KUPWARA: Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Prof. S.P Singh Baghel today said that it was a matter of pleasure that Kashmir is witnessing a sea-change in the field of peace, prosperity, and development following the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A.
The Minister was addressing a public sabha at Public Park Langate in the frontier district of Kupwara.
The Minister enlisted various developmental programmes and welfare measures of the Union Government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi which people should remember for their prosperity. The Minister said that the people of J&K should also remember the discrimination made by a few families for years together.
He said people should remember that J&K is presently taking the benefits of the three-tier Panchayat Raj System adding that this grass root democracy should have been here 70 years ago. He said that hefty funds are being released for the development of panchayats as per the planning and wishes of the local elected members. He said Panchayati Raj system is emerging as a game changer in the UT which reduced the effect of traditional family politics.
He urged people to make the education of children their first priority and invest some money in their quality education so that they can make good status in society. He said the UPSC IAS examination is known to be as most prestigious and tough exam in India which was topped by a person from the Kupwara district. He said there is no dearth of talent here in any field.
Referring to the tourism sector, the Minister said that every nook and corner of Kashmir is green and beautiful and Bangus in Kupwara is emerging as a world-famous tourist destination.
Regarding various welfare schemes, the Minister said that people should take advantage of schemes like Ayushman Bharat, PM Beema Suraksha Yojna, PM Jeevan Jyoti Yojna, and e-Shram, and other schemes. He said these schemes have been designed by the Union Government for the welfare of the general public.
The Minister revealed the historical background of Indian democracy and said that India is changing and every citizen has to live in this country with pride and dignity and equal opportunities for development.
He said that Jammu & Kashmir has received two AIIMS-like prestigious medical colleges and added that Kupwara district has got one New District Hospital and a Medical College. He assured that the Government of India is committed to upgrading the health infrastructure of all districts of J&K. He congratulated the people of Langate for hoisting the longest 108 feet tricolor in the area.
The Minister expressed happiness on seeing the smiling faces of people and said that apart from some mischievous elements, the people of Kashmir are gentle and honest.
Earlier, the Minister inspected various stalls of different departments including DLSA, Floriculture, Handicrafts, ICDS, AYUSH, Health, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Fisheries, Horticulture Planning and Marketing, DIC Kupwara, and banks. The minister interacted with stallholders and took interest in the items displayed in the stalls. He checked the cooked nutrition of the ICDS stall. He said that Kashmir handicraft is worth a market across the country and advised the concerned officers to make employment avenues for the youth.
Later, the Minister inspected District Hospital Handwara and interacted with the doctors and the PRIs present on the occasion. He was informed that the District Hospital is working since 1988 and is catering to a large area of the population. He was also informed that now District Hospital is affiliated with Medical College Handwara which was already sanctioned. The land has been identified and the work is to start soon.
The Minister also visited Environment Hall Handwara and interacted with various deputations including DDC Members, Traders Federation, Bar Association, and Political Parties who projected their demands before the Minister. The Minister heard them patiently and assured that he will put up all these demands before the Prime Minister. He told them that the people of Kashmir are in the mind and heart of the Prime Minister who always speaks about Kashmir.
Later, the Minister visited Athroota Chougol and laid the foundation stone of the Water Supply Scheme Athroota under JJM in presence of Chairman DDC, Irfan Sultan Panditpori, and concerned officers.
The estimated cost of the Water Supply Scheme is Rs.153 lakh and will benefit 237 households.
On the occasion, the Minister inspected a stall displayed by KVK. He also interacted with the locals.
The Minister also visited District Court Complex Kupwara and inspected the new under-construction Court Complex building.
The Minister also interacted with members of the District Legal Services Authority, Lawyers and Para Legal Volunteers.
The Principal District & Sessions Judge, Tasleem Arief, and other Judicial Officers were present at the occasion.
The Minister asked Para Legal volunteers to make more efforts in disseminating awareness about Government schemes like Ayushman Bharat, PM Jeevan Jyoti Beema Yojna while having door-to-door awareness.
Earlier, Secretary DLSA welcomed the Minister and briefed about the progress and activities of the Authority.
The Chairman DDC Kupwara Irfan Sultan Panditpori, Vice Chairman DDC Haji Farooq Ahmad Mir, Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Doifode Sagar Dattatray, Additional Secretary Law, ADC Handwara, ADC Kupwara, DDC Members, President MC Langate, BDC Chairpersons, PRIs, besides, officers and a large number of people were present on the occasion.
