verma and Sandeep Gupta of 2015 batch to the Senior Time Scale of IPS (Level 11 in the Pay Matrix) w.e.f 01.01.2019.

Access to Quality Education
SAC approves transfer of land for KendriyaVidyalaya at Doda
Jammu: The State Administrative Council (SAC) which met here today under the chairmanship of Governor, Satya Pal Malik accorded sanction to the transfer of State land measuring 100 Kanals and 14 marlas situated in Village Jodhpur, Tehsil and District Doda to the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan on lease basis for establishing a Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) School at Doda.
The establishment of KV at village Jodhpur will give access to the students of district Doda to quality education.
The State Government is keen to have a network of JNVs and KVs in all the district of the State so that the children in interior and difficult pockets can have access to high quality CBSE education. In this regard, the State Government has requested the Central Government for opening of additional KVs and JNVs in various districts. 

SRINAGAR, Jan 25 : Commanding Officer Beacon Udit Dhada today said that they have cleared the part of Srinagar-Jammu national highway that comes under them and it is completely throw for the traffic.

Talking to a local news gathering agency, Dhada said that the stretch from Wazur to Banihal including Jawahar tunnel is throw for the traffic. “We kept on clearing snow and kept the highway open for one way traffic. Traffic has been diverted through diversion tube of Jawahar tunnel. Last night the thirty feet snow avalanche that had hit near Jawahar tunnel was also cleared,” he said.

The CO beacon said that the 30- kilometer national highway stretch that comes under them including both the tubes of Jawahar tunnel are as of now throw for the traffic. He said around 14 machines and 150 officials including operators, labourers are in continuous communication to keep the road clear for traffic. He hailed the role of Chief Engineer Beacon who personally visited the avalanche site that motivated the workers on ground to work with more synergy.

About the rest of the national highway, Dhada said the rest of the part comes under National Highway Authorities of India (NHAI). “We are in constant communication with the NHAI officials. They are facing the tough job due to continuous land sliding that keep the road blocked again and again,” CO Beacon said.

He added that part of national highway that comes under beacon is clear for the traffic.

The national highway continuous to remain closed due to heavy snowfall for the last five days. (KNS)

Governor greets people on Republic Day

KD NEWS SERVICE

SRINAGAR, Jan 25: Governor Satya Pal Malik has extended greetings and good wishes to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion of 70th Republic Day.

Following is the full text of the Governor’s Republic Day Message:

Brothers and Sisters,

On this joyous Seventieth Republic Day, I extend warm greetings to the people of Jammu & Kashmir. On this day, we remember and pay tributes to the founding fathers of the nation who fought for our freedom and handed over to us a constitution that guarantees liberty, equality and justice.

On this special day, I convey my greetings and sincere gratitude to members of our Armed Forces and J&K Police for working tirelessly in maintaining the unity and integrity of the nation.

Our neighbouring country continues to support terrorists to disrupt peace and harmony in the state. There have been repeated attempts to infiltrate terrorists across the international Border and Line of Control. Repeated ceasefire violations have brought untold hardships to the people living in the villages along the borders. Government is taking required measures to alleviate the sufferings of the border population.  

Notwithstanding the tough terrain, climate and other challenges, our Armed and Security Forces continue to maintain strict vigil and alertness on our frontiers. Our Armed and Police Forces carried out effective operations to neutralize the largest ever number of terrorists in a year.

Our Jawans have been working in extremely difficult circumstances in the State. We salute the brave army and police Jawans who have offered supreme sacrifices for maintaining peace and tranquillity in Jammu and Kashmir. The nation remains indebted to them. All our thoughts and prayers are with the families of such martyrs and it is incumbentupon us all to bring joy in their lives. Our hearts also go out to the families of the civilians who lost their loved ones in the wanton violence.

Since Independence in 1947, we have made rapid strides towards meeting the principles enshrined in our constitution. Deepening of democracy, success of parliamentary form of government, rule of law and people’s faith in democratic process and institutions are the biggest achievements of independent India which have not only proved the sceptics wrong but surprised many. The uniqueness of this achievement lies in the fact that every successive change of government since independence has been only through the ballot.

Deepening of democratic process and improving the quality of governance have been the prime focus of the Government. The huge turnout in the recently concluded Panchayat and Municipal elections in the State is an indicator of people’s yearning for peace and development. Despite stiff challenges, these elections were conducted in a peaceful atmosphere, thanks to the overwhelming participation of the people. I congratulate the entire civil and police administration for having worked overtime to ensure successful and peaceful Panchayat and Municipal elections across the state.

Corruption is a threat that we all need to counter in the most concerted, cohesive and determined manner. This menace can be best fought when there is an appropriate institutional framework in place to act as deterrent. The first ever Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has been established in the State. The establishment of ACB is one of the important elements of the Mission Good Governance and Development. The Jammu and Kashmir Vigilance Commission Act has been amended to make it more vibrant and effective. We have also amended Prevention of Corruption Act to give it more teeth.

Redressal of citizens’ grievances has been given priority. The State Grievances Cell has been constituted apart from the establishment of District Grievance Cells. My Advisors and Chief Secretary are regularly interacting with public for redressal of their problems. A Service Grievance Cell to address service related grievances of employees has also been set up.

