Articles by "Abdul Rehman Veeri"
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Hello Jammu News at 7:03:00 PM 0

Rs 75 cr to be spent in current fiscal for watershed management programme in JK
SRINAGAR, JUNE 07: Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Abdul Rehman Veeri today convened a meeting to discuss the Action Plan and prioritizing of works for the current financial year under Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP).
The meeting was attended by Secretary RDD Sheetal Nanda, Director Finance RDD S L Pandita, Chief Executive         Officer IWMP Farooq Ahmad, Joint Director Planning RDD, Additional Secretary RDD R K Badyal, Programme Officers IWMP and other concerned officials of the department and IWMP.
CEO IWMP informed the meeting that as per the directions, Action Plan for the year 2018-19 has been received from the districts along with the district wise details of prominent works to be taken up. He also informed the meeting about the district wise details of allocation of funds out of the total allocation of Rs 75 crore to the state under the watershed management programme for the current financial year.
Further, the meeting was informed that in the current year, a total of 1027 works have been proposed under the programme in Kashmir division as per the detailed Action Plan submitted by the concerned district officers.
Action plan should be strictly implemented on ground for better performance and avoiding unnecessary liabilities, the Minister stressed.
The Minister while discussing the expenditure details of previous year asked the concerned officers to close the works which were taken up but not initiated due to any reasons. This exercise would help us to make a clear picture on the ground of works taken up and completed on ground.
Veeri stressed that the Batch-III works needs to be closed for which the concerned officers must develop a work plan or strategy. He asked CEO IWMP to call a meeting with the NABARD and to discuss the possibilities of funding for completion of these works.
 “NABARD is carrying out many activities in the state under various important sectors and there is a scope of taking up some activities in convergence for effective implementation of such schemes/programmes”, the Minister said adding that we must come up with proposals so that NABARD and IWMP J&K can take up some joint activities in the state in convergence.
The Minister said that we should look out for joint activities that can be taken up for construction of irrigation kuls, rain water harvesting, creation of ponds etc in convergence with NABARD.
Regarding appraisal, monitoring and evaluation of the works completed, the meeting was told that this exercise is very important to assess the ground performance and is also required for getting funds from GoI.
CEO IWMP informed the Minister that soon a MoU would be signed with NABCONS for monitoring and appraisal of the works.
Addressing the officers, Veeri said that IWMP is an important programme and should be taken seriously. Funds allocated under the programme needs to be utilized effectively having their visible impact on the ground.
Presently, performance of RDD is seen through the performance under MGNREGA only, thrust should also be given to other schemes/programmes of Rural Development Department including IWMP so that aims and objectives of watershed management programme be fulfilled.
He said that the completed works need to be showcased through documentaries so that people be made aware of the benefits of IWMP and the performance registered in the state under the programme.
During the meeting, the Minister also asked CEO to look into the salary issue of supporting staff of IWMP and take necessary action in this regard.
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Hello Jammu News at 7:55:00 PM 0

