Poonch,, March 19 (Scoop News) – Indian Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah in border area of Poonch and Rajouri today urged the people to ensure overwhelming participation in ensuing panchayat elections to elect capable and efficient representatives for healthier development of their respective areas. He emphasized upon the womenfolk to keep away with their conventional shilly-shallying approach and boldly take part in these elections for their socio-economic emancipation. “This would besides ensuring due representation in the Panchayats will also enable them to participate in decision making thus shaping the society into a better place to live in”, added the Union Minister.
Dr. Farooq said National Conference under the leadership of Sher-i-Kashmir, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah worked tirelessly for making the people masters of the state so that they could lead the state on road to prosperity and progress.
Dr. Abdullah was addressing a huge public gathering at Poonch (Haveli).He said that “All the un-electrified far-off and border habitations of Rajouri and Poonch would soon be equipped with micro units under Renewable Energy Programme (REP).”
To make the mobile tower services more effective and regular, there towers now will function on solar energy system instead of diesel supply, asserted the Union Minister. He said that this source, being more economical and reliable, will further improve the mobile services in the State.
Dr. Abdullah asked the concerned agencies to formulate Mini-hydel projects for Mandi and Poonch for submission to the centre so as to improve the power scenario in these two spots and adjoining areas. He said that these projects have vast potential in such areas, execution of which can do wonders in total transformation of power picture in the state.
Referring to the expansion of Railway network in the state, Dr. Abdullah said that the Railway connectivity in Poonch district will vigorously boost the Tourism industry besides raising the economic profile of the people of Poonch and peripheral areas.
He expressed optimism that the Railway authorities will continue its support to the State in extending the Railway tracks in the State to add to its progress and prosperity.
Welcoming opening of Mughal road in Poonch, Dr. Abdullah said that the movement on this vital road will prove to be of immense help to the people of this far-flung and border district in improving their living standards. He also had words of praise for the State Government which has initiated an effective mechanism to improve the road network in the State under various State and centrally sponsored Schemes.
Among others was also attended by MLA Poonch, Aijaz Jan, Vice –Chairman Kissan Board, Th. Rashpal Singh, Provincial President NC, Ratten Lal Gupta, District President NC, Poonch, Qazi Mohammad Sayeed Beig and Mr. Goni.
Speaking on the Occasion, MLA Poonch, and Mr. Jan expressed gratitude of Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah, for giving a big drive to the infrastructural development in Poonch district. He thanked Mr. Omar for raising an emergency block worth Rs. 4.50 Crore in District Hospital Poonch and black topping the roads in the entire district. He also praised the CM for approving construction of 10 roads in far-off areas of the district which will provide road connectivity to the people of around 30 villages of the district.
Mr. Jan also articulated gratefulness to Dr. Abdullah for sparing his precious time for the people of Poonch and listening to the grievances of the district.