The State Government has taken a series of measures for the welfare of Police Personnel, which includes grant of promotions at various levels, enhancement of honorarium for SPOs, enhancement of ex-gratia relief of NoKs of J&K Police Personnel,  SPOs, Central Armed Police Forces & Army, killed in violence and militancy related incidents and hardship allowance. Promotions and other service related matters of the Government employees are being prioritized.

Amendments have been made in the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act- 1989 to devolve more powers to Panchayats. The amendments will ensure well defined taxation powers to the Panchayats for generation of adequate resources by themselves.

Powers and functions of 21 departments have been devolved to the Panchayats. Over Rs. 2300 Crore development funds per annum will be transferred to Panchayats and Rs. 1200 Crore to the Urban Local Bodies for undertaking various development activities in the respective areas of their jurisdiction.

With the objective of addressing the state’s backlog in development, the massive Rs.80,000 crore Prime Minister’s Development Package for the State is under implementation. The package includes the Government of India’s support to various critical sectors and will ensure peace, prosperity and development in the State.

The paucity of funds had stalled the completion of many infrastructural projects in the state; some of which have been languishing for more than five years. This delay in completion of these projects has deprived the people of legitimately required essential infrastructure and services in time. To address this problem inclusively, the government has constituted the Jammu & Kashmir Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation (JKIDFC) and authorized it to raise Rs. 8000 Crore loan for development. Till date, 1644 languishing projects in key sectors with an investment of Rs. 3631 Crore have been approved. These projects would be completed in next 18 months and bring a much needed impetus to the development requirements of the State.

One of the major achievements in the Inter-State connectivity has been achieved through completion of 1210 mtr span Pre-Stressed Bridge at Keerian-Gandial, Kathua. Land has been handed over to the National Highway Authority of India Limited for Jammu and Srinagar Ring Roads.  Work on these projects has commenced.

Through its strenuous efforts, the Government has been able to provide last mile connectivity to un-electrified households and achieve 100 per cent household electrification in the month of October last year under the Prime Minister Sehaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojna (SAUBAGHYA) much before the target date. We are committed to provide 24×7 electricity to all registered electricity consumers. Work has been allotted for more than 90 per cent of projects costing over Rs. 7,000 Crore for up-gradation of power infrastructure in the State under various flagship schemes.

Jammu and Kashmir has vast Hydro Power potential. Ratle Hydro-Electric Power Project (HEP) pending for the last five years has been cleared for implementation through a joint venture with Govern­­­ment of India. This 850 MW Power Project will give further push to the energy sector in the State. The 624 MW Kiru HEP at a cost of Rs.4708.60 Crore has been approved for execution through Joint Venture (JV).  The project offers multiple benefits in terms of power and employment generation.     

Ladakh region has been brought on national grid by completing 220 KV Srinagar-Kargil-Leh Transmission Line.

It is heartening to note that the Government has signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Punjab for execution of Shahpurkandi Dam Project which was in limbo for the last forty years. Execution of this project will give a much needed boost to the agricultural activity by irrigating over 32,000 hectares of land in Samba and Kathua districts.  Besides, the State will get 20% power from this project.

Ujh Multi-Purpose Project has been cleared for execution at a cost of Rs.5850 Crore.  The project will irrigate another 31,000 hectares of land in Kathua district and will generate 186 MW power.

The Government is sensitive to regional aspirations. A University at Ladakh has been created and the Act notified to fulfil the long pending demand of the region. Amendments have been made in the relevant Act to devolve more powers and privileges to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. Forty new Degree Colleges are being opened across the State to meet area specific requirements.

To address the grievances of our students studying outside the state in major cities, Liaison Officers have been designated.

To address the issues of teaching community including existence of multiple teaching cadres, the Government has decided to merge these cadres into a single cadre. This measure will help to promote quality education in the State. 

We have drawn an Action Plan to provide each school in the State with toilet, drinking water, boundary wall, ramps for specially-abled children and furniture facilities.

The Government is committed to providing access to affordable health care in the State. More than 6 Lac families with 30 Lac individuals in the State are being covered under Ayushman Bharat Scheme. The scheme will provide paperless and cashless health care service in any empanelled hospital across India with an insurance cover of upto Rs. 5 lac per family per year in Secondary and Tertiary Care Hospitals. We have already registered 12 Lac beneficiaries under the Scheme.  The state became the second fastest issuer of Ayushman Bharat Gold Cards in the country. Our performance in the overall health indicators is also being constantly recognized at the national level. We are committed to sustain and build upon the achievements registered so far.

Rs. 260 Crore have been released recently by the Government of India for five new Medical Colleges at Anantnag, Baramulla, Doda, Kathua and Rajouri taking cumulative release till date for these colleges to Rs. 765 Crore. Selection process for recruitment of 4300 medicos and paramedical staff for these colleges has been fast-tracked. Classes for first batch of MBBS at five new Medical Colleges will be started from June this year. Apart from access to tertiary healthcare in the remote areas, 100 per cent increase in the number of MBBS seats in the State with the addition of these five new Colleges will augment the health care across the State. Five Sub District Hospitals at Bandipora, Ganderbal, Shopian, Samba, and Reasi have also been upgraded as District Hospitals.

