Azad for equitable development of all regions of J

Leh, Sep 2 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has said that equitable development of all the three regions of the state was the focal point of his government's policy.

Addressing public meetings here, he said the decision to constitute a Finance Commission was a historic step. The Commission would look after the equal distribution of resources at regional and sub-regional level and suggest measures for bridging the gap between hitherto under-developed and developed areas, Mr Azad added.

The Chief Minister said speedy development of hilly, backward and far-flung border areas was the priority of his government. A network of schemes have already been initiated to open up these areas for economic growth and development, he said.

Inaugurating the Ladakh festival at Leh, Mr Azad said cultural festivals provide an insight to the people of their heritage and historic richness.

In order to promote tourist activities in Ladakh which has a great attraction for international visitors, he said two tourism development authorities have been set up at Leh and Kargil.

The Chief Minister said each authority would receive Rs 20 crore for the development of tourism-related infrastructure and creation of other facilities.

''Our target should be to make Ladakh round the year tourist attraction,'' he added.

UNI AG VD RS1636