Liberal Central funding is accelerating development in J and K: Soz

Srinagar, Jun 8 (UNI) Union Minister for Water Resources Saif-ud-din Soz announced Rs 7 crore package for the various works in Handwara tehsil and said liberal Central funding had accelerated development process in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said peace process was necessary for socio-economic development and strengthening of the democratic institutions in the state so that the common man could be involved in the developmental process.

Addressing public rallies at Panzu and Mangam areas of Handwara tehsil yesterday, he said during the last two decades the people of the state had suffered a lot due to turmoil which had hampered the developmental process in the state.

He said under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, the peace process had started and achieved great success in bringing normalcy in the valley.

Mr Soz said the peace talks between India and Pakistan were heading in right direction and all the outstanding issues would be resolved in near future.

Talking about the recent talks with the newly formed Pakistan Government he said the process would continue and the two countries were looking forward for opening of more routes for cementing trade and cultural ties.

Mr Soz announced a package of Rs 6.29 crore for the improvement of the irrigation facilities in the area.

He also sanctioned Rs 57 lakh for the construction of water storage plant at Panzu.

Mr Soz released Rs 5 lakh for the renovation and upgradation of Panzu High School and Rs 39 lakh for the construction of water reservoir at Macher Mangam.

He said he would take up the issue of filling the vacant posts in health and education department to the concerned quarters.

UNI BAS RC KN1300