It is a matter of great satisfaction that Kupwara & Baramulla districts have achieved distinction in making remarkable progress under various developmental parameters including Health, Education and Agriculture under the Transformation Aspirational Districts Programme during the past 5 months.  The improvements in their ranking is commendable.

I am glad to share that Jammu and Kashmir has been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) during September 2018. More than a million toilets have been constructed across the state.

Emphasis is being laid on creating an environment of entrepreneurship in identified sectors. To facilitate and nurture the growth of start-ups in the State, Jammu and Kashmir Start-up Policy has been rolled out. The policy will inspire young entrepreneurs to create vibrant and innovative start ups.

The Government has rolled out first ever Trade and Export policy. The policy is aimed at enhancing domestic trade volume by five times in next 10 years. Concrete steps are being taken to make J&K investment friendly. Jammu and Kashmir Single Window (Industrial Investment and Business Facilitation) Act, 2018 has been enacted to facilitate overhaul of existing processes and procedures under the ease of doing business reforms initiative . A Single Window portal has been launched for investors and entrepreneurs to facilitate clearances from various departments. 23 new Services notified by the Industries and Commerce Department have been made online.

Horticulture contributes to 35-40 per cent of State’s Agricultural GDP and is a mainstay of our economy; contributing to the nutritional security and on-farm employment. However, the challenges of poor post-harvest technology and inadequate storage infrastructure and processing capacity remains a concern for which Government is taking necessary measures.

In view of its huge potential, an interest subvention scheme for setting up of Walnut Processing Units in the private sector has been approved. The units of upto 500 Metric-Ton capacity will be eligible for subsidy under the scheme. Similarly, scheme for setting up of  walnut nurseries in high-tech Poly Green Houses has been approved for private sector.

Tourism is an important part of overall development and employment strategy. Government is committed to unlock the vast potential in the Sector. We have launched a sustained campaign to address the challenges posed to the sector by the negative perception regarding the obtaining situation in the valley. Our efforts have begun to pay dividends, which is evident from the fact that hotels in Pahalgam and Gulmarg are registering almost 100 percent occupancy during past couple of months. 

The State Tourism Department is making concerted efforts to encourage the influx of pilgrims and tourists in the state. As against arrival of 81.78 lakh pilgrims to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji during 2017, pilgrim arrivals stood at 85.87 lakh during 2018. Similarly, pilgrims for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra increased from 2.60 lakh (2017) to 2.85 lakh (2018).

To promote tourism sector in the Ladakh region, Government of India (GoI) has approved our proposal to open up more tourist and trekking routes.  An additional investment of Rs. 2000 Crore has been approved by GoI for development of new tourism infrastructure projects in the State under PMDP. The investment will increase the tourist flow to the State by way of providing them better amenities/ accommodation across the State.    

The damages caused by untimely snowfall of November 2018 particularly to horticultural crops are known to all of us.  The quantum of relief to farmers affected by this snowfall has been enhanced to Rs. 36,000 per hectare for damages to perennial crops like apple. We have also simplified the procedure for disbursement of relief on account of natural calamities.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Jammu and Kashmir has been passing through a crucial phase offering challenges and opportunities. Our youth today are brimming with hope and aspiration. They are looking for a path which will bring success, satisfaction and happiness in their lives.

It is a matter of deep anguish that a number of our youth some of whom were pursuing professional studies, were influenced by extremist ideologies to pick up gun and join groups which perpetrate violence. This has added to the difficulties and sufferings of the people particularly in the Valley. It is our sanguine belief that violence and a confrontationist approach is no antidote to addressing any issue(s). A number of precious and innocent lives have been lost due to mindless and dastardly violence. As I said earlier also our hearts go out to the bereaved families who have lost their dear ones. We shall have to find ways to remove such ugly scars of violence forever from our beautiful landscape by strengthening the discourse of peace. This is our collective responsibility and can be discharged only with active cooperation and support of our people.

In order to channelize the energy of the youth in constructive and nation building activities, the Department of Youth Services & Sports has given focused attention to the development and up-gradation of sports infrastructure in the State. M.A. Stadium Jammu has been upgraded to an International Cricket Stadium at a cost of Rs 42.17 Crore and shall be completed by April, 2019. It can now host National & International Cricket matches. Bakshi Stadium Srinagar has been upgraded as a FIFA compliant International Football Stadium at a cost of Rs 44 Crore. It shall be completed by June 2019. It can host National & International Football matches.

On this occasion, I appeal to the members of the Civil Society, Political Parties, Leaders of all Social, Cultural, Religious and other organizations in the State to come forward and lend their hands in building a prosperous J&K which will be a role model for other states.    

I conclude by once again conveying my warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and compliment the team of my Advisors, Chief Secretary and officers of Civil and Police administration for ensuring a discernible change on development and governance scenario in the State. I assure you all that this process will continue till a democratically elected government is back in State. I will reassure you that the Government will continue to work on its Mission Good Governance and Mission Delivering Development.(CNS)