Jammu/Kathua: Vowing to turn the corner on developmental front in Jammu, J&K Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Friday said the projects, which had been on "sleep mode", are now being taken up for execution.
In a veiled warning to the panels set up for overlooking developmental projects in J&K, Mufti asked the administration to "re-consider their continuance" if they are not performing well.
He said core sectors of development like connectivity and infrastructure building will primarily determine how fast we can propel our state towards economic prosperity.
"The government will take up projects only after ensuring availability of funds," he said in a no-holds barred manner.
The Chief Minister made these comments while addressing huge gatherings of people after launching two mega projects which include Rs 201.68 crore modernisation of general bus stand multi-level car parking-cum-commercial complex at Jammu and double-lanning of Lakhanpur-Thein Road up to Ranjit Sagar Dam at a cost of Rs 43.49 crore, today.
He was flanked by the Deputy Chief Minister, Nirmal Singh.
Describing infrastructure and reliable road connectivity as vital cogs-in-the-wheel of development, the CM pitched for proper utilisation of funds under State Plan and the centrally-sponsored schemes.
Referring to his meeting with RBI Governor in the summer capital recently, Sayeed indicated broadening the scope of cooperative network by making essentialities like oil and pulses also available to the public on affordable prices.
"In my meeting with the RBI Governor and NABARD chairman, I have also pitched for capital infusion for revival of our four ailing District Cooperative Banks so that cooperative financing benefits the poorer sections of the society," he said and added that multitude of people in the state are still living in abject poverty.
Lauding Centre's support for providing adequate funds for road and rail connectivity in the state, Sayeed assured the people of maintaining the quality of roads.
He said once the double-lanning of the road up to Ranjit Sagar Dam is completed, it will provide access to one of the most beautiful resorts of Jammu region.
"We are thankful to the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi for funding projects under Central schemes. We will ensure good quality roads for which we have fixed a Defect Liability Period that binds the contractors to maintain the roads for at least three years," he said and also referred to the huge strides made by the state in rail connectivity, especially linking areas as far and wide as those from Banihal in Jammu to Baramulla in Kashmir division.
