Rana reviews ongoing works, major initiatives in Shopian

Interacts with PRI representatives; announces establishment of EMRS

SHOPIAN: On his maiden visit to Shopian, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forests, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, today reviewed development scenario of the district, besides interacting with several deputations at Circuit House, Shopian.

The Minister also convened a series of meetings with representatives from diverse sections including MLAs, former MLAs, District Development Council members, local public and district/ sectoral officers.
The deputation of District Development Council members led by Chairperson, Bilqees Jan, apprised the Minister of wide range of developmental issues concerning their area.

The MLAs, DDC members, former MLAs and citizens apprised the Minister of various public welfare and development issues including construction of Shopian-Poonch tunnel, provision of quality water, electricity availability and tariff revision, forest rights act issues, youth related issues of employment, road, tribal welfare, education, tourism development and others.

The Minister listened to the public welfare and development issues patiently and assured action on all genuine issues.

The Minister, on the occasion, appreciated the ongoing initiatives of the district administration. He assured the MLAs, District Council and the locals of government’s assistance in addressing the developmental demands and meeting their aspirations.

The Minister emphasised on collective responsibility for alleviating the problems of weak and downtrodden sections of the society. He directed the DDC Shopian for initiating the process for establishment of Pahari Hostel in the district. He also instructed the revenue department for land allotment for construction of Eklavya Model Residential School in the district.

Addressing the gathering, he said that special focus is being laid on tribal development, completion of Jal Jeevan Mission this year and facilitating the Forest Rights entitlements smoothly.

Later, District Development Commissioner, Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar, presented the department wise status of ongoing works, major projects in the district in a presentation besides highlighting achievements under various sectors.

MLA Zainapora, Showkat Hussain Ganie and MLA Shopian, Shabir Ahmad Kullay also highlighted issues before the Minister and sought his attention towards resolution of the same.

While directing for taking up all highlighted demands of public on topmost priority, the Minister stressed upon the officers for ensuring transparent, responsive and corruption free public delivery system. He also instructed them to work hard in their spheres of responsibility and achieve time bound results.

SSP Shopian, Anayat Ali, Director, Agriculture, Chaudhary Mohammad Iqbal, ADDC, Dr. Nasir Ahmad Lone, ACR Shakoor Dar and other district and sectoral officers were also present during the review meeting.