Mufti Mohammad Sayeed calls PM's package as wholesome
“14th FC Award has assured complete financial devolution and every state has got its share in Central funds. In nine months whatever funds the government has spent on connectivity, health, rural development and education sectors have been in our kitty,” Mufti said in a Press Conference in Jammu winter capital of state.
He said the Prime Minister is totally focused on development of J&K and he has lived up to his promise of supporting its transformation as a model state.
“We have done well on most indicators and now that the development package has been announced, we will move in fast-track to create durable assets, besides providing succor to flood victims and security and welfare to displaced persons,” Mufti added.
Reaffirming his resolve to provide relief to every victim of the colossal floods of 2014, Mufti Sayeed said it will be for the first time when people will be provided monetary help for reconstruction of their damaged houses and for infrastructure as well as restoration of livelihood for traders and small-time businessmen.
“A comprehensive plan for protection of river Jhelum at a cost of Rs 1100 crore is part of the development package, besides Rs 2000 crore that will be spent on restoration of flood-damaged infrastructure,” he stated.
The Chief Minister also thanked the Centre for keeping an allocation of Rs 2350 crore for installation of small hydropower projects and Rs 3790 crore for augmentation of power infrastructure and distribution systems.
Advocating India’s relations with Pakistan, the Chief Minister said dialogue with Pakistan is an ongoing process.
He said there is no option but reconciliation with Pakistan as prolonged confrontation with Islamabad adversely hampers development of the state.
“Talks with Pakistan are part of our Agenda of the Alliance. During former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s tenure, we had peace with Pakistan and tranquility on borders. I am hopeful, we will be able to create similar atmosphere,” he added.
The Chief Minister praised PDP President, Mehbooba Mufti for tirelessly working in the field and strengthening the party base.
“Consolidation of the party base is not because of me but Mehbooba as I find very little time for party affairs,” he said and added Mehbooba is a grassroots leader.
(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)
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