13,000 households in J

Srinagar, Oct 20 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha has said 13,000 households in border areas of the state have been electrified under innovative micro hydel projects scheme.

Inaugurating the 550th Micro Hydel Project at Drugmullah in Kupwara district, he said with this the target for Kashmir has been already completed while it was likely to be achieved in the Jammu region by the year-end.

In all, 1000 micro hydel projects had been planned for the state, of which 450 were in Jammu, he added.

Gen Sinha said keeping in view the overwhelming response by the people in Kashmir, the matter would be taken up with concerned for sanctioning additional projects next year.

The scheme was a humble stride towards improving the quality of life in border belts as it will generate economic activity along side providing light during the nights, he added.

Talking to reporters, the Governor said about 4000 of 5000 vacancies in the para-military Forces in Kashmir have been filled.

Similarly, the youth were getting opportunities in the Territorial Army also, he added.

Gen Sinha, however, said it would not be possible for any government to provide ''white collar'' jobs to all. Instead, the youth should avail of incentives in setting up their own income generating units and be self reliant, he added.

UNI AG PV DS1636