Central team discusses economic development with Omar

Srinagar, Oct 24: Union Cabinet Secretary Ajit Kumar Seth, who is leading a high-level central team here, today (Oct 24) met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and discussed issues pertaining to economic development in the state.

“During the meeting, matters relating to the flagship programmes and centrally-sponsored schemes also came up for a detailed discussion," an official spokesman said after the meeting.

The Chief Minister said this year"s peaceful summer had resulted in a highly successful tourist season, particularly in the valley.

It also contributed to fast-tracking development works and reaching out the benefits of the schemes to people across the state, Omar said.

On holding of peaceful, free and fair panchayat elections in the state this year, after a gap of about 30 years, he said the government was committed to establishing a powerful panchayat system.

“All the three levels of Panchayat Raj will be made functional over the next couple of months," the Chief Minister said.

He said the state government is determined to hold elections to urban local bodies during the current financial year to ensure the transfer of powers at grassroot level and active association of the people with the development process.

The central team arrived here yesterday and had a detailed discussion with Governor N N Vohra on the internal and external security management of the state, the spokesman said.

PTI