Manmohan Singh announces Rs710 crore for rural road network in J&K

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today announced Rs 710 crore for land acquistion for expansion and upgradation of rural roads network in Jammu and Kashmir.

Singh made the announcement after a meeting with the Council of Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir during which he reviewed the progress of various development projects, especially the Prime Minister's Reconstruction Programme.

"The Prime Minister has announced that an additional Rs 710 crore will be granted to the state for acquisition of land under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana for expansion and upgradation of rural road network," an official statement said.

Reports had it that Governor N N Vohra had expressed concern over poor implementation of the rural roads scheme in the state.

A senior official from the Rural Development Ministry had reviewed the implementation of PMGSY earlier this month.

The Prime Minister made the announcement at a high- level meeting here in which state Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made a comprehensive presentation.

The "good news is this that a note has already been prepared for grant of Rs 710 crores to the state under PMGSY for land acquisition," Singh said adding the proposal would be receiving Union Cabinet's nod soon.

The Prime Minister assured full support to the state for its holistic and inclusive development.

He said despite financial constraints the union government faces at present, he would use his influence to provide substantial plan to the state for the current fiscal.

However, "when it comes to financing Jammu and Kashmir, we do not count the financial constraints", Singh said.

The Prime Minister emphasized on upgrading the financial discipline saying better financial management would help the state to receive enhanced funds.

He also called for enhancing the agriculture growth saying he would use his office for providing more funds to the state under horticulture mission.

Singh praised the power-point presentation made by Omar in the meeting.

He said the Chief Minister in his presentation has given a complete account of the achievements, problems and needs of the state to realize the ambition of providing better facilities to the people.

Earlier, Omar, explaining the development contours and economic indicators of the state, underlined the need for political resolution of grievances and aspirations of pluralistic and diverse state like Jammu and Kashmir.

Omar also talked about resumption of sustained and meaningful dialogue with Pakistan expressing the hope that the new Prime Minister in the neighbouring country would create a conducive atmosphere for resumption of talks.

The Chief Minister also pitched for restoration of internal dialogue with diverse political opinion in an inclusive manner.

The Chief Minister stressed on making a start to the implementation process of the recommendations made by interlocutors group.

He also sought a comprehensive review of cross-Line of Control trade and travel and demanded early provision of full body scanners to be installed at Poonch and Uri besides easing trade restrictions.

Omar also advocated for early completion of demining of areas across LoC.

He also expressed satisfaction over the Rehabilitation Policy saying 422 cases have been sanctioned under this policy out of 1094 applications received.

The Chief Minister reiterated the demand for granting ST status to Pahari-speaking people, terming it as a long-pending demand.

Speaking on the security scenario, the Chief Minister said the coalition government has lived up to its promises and expectations of people adding the positive atmospherics marked by hope, optimism, peace and harmony is rooting in the state.