Azad urges to strengthen district development boards

Jammu, Mar 6 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today expressed the need to strengthen the District Development Boards (DDBs) to further developmemtal activities in rural areas, especially remote and hilly parts of the state.

Mr Azad said as against 30 per cent allocation of Budget funds to the districts this year, 40 per cent allocations would be made during the next financial year which would be further enhanced to 50 per cent in 2007-08.

He said after 1990, effectiveness of DDB declined gradually and the government will now work towards reviving it to make these viable and more people-responsive.

''However, at the same time we also need to ensure that all necessary requirements are available to translate the announcement into a reality,'' Mr Azad added.

Referring to poor healthcare facilities in rural areas, the Chief Minister said during his recent visit to a hospital in Srinagar, he had found four patients on one bed.

He called for early expansion and upgradation of healthcare facilities in rural areas.

UNI RKS AK BD1941