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Srinagar, June 7 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has said that a three-pronged strategy has been put in place to address political, economic and social issues of the people of the state simultaneously.

Meanwhile, the NABARD authorities also agreed to increase the normative allocation for PWD sector from Rs 466 crores to Rs 600 crores.

Addressing a joint meeting of NABARD and state functionaries here, Mr Azad expressed gratitude to the Centre, UPA Chairperson Ms Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for providing liberal financial assistance for economic reconstruction of the state.

During the meeting the NABARD readily agreed to provide funds for development of the infrastructure in 8 new districts and also lead the mobilization advance from 20 per cent to 30 per cent as suggested by the Chief Minister.

Mr Azad impressed upon the Union Minister of State for Finance and the Chairman NABARD that the State of Jammu and Kashmir deserves a special dispensation as its geographical location is an inherent disadvantage.

Further, the difficulties of the state have been compounded by 18 years long turmoil, he said adding the vagaries of weather reduce the working season to just four months in most parts of the state.

Therefore, Mr Azad said, it would be unrealistic to treat the state at par with other states of the country.

The Chairman NABARD agreed that the State of Jammu and Kashmir deserves a special consideration.

The Chief Minister instructed the state government officials to provide adequate funds for development of secondary and higher secondary education system.

The NABARD authorities were accordingly requested to provide a corresponding loan component so that the education infrastructure, necessitated by upgradation of various schools across the state, could be bulit.

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