CM announces free transport for lambardars, chowkidars

Jammu, Aug 7 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today announced free travel facilities for lambardars and Chowkidars --the government representatives in the villages-- in state road transport corporation (JKTRC) buses.

Mr Azad, while addressing a convention of lambardars and chowkidars, said the decision to raise the honorarium of lambardars from Rs 81 to Rs 501 and of chowkidars from Rs 225 to Rs 500 not only provided them succor but also restored the dignity of this institution.

He asked them to play their role in strengthening communal harmony, secularism and composite ethos of the people for which Jammu and Kashmir was known all over.

The Chief Minister said the two village level institutions were an important bridge between administration and the people at large and called upon them to discharge their newly defined responsibilities with a greater sense of commitment.

The Chief Minister said they have to act as a watchdog for monitoring massive infrastructure development works launched by the government across the state so that the pace and quality of works was ensured and benefits accrued to the people.

Two institutions had to act as ears and eyes of the administration and help the government in carrying forward its developmental agenda. Institutions were time tested and the government had decided to strengthen these.

UNI