Bringing peace to J

Srinagar, July 28 (UNI) Stressing that bringing peace to Jammu and Kashmir was of paramount importance for the Government and security agencies, President A P J Abdul Kalam today suggested nine missions to members of the state Council and Assembly to transform the trouble-torn state into a developed one before 2015.

''Each of the mission I have mentioned today has the potential of making Jammu and Kashmir economically prosperous with synergised efforts coming from the political system, the administration and the collective partnership of your state and the Centre,'' Dr Kalam said while addressing the historic joint session of the state legislature at Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention hall on the bank of the Dal Lake amid unprecedented security arrangements.

The session could not be held at the Legislative complex because of less number of seats which could not have accommodated members from both the Houses and other guests.

However, he said a peace mission for the development of Jammu and Kashmir was essential for the all-round economic development in the industry, service and the agriculture sectors, including tourism.

''Bringing peace to the state is the mission of not only the government and security agencies, but also every family in all the three regions of the state.'' He said the horticulture mission will enhance revenue from the existing Rs 2,000 crore to Rs 15,200 crore per annum with an additional revenue to 7.8 lakh families.

The education and entrepreneurship sectors will realise 100 per cent literacy by 2012 and provide full employment to all one lakh youths passing out from schools and colleges every year, Dr Kalam said and asked for creation of centres of excellence in engineering, science, arts and medicine specifically for promoting global leadership in education.

He said the global human resources cadre and the youth of Jammu and Kashmir will have two types of opportunities--one to acquire higher education and the other to acquire high quality vocational skills. The state can capture 25,000 direct employment and 25,000 indirect employment in the Information Technology by 2010.

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