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Srinagar, Aug 7 (UNI) Former secretary to Planning Commission Dr N C Saxena, heading one of the five working groups set up to address various issues on Kashmir, said his group will work on bringing administration close to common people.

Talking to mediapersons today Dr Saxena said the members will deliberate on various issues including increasing accountability and transparency of the administration, strengthening local self- government, effective monitoring of developmental programmes, institution of zero tolerance for human rights violation, strengthening the right to information and providing security to all segments of society particularly minority communities.

Dr Saxena expressed the hope the state government will accept the recommendations of the group for speedy development of the state.

''I found Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad very keen to see the Jammu and Kashmir among the best states in the country,'' he said.

Dr Saxena said he briefed Mr Azad on the lengthy process of land acquisition which delays projects. ''Instead I suggested that government should get the land on lease from the owners so that the ownership of the land owner will remain and he will also get income,'' he said adding Mr Azad agreed to it.

He said the recommendations of the working group will not be binding on government. It is upto the government to decided on the recommendations.

Dr Saxena said since this was the first meeting of the group the members will be free to express their views on the issue and I will also share my experience with them.

He said Mr Azad was keen to improve the functioning of the administration and it was because of this eight new districts were created in the state.

Dr Saxena said he will remain in the valley for two more days and meet senior state government functionaries.

UNI BAS SB KN1355