Jammu: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir is keen to launch development related initiatives in Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) habitations through schemes and institutions such as the

Ministry of Rural Development, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), besides other schemes.

During a visit to Channi area here, the Minister for Roads and Buildings, G. M Saroori said the Central Government has laid priority on bringing rural and urban areas on par with respect to road connectivity and other basic facilities.

Responding to local demands, Saroori directed concerned engineers to prepare project reports for various link roads of the area and submit the same for approval of funds. He assured that the construction of roads would be taken up in a phased manner.

He also took stock of road connectivity in Chouadi, Sanik Colony and Kunjwani areas, on the outskirts of Jammu city.

The people of the area put forth various demands which include construction of link roads, un-interrupted power supply and provision for potable water, health care facilities, construction of lanes and drains and upgradation of educational institutions in the area.

Interacting with locals at Chouadi, Saroori said that the government is committed to providing better road connectivity in every locality and rural habitation across the State.

Adequate funds are being made available to every constituency for infrastructural development, he informed.

The PMGSY’s primary objective is to provide connectivity, by way of an all-weather road (with necessary culverts and cross-drainage structures, which is operable throughout the year), to the eligible unconnected habitations in rural areas.

NABARD has been set up as an apex development bank with a mandate for facilitating credit flow for promotion and development of agriculture, small-scale industries, cottage and village industries, handicrafts and other rural crafts. It also has the mandate to support all other allied economic activities in rural areas, promote integrated and sustainable rural development and secure prosperity of rural areas.