 Come up with action plan for its effective implementation: Minister asks POs IWMP
SRINAGAR, JUNE 01: Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Abdul Rehman Veeri has said that the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) provides a framework to integrate Natural Resource Management with community livelihoods in a sustainable way. He said that every possible effort needs to be put in for its effective implementation and to acquire maximum benefits from this significant programme.
The Minister said this while addressing the Programme Officers of IWMP during a meeting convened to review the performance under the programme in Kashmir division.
Secretary RDD Sheetal Nanda, Director Finance RDD S L Pandita, Chief Executive Officer IWMP Farooq Ahmad, Joint Director Planning RDD, Programme Officers IWMP and other concerned officials of IWMP attended the meeting.
Impressing upon the officers associated with the implementation of IWMP, the Minister said that the aims and objectives of this programme only be fulfilled if we take it seriously and act positively as per the work plan prepared keeping in mind the relevance of works in the area.
CEO IWMP Farooq Ahmad informed the meeting about the physical and financial achievements under the programme. He gave the details of total no of projects sanctioned under IWMP, fund allocation, status of projects and work done liabilities etc.
It was told that a total of 159 projects were approved by GoI in four batches with project cost of Rs 979.72 crore to treat an area of 653151 hectare under Watershed component of PMKSY. Upto ending April 2018, expenditure to the tune of Rs 177.88 crore has been made treating area of 118593 hectare, the meeting was informed.
Availability of funds besides work done liabilities was discussed briefly district wise. All the POs gave the details of payment they have received against the work done and were directed to clear the liabilities before Eid.
Veeri asked the POs to clear the past liabilities and to start with a new action plan. He asked them to submit the plan for 2018-19 at the earliest so that works are taken up accordingly. It was informed that Rs 75 crore has been allocated under the programme for the current year and works would be initiated after the finalization of action plan.
Taking a strong note of slow progress in releasing the payments against work done liabilities, the Minister asked the POs to ensure that payments be released to the beneficiaries well before Eid so that new projects be taken up in current years plan.  
The Minister was also apprised about the role of Watershed Committee (WC) in implementation of IWMP. The Gram Sabhas constitutes the WC to implement the Watershed project with the technical support of the Watershed Development Team (WDT) in the village.
Watershed Committees acts as facilitators and payment is being made to them through Project Financial Management System (PFMS) ensuring full transparency in the system, CEO IWMP informed the meeting adding that the same is being monitored at all levels including GoI.
He further informed that all the executed works are uploaded on Bhuvan Portal (Geotagged) which is being monitored by SLNA and DoLR, GoI.
“There is a need to encourage village community towards sustained community action for the operation and maintenance of assets created and further development of the potential of the natural resources in the watershed”, the Minister asserted.
The Minister asked for adopting a strong monitoring and evaluation mechanism for the implementation of this programme so that performance is seen on ground.     
The meeting also discussed about the manpower deputed for the implementation of this programme in the state with the duties assigned to them.
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Hello Jammu News at 6:32:00 PM 0

Minister stresses for maintenance of CSC’s for proper usage, sustainability
SRINAGAR, MAY 28: Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Abdul Rehman Veeri has asked the department to construct Community Sanitary Complex (CSC) in educational, health institutions and at tourist places under Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM). This effort would help in achieving universal sanitation coverage.
The Minister said this while chairing a meeting convened to discuss the action plan in this regard with the senior officers of Education, RDD, Health, Tourism and PHE department.
          Secretary Education Farooq Shah, Secretary RDD Sheetal Nanda, Director SBM-G M N Sheikh, Mission Director JKSRLM Bakshi Javid, Additional Secretary Tourism Tassaduq Hussain, Additional Secretary PHE Pankaj Kumar Sharma and other concerned officers attended the meeting.
          Addressing the officers, the Minister said that SBM-G has a provision of constructing community sanitary complex in places where footfall of people is high. He said these facilities need to be properly managed for its better usage. The CSC fosters the cognitive development of healthy sanitation practices in the community, he added.
          “Community sanitary complexes need to be constructed in educational, health institutions and at popular tourist places so that students, people visiting health institutions and tourist would be provided separate toilet facilities for men and women”, the Minister added.
Veeri asked the Secretary Education to provide a list of schools to the Rural Development department where this kind of facility be constructed. He said that priority should be given to the Girls High Secondary/High Schools.
He also asked for ensuring proper upkeep of this facility after construction by the school management so that the asset created must be utilized for long period.
Under ODF Plus activities, the Minister asked Secretary Education to issue necessary directions to the schools for carrying out activities for behavioral change among the community through school going children’s. He also asked for exploring possibilities to introduce short lecture on health and sanitation during morning assembly.
With regard to creation of such facility at health institutions in the state, the Minister directed the Health department to come up with the details of such institutions especially PHCs/CHCs.
“It has been felt that outdoor patients and their attendants during their visit to the health institutions feel inconvenience for the need of toilet facilities. All such institutions should be identified and details be provided to RD department so that CSC’s be constructed for the benefit of people”, the Minister said.
          It was further informed in the meeting that community sanitary complexes have been constructed at every tourist destination but most of them are defunct and invariably closed.
Asking for ensuring proper upkeep of such facility at the tourist places, the Minister directed the Tourism department to outsource manpower so that these facilities are maintained for its proper utilization.
“Assets have been created by the government at all such places but the need is to adopt a mechanism to ensure maintenance of all such facilities”, Veeri added.
Tourism department was also asked for proving details of tourist destinations required CSC’s.
          RDD Minister also asked the department to look out the possibilities to create such facility at Anganwari centres being run by Social Welfare department besides constructing CSC’s at sports stadiums for the benefit of sportspersons.
          The Minister also asked for keeping in mind availability of water supply line before finalizing the site for construction of CSC as it is essential for its upkeep. He asked the PHE department to provide water connection to all these CSC once they get completed.
          Veeri asked all the concerned departments to take the ownership and maintenance of the CSC’s after their handing over for usage for their sustainability.
          Secretary RDD Sheetal Nanda informed the meeting about the issue which was raised by the female employees during a recently held interaction with Chief Minister regarding separate toilet facilities in the government offices.
The Minister asked the RD department to explore the possibilities in this regard so that the issue raised by female employees is redressed.
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Hello Jammu News at 7:06:00 PM 0


