Jammu,March 4 (Scoop News) –Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today said that we recognize that there are genuine political, social and emotional grievances of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We are trying honestly to address these issues.
Addressing 3rd Convocation of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), at Zorawar
Singh Auditorium, Jammu today, the Prime Minister said that the visit of the all party delegation to the State last year was intended to bring about a national consensus on some of the important problems of the State. The problems of Jammu and Kashmir are complex and each of the regions of the State – whether it is Kashmir, Jammu or Ladakh — have their own problems which require attention.
He said that a group of interlocutors was appointed to facilitate a continuous dialogue with all sections of the people of the State. There is no way forward but sustained dialogue and the resolution of all problems under a constitutional framework, that I believe has the flexibility to accommodate honourable and durable solutions for all.
As a part of our efforts to promote the balanced development of Jammu & Kashmir, the Government of India had set up Special Task Forces on the Jammu and Ladakh regions. While the reports of these Task Forces are being considered in consultation with the State Government, the Government of India has already made a budget provision of Rs. 250 crores for implementation of identified projects in Jammu and Ladakh regions,Manmohan Singh said.
PM said, “I am happy to have this opportunity to interact with the academic fraternity at Jammu on the occasion of the third Convocation ceremony of this young university. I congratulate all the scholars and students who have been awarded medals and degrees today. It is my belief and prayer that a bright future awaits them all.
The role of Science & Technology is critical in guiding the destiny of our nation. The growth of our economy, the food and nutritional security of our people and the security of our country depend in no small measure on our scientific and technological competence. The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology in Jammu has strived over the past decade to strengthen agricultural studies, research and extension work in the region. But I would submit that the role of the university is much larger – to develop in its students a sense of patriotic service, a connection with their communities and its problems and igniting the passion and imagination that all youth are endowed with.
He said that it is a fact that the agricultural economy of the State, on which about 70% of the population is dependent, is not in very good shape. There is low productivity, poor investment and the State has large deficits in the production of cereals, oilseeds, pulses and vegetables. Each of the three regions of the State present challenges of diverse topography and agro-ecosystems. The challenge before policy-makers and agriculture scientists is thus to evolve appropriate area-specific strategies for increasing production and employment.
PM in his speech said that this university would need to play a vital role in the exploitation of the vast potential of the agriculture-related sectors in the Jammu region. We have to give focussed attention to raising productivity of products that Jammu is known for such as R.S. Pura basmati, Bhaderwahi rajmah, Kishtwari saffron, anardana and Bakarwali goat. The Government of India had provided this university with an infrastructure grant of Rs 68 crore which I hope has been well utilized. It gives me great pleasure to announce a further grant of Rs 32 crore to the university.
The Government of India is willing to do much more than it has to develop the agricultural sector in the State. We have to work on several areas at the same time. These include scientific methods for enhancing productivity, post-harvest technology, credit support and market access to farmers,PM said..
He said that the Government of India is providing assistance to the State to address these issues through a number of Central schemes. These include the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and the Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States , which offers liberal outlays for research, farm inputs, mechanisation and processing. The Government of India has recently approved a Central scheme for Economic Revival of Jammu & Kashmir Saffron Sector with an outlay of Rs. 370 crore. I am happy to tell you that Jammu , Samba and Kathua districts will now be covered under the National Food Security Mission.
Recently, the Rangarajan Committee has submitted its jobs plan for the State of Jammu and Kashmir . The Report brings out clearly the vast untapped potential for economic activity and employment generation in all three regions of the State. The plan they have suggested has the potential to reach out to nearly 1½ lakh youth over a three to five year period. This would be done through a two-pronged strategy: kick-starting the growth process in sectors having large employment potential, like information technology, tourism and micro, small and medium enterprises, and launching a human resource development initiative focused on improving skills through improved access to education and focused placement-oriented training. The response of Indian industry has been encouraging and we will work with all stakeholders to kick-start the economic revival of the State.
The Report proposes focused interventions in the poultry, dairy and animal husbandry sectors. It proposes expanding the private para-veterinary scheme of the State government for providing veterinary services and the revival of government sheep breeding farms to increase meat production. We propose to begin implementing some of the recommendations right away. The agriculture sector supports some of the most vulnerable sections of population and has huge employment potential. So we should give this sector the priority it deserves.