Azad calls on Patil, Dasmunsi

New Delhi, Oct 14 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today called on Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi here.

During the meeting with Mr Patil, Mr Azad raised the issue of rehabilitation of earthquake-affected people in his state.

He emphasised the need for launching a programme for rebuilding infrastructure, particularly the construction of schools, hospitals, roads and other vital basic utility units which were destroyed in the catastrophic October 8, 2005 temblor.

The Home Minister appreciated the pace with which new houses were constructed in all earthquake-hit areas and assured full support of the Centre for the purpose.

Mr Azad also discussed the issue of doubling the ex-gratia relief to militancy victims from Rs one lakh to Rs two lakh.

During his meeting with the Information and Broadcasting Minister, Mr Azad asserted on developing wide range transmission technology for Doordarshan and the All India Radio in the State.

The Chief Minister said that in the present era of media lobalisation, Radio and Doordarshan have important rolse to play.

''In this competitive atmosphere, both these modes of electronic media are required to be made people-oriented,'' he said.

''All the stations, sub-stations and relay centres of Doordarshan and Radio are required to be strengthened as per present requirement for smooth transmission,'' he added.

Mr Dasmunsi assured the Chief Minister that immediate action would be taken in this regard.

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