Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday met Union Minister of State for Finance Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad and discussed issues pertaining to development of the union territory.
Earlier, the minister concluded his two-day visit to Ganderbal district in central Kashmir as part of the Centre’s special outreach programme for J&K, an official spokesperson said.
“Today met Dr. Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad @DrBhagwatKarad, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Finance. Held discussion on a range of issues pertaining to the rapid development of Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir,” the LG tweeted.
The minister also interacted with representatives of political parties like the Apni Party, the district Congress committee, BJP, National Conference and the J&K Panthers Party, an official spokesperson said.
Replying to issues raised by them, Karad said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed all central ministers to visit the UT to interact directly with the people and elected bodies to ascertain the needs at the grassroots level.
Later, he handed over cheques worth Rs 4.06 lakh among beneficiaries of the chronic disease assistance and the education assistance of the Labour department.
The minister also distributed wheelchairs, CP chairs and hearing aids among children with special needs and handed over keys of commercial vehicles to beneficiaries of the MUMKIN scheme.
Karad also distributed sports kits, golden cards and pension booklets among other beneficiaries.
The MoS visited the Kullan area of Kangan where he inaugurated a business unit of the J&K Bank.
Meanwhile the minister visited the corporate headquarters of Jammu and Kashmir Bank here and interacted with the financial institution’s senior management.
Acknowledging the bank’s vital role in the overall economic development of J&K, Karad expressed satisfaction over its recent performance and overall functioning.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is very concerned about business and its progress across the country and we have clear instructions to hear from businessmen in J&K.
“I am happy to see that J&K Bank is doing a wonderful job here,” he said.
The minister said J&K is gifted with natural resources, has a great scope for Ayurveda medicines and other products and the aspiring entrepreneurs of the valley should take advantage of the schemes that the concerned union ministry has devised for the sector.
He also held a meeting with a delegation comprising members of industry associations in presence of Additional Chief Secretary Finance, Atal Dulloo and J&K Bank CMD R K Chhibber.
Briefing the minister about the bank’s history, CMD Chhibber highlighted its systemic role in the overall economic functioning of the region besides emphasizing upon its major contribution in the financial transformation of J&K and Ladakh for over eight decades.
Additional Chief Secretary Finance Dulloo said the government was formulating various schemes to help the local businesses.
“Owing to Covid-19, Rs 1,350 crore rehabilitation package was announced by UT Government to revive businesses in J&K which included 5 per cent interest subvention besides certain waivers of PDD and PHE dues. GST reimbursement is also being done regularly,” he said.
