Three more ministers soon: Azad

KT NEWS SERVICE KISHTWAR, Aug 29: Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today declared that three more ministers would be inducted into the cabinet soon.

Talking to the media after inaugurating Bharat Nirman Festival organized by the Press Information Bureau in connection with the launching of a mass campaign with regard to various central schemes the Chief Minister said," he present expansion was done in consultation with other coalition partners and PDP being the major partner has been given its due share in the cabinet." He added, "three more ministers would be inducted soon and they would be from Congress so as to give proper representation to all the regions of the state." Azad also stated that his government is more concerned about betterment of the masses rather than incurring unnecessary expenditure on jumbo sized ministry, which the state can not afford as of now.

He also added that all efforts are being made by the state government to bring the resourceful schemes that centre has already sponsored at the doorsteps of the people who are reeling under unemployment.

"These schemes are definitely going to cater to their needs," he averred.

Briefing about schemes that Union Government has recently launched, Azad said that SSA, Rural Health Mission, National Employment Guarantee Scheme and likewise are round the corner obviously aimed at benefiting and ensuring job opportunities to the people for overall development and reconstruction of the state.

Elucidating further, he said, "this year's plan for district Doda was Rs 97 crores which in itself is a record" adding "550 works have been undertaken through NEGS benefiting 85000 laborers by providing them work days as specified under the norms of the schemes." He added, "Rs 1600 crores are being released by the centre for construction of roads and Rs 100 crores is under utilization for this purpose." Azad disclosed that 107 schemes for reconstruction of the road links to facilitate total connectivity in different parts of the state are in offing in which 35 schemes already stand sanctioned.

Emphasizing the need to work hard for the cause of the masses and optimum utilisation of funds meant for developmental purposes, Azad said he would personally pursue progress of work on different schemes in district Doda.

He said, "erring officials found having not worked up to the satisfaction of the people, would be punished by the government."