Minister reviews performance of Rural Development Deptt in Jammu Division 
JAMMU, MAY 22: Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Abdul Rehman Veeri today asked the officers of Rural Development department to work in a visionary way to achieve development under various schemes/programmes in rural sector and asked them to bring innovations for better results.
The Minister was speaking at an introductory meeting with the senior functionaries of Rural Development Department and district administration of Jammu Division and to review the achievements under various schemes/programmes.
          Minister of State for Rural Development and PR Shakti Raj Parihar, Secretary RDD Sheetal Nanda, Deputy Commissioners of Jammu Division, Director RDD Jammu R K Bhat, Director Rural Sanitation Mohammad Nazir Sheikh and Additional Secretary RDD attended the meeting.
The Minister reviewed district wise performance and took stock of physical and financial achievements under the central and state schemes. He sought details about number of registered Job card holders, person days generated, progress made towards water conservation and sanitation, achievements under PMAY-G, convergence of MGNREGA with schemes of other departments.
Reviewing the physical status under MGNREGA, the Minister was informed that a total of 108683 laborers have been registered till March 2018 of which 75380 were provided job cards.  It was further informed that 21165 works were completed in the year 2015-16, 2299 during 2016-17 and 4222 taken up in the year 2017-18.
Veeri stressed upon the concerned officers to ensure 100 percent distribution of job cards to the registered workers and seeding of Aadhaar with their bank accounts for online transfer of wages.
He directed the BDOs for creation of Vermi Composit units for producing organic manure under MGNREGA in their respective blocks so that organic farming is promoted in rural areas.
Veeri said that RDD has direct linkage with the people of rural areas and various schemes/programmes are specially designed for their betterment. We can transform the rural sector only if taken keen interest in discharging our duties towards development of people and will also be able to change the socio-economic profile and developmental landscape of the rural areas.
Laying focus on the convergence of schemes of different departments to pool the resources, Veeri asked the DCs to make a convergence plan in coordination with Rural Development department in which the Labour component would be provided by the RDD. He asked them to construct play grounds at block levels, community sanitary complex in or near schools, hospitals, tourist spots and along the National Highway under rural sanitation schemes.
Reviewing the status of PMAY-G, the Minister asked Deputy Commissioners to complete the process of preparing fresh list of homeless population so that the same can be submitted to the central government for seeking funds.
He also directed to verify all the PMAY cases on time so that the installments could be released well in time.
A threadbare discussion was also held on issues related to achieving ODF status, ODF verification process, Geo Tagging under SBM, status of pendency of IHHL units and achievements made under SBM.
The Minister emphasized on the officers to work in mission mode and meet timelines fixed for their respective districts. He called upon the districts lagging behind to make a determined push to achieve the target.
The Minister further asked all the DCs to make their respective district ODF by August 2018.
Veeri exhorted upon the Rural Development functionaries to create durable assets while providing ensured employment to the rural poor households. He said that they can be engaged for works including construction of foot bridges, roads, water harvesting tanks, micro irrigation, land development, Panchayat Ghars, renovation of traditional water bodies and others.
The Minister directed the concerned authorities to maintain and document the record of assets created by the department in the shape of a booklet.
          He asked the Director RDD Jammu to prepare block wise action plan for the current year and said that exercise turnout into improved performance.
          Later the meeting also reviewed the progress under National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) including Umeed, Himayat and Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP).
          Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for RDD Shakti Raj Parihar impressed upon the participants to implement flagship programmes like PMAY, MGNREGA, IWMP, SBM in letter and spirit and ensure that the benefits of these programme reach all beneficiaries.
      He asked the officers to gear up the pace of works and also build the confidence among the people living in far flung areas so that they have a real feeling of administration and good governance.
       The meeting was attended by ADCs, Chief Executive officer IWMP, Project officers IWMP, Engineers of Rural engineering Wing, DPOs, BDOs and other concerned officers.

