Thursday, June 25, 2009

Continuous hartals have affected individual economy of Kashmir people

Dy CM hosts reception for Union Health Minister

Omar, Azad unanimous in launching golden era of dev in J&K

A grand reception was accorded to Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad at SKICC, here this morning. Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Tara Chand, Minister for School Education and Public Enterprises, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for Industries & Commerce, Labour and Employment & CA&PD, Mr. S. S. Slathia, Deputy Chairman, J&K Legislative Council, S. Arvinder Singh Micky and Mayor, SMC, Mr. Salman Sagar, besides MLAs and MLCs, various Administrative Secretaries and Chairman PSC were present on the occasion.

The reception was organized by Srinagar Municipal Corporation. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Azad assured the Chief Minister that the Central government will extend all possible financial assistance to the State so that J&K realizes its goal of a developed State. Mr. Azad said he was confident that coalition government will carry forward its agenda of good governance. He said it is imperative for the State’s development that spillover projects are completed without further delay so that new projects can be taken in hand. The Union Health Minister said that, as in the past, he would like to work as a bridge between Centre and J&K State so that the targets set for development are achieved, which will bring in progress and prosperity to the State. The Union Health Minister asked people to beware from certain elements who are bent upon destroying the State’s economy, which will impede the development of the State in the long run. He said the State has suffered a lot on account of frequent shutdowns which have weakened the economy and severely dented tourism potential. Praising the role of stalwarts like Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Mr. Rajiv Gandhi and Dr. Farooq Abdullah for their stellar role in taking Jammu and Kashmir forward, Mr. Azad said the coalition will work together for the next five-and-a-half-years for ushering in a new era of peace and development. Earlier, welcoming the Union Health Minister, Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah appreciated the role of Mr. Azad in forging J&K towards development during his tenure as Chief Minister of the State. He assured Mr. Azad that the schemes and development works taken up in the State during his tenure would be carried forward and completed. The Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has full faith in the ability and experience of Mr. Azad and added that his presence at the Centre was a source of hope and inspiration for the people, as they have high expectations from him for development of the State. Mr. Abdullah said the State government has been assured by Mr. Azad for liberal help in the health sector so that people living in remote and far off areas of the State are extended top-notch health services.

Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, while highlighting the role of Mr. Azad as the Chief Minister, said the creation of new districts, tehsils, sub-districts and university campuses were carved out during his tenure. He said the people will not forget the contribution of Mr. Azad and hoped he will continue to extend full support to the State government headed by Mr. Omar Abdullah in every sector, particularly health.

The breakfast was hosted by Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Tara Chand. Commissioner, SMC, Khawaja Farooq Ahmad Renzu coordinated the reception function on the occasion. Among others present on the occasion, included Councilors of SMC, various trader organizations and Chamber of Commerce, besides prominent citizens of the society.