Devsar-Kashmir, March 23 (Scoop News) – – Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Tuesday r said that Panchayats and Local Bodies have important role to play in the reconstruction of new Jammu and Kashmir. “Government is keen to transfer the power to these democratically elected bodies so that area specific needs of the people are taken care of and development carried on as per the requirements of the people”, he said maintaining that these institutions will also help to ensure judicious spending of funds and creating dependable and useful public service infrastructure.
Addressing a mammoth gathering at Yor-khushipora in Devsar constituency of South Kashmir, Omar said that the year 2010 has been denoted as the year of transfer of power to grass roots. He said Panchayats and Local Bodies elections are scheduled during the current year asking the people to elect their representatives and be active partners in the policy planning and implementation of works.
He highlighted the role of youth in transforming the socio-economic condition of Jammu and Kashmir and restoration of peace and tranquility.“The position of youth in the process of development and peace is pivotal and they have to come forward to shoulder their responsibility”, he said and asked the people to encourage younger generation in rendering their stupendous service to the society.
Reiterating his government’s commitment for upholding human rights at all costs, the Chief Minister citing the example of Nishat boy said that for the first time forces handed over the accused officer and personnel to Jammu and Kashmir Police for investigation against the charges of killing an innocent. “This vindicates the state’s firm commitment for HR and zero tolerance against violation of human rights under any circumstances”.
Omar thanking the Union Home Minister for recognizing the need of a comprehensive rehabilitation policy for the youth who crossed over to PoK but not resorted to gun and want to return legally and live a peaceful life. Omar said that a compressive policy for the purpose is in the offing. “We are giving final touch to the draft policy for rehabilitation of youth”, he said and added that had PDP not opposed a similar policy tabled by. M. Y. Tarigami in the Legislative Assembly and support of National Conference during their government, we would have such a policy in place at present.
The Chief Minister said that government is committed to the promises made to the people during electioneering and measures have already been taken to catapult the state’s economy and open avenues for faster development and progress in all the three regions of the state.
Omar said that creation of job opportunities both in the government and private sectors as also the enhancement of employability has been flagged as the top most concern of the government. “My government provided over 21000 jobs to the educated youth in government services, in just one year as against less then 6500 by the PDP government in their three years of governance”, he said adding that new avenues are also being opened for the boys and girls to get jobs in private sector and also venture in economic activities by themselves.
The Chief Minister referring to the representation of South Kashmir in the government, in Legislature and in the Parliament said that equal care has been made in this direction. “Your area is amply represented in all the important forums”, he said asking the people to strengthen their rank and file.
Omar also warned the people of vested interests and urged them not to be led astray by the false propaganda and deceitful politics. “Be united to make National Conference once again your strongest fortress as it symbolizes your aspirations and stands for equitable development of all the regions and unity, amity, secular traditions of the state. “This party has successfully passed the tests of the time upholding the cause of people of Jammu and Kashmir”.
The public meeting was also addressed by the Minister for Social Welfare, Ms. Sakina Itoo, Minister of State for Tourism, Nasir Aslam Wani, Member Parliament, Dr. Mehboob Beig, Provincial President NC, Ali Mohammad Dar, Former Minister, Ghulam Ahmed Shah and the local leader Mohammad Rafiq Khan. On reaching Devsar, Omar was received by enthusiastic crowd with pro-government and pro-NC slogans.