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Hello Jammu News at 8:38:00 PM 0

JAMMU, MAY 21: Creating job opportunity for unemployed youth of the state is the top priority of the government. This was stated by Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj,  Abdul Rehman Veeri today while distributing the placement certificates to the seventy students who have been placed in different state and national level companies.
 These students have completed their skill training under Deen Dayal Upadhaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojna (DDU-GKY) by Surya Skill.
Veeri said that government is committed to tap all possible avenues to generate employment opportunities for the educated unemployed youth. Minister accentuated that educated youth should come forward and take benefits of the schemes and programmes initiated by government, especially, unemployed youths can take the benefits of government sponsored schemes like PMEGP, Udaan and  similar schemes.
While interacting with the students, the Minister endowed  them best wishes and hoped that after completing their training they will work to serve the society and nation as well. He also inspected the hostel, computer lab and other facilities being provided by institution to the students.
 Minister exhorted that Government has taken up many initiatives and schemes to create job opportunities so that most of the educated unemployed youths can earn living for not only themselves but also provide  jobs to the hundreds of other youths.
While highlighting major aspects of DDUGKY, Kapil Sharma COO Himayat, informed the Minister that the scheme aims to skill rural youth and provide them with jobs having regular monthly wages. It is one of the Cluster of initiatives of the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India that seeks to promote rural livelihoods. He further said that it is a part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) which is a mission for poverty reduction.
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Hello Jammu News at 5:38:00 PM 0


