BARAMULLA SEPTEMBER 19: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, today laid foundation stones and inaugurated a series of major developmental projects across Rafiabad constituency, marking a significant push towards strengthening rural infrastructure and improving public services in the area.
The projects, spread across key sectors including education, veterinary services, livestock development and road connectivity, are aimed at creating modern infrastructure and improving the quality of essential services for the people, particularly those living in rural and far-flung areas.
At Watergam, Javid Dar laid the foundation stone for an Engineering Complex, being constructed at an estimated cost of rupees 60 crore. The facility is expected to strengthen infrastructure and provide improved facilities for the concerned sector.
The Minister also laid the foundation stone for an Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT) Laboratory at Chijhama, Rafiabad, envisaged as an important intervention for strengthening modern breeding practices and improving livestock development infrastructure in the region.
At Shultoo, Rohama, Javid Dar inaugurated the upgradation of the existing Veterinary Building, including fencing, completed at a cost of rupees 29 lakh. The facility is expected to enhance veterinary services and provide improved support to livestock farmers and animal rearers of the area.
Giving impetus to educational infrastructure, the Minister laid the foundation stone for construction of a 10-room double-storey building at Higher Secondary School Shultoo, at an estimated cost of rs 2.74 crore.
He also laid the foundation stone for construction of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Computer laboratories/rooms at Boys Higher Secondary School Shultoo, involving an estimated cost of rs 72 lakh, aimed at providing students with better academic infrastructure and strengthening science and technology education.
In the road sector, the Minister inaugurated the Brandub–Khahmoh Road, 1st and 2nd kilometre, completed at a cost of rs 1.70 crore, providing improved connectivity and facilitating smoother movement of people and goods.
At Arkhurwari, Javid Dar laid the foundation stone for the permanent restoration of the Vohlutra–Shultoo–Arkhurwari Road, estimated to cost rs 1 crore, which will further improve connectivity between the adjoining habitations and enhance access to essential services and markets.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the Government is committed to take development to the doorsteps of the people, with special focus on strengthening infrastructure and public services in rural and far-flung areas. He said that development is not merely about creation of physical assets but also about ensuring that these assets translate into better services, greater opportunities and improved quality of life for the people.
Javid Dar directed the concerned departments and executing agencies to ensure strict adherence to timelines, quality standards and prescribed specifications in all ongoing and upcoming works. He stressed the need for close inter-departmental coordination and regular monitoring so that projects are completed within the stipulated time without compromising on quality.
The Minister reiterated that the Government will continue to accord priority to need-based, inclusive and people-centric development, with focused interventions in education, healthcare, agriculture and allied sectors, rural infrastructure and road connectivity.
He also called upon the executing agencies to maintain transparency and accountability at every stage of project implementation and ensure that the benefits of developmental initiatives reach the people at the grassroots level.