Ask DDCs to lay special thrust on rural development sector
SRINAGAR, MAY 17: Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Abdul Rehman Veeri has said that RDD plays a pivotal role in the transformation of rural sector and everyone associated with this department needs to take keen interest in achieving the positive results. He said the schemes in RD sector are changing socio-economic profile and developmental landscape of the rural areas.
The Minister said this while chairing a meeting with District Development Commissioners of Kashmir division to review the progress of schemes being implemented by RDD at a meeting convened, here today.
Secretary RDD Sheetal Nanda, Director RDD Kashmir Nazir Ahmed, Director RDD Jammu R K Bhat, Director Planning RDD, ACDs and other senior officers.
Terming the role of DDCs important for monitoring the implementation of all government schemes at district level, the Minister said that they should have ensure strong monitoring of these schemes so that a visible impact can be seen on ground.
There are sufficient amount of funding under all the schemes but the need is to utilize them properly, the Minister said adding that the rural people have great expectations from the government and serious efforts need to be put in by all of us.
Addressing the DDCs, Veeri said that besides many government schemes/programmes being implemented by various departments, thrust should be given to the RDD sector. He said that your guidance to ACDs will take them in a right direction and positive results will be achieved.
"DDCs should take a monthly exclusive meeting with ADCs, DPOs, BDOs and Programme Officers (IWMP) so that their progress be monitored and ground issues be resolved in time", the Minister said.
Veeri asked the DDCs to make BDOs responsible and accountable for delivery of services on the ground.
With regard to activities under MGNREGA, Veeri said that convergence mode component of this programme has proved very beneficial and many new works have been added to the list of convergence works.
"We should take maximum benefits out of convergence mode but only after ensuring that works taken up should be completed in given time", he said.
He asked for ensuring distribution of job cards to the registered workers and seeding of Aadhar with their bank accounts for online transfer of wages.
Veeri stressed for creating vermicompost units in the rural areas under MGNREGA. He asked for developing at least one village in a block as organic village to promote organic farming.
The Minister asked for focusing on achieving given targets under SBM and to put in dedicated efforts in making the blocks ODF. He also asked for completing ODF verification at the earliest and to submit ODF sustainability plan at the earliest. The district lagging behind in construction of IHHLs should expedite the works and also the geo-tagging of the assets be expedited.
During the meeting, the District Development Commissioners gave brief overview of the RD activities being carried out in their respective districts and also put forth various issues they are facing at district level including shortage of technical staff at BDO offices.
The Minister assured the DDCs that all the issues raised would be taken care of. He asked Secretary RDD to look into the concerns and resolve them at the earliest for improved performance under the schemes.
On the occasion, the Minister unveiled a booklet comprising details of works that can be taken up under convergence mode in MGNREGA.

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Hello Jammu News at 6:38:00 PM 0


Reviews progress on various programmes, schemes
Asks officers to ensure transparency, accountability in system
SRINAGAR, MAY 10: Minister for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Abdul Rehman Veeri chaired an introductory cum review meeting with the officers of Kashmir division at SKICC after assuming the charge of the Rural Development department, here today.
The meeting was attended by Secretary RDD Sheetal Nanda, Director RDD Kashmir Mohammad Nazir Sheikh, Mission Director SRLM J&K, Director Rural Sanitation J&K, Chief Executive Officer IWMP J&K and Chief Operating Officer Himayat J&K. 
Assistant Development Commissioners, District Panchayat Officers (DPOs), Block Development Officers (BDOs), Project Officers, Engineers and other concerned officers of Rural Development Department Kashmir also attended the meeting.
During the meeting, the Minister was briefed about the progress on various programmes and schemes including MGNREGA, Swachh Bharat Mission – Gramin (SBM-G), Pradham Mantri Awas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-), Integrated Water Management Programme (IWMP), Himayat being implemented in the state by the department.
Detailed discussions were held on MGNREGA programme and its progress in the Kashmir division. The Minister was informed about the total mandays and employment generated by the department for the job card holders. It was given out in the meeting that the wage payments are now being disbursed online through e-FMS to the bank account of the beneficiaries.  
Director RDD Kashmir told the meeting that the department has utilized the funds to the tune of Rs 1208.59 crore and Rs 638.88 crore was disbursed as wage payment to the beneficiaries in the year 2017-18.
Besides, all the works completed under MGNREGA are being geo-tagged for effective monitoring.
The Minister asked the Block Development Officers not to take up all the works under MGNREGA together so that their timely completion is ensured.
The meeting was informed that the department has also taken some good governance initiatives for effective implementation of MGNREGA in the state including maintenance of 7 Register, information of citizen information board, implementation of unique job cards and work file as per MoRD, GoI.
The Minister directed the BDOs to ensure that 100 % job cards are distributed to the workers by May 31 and also to maintain 7 Registers in their offices. He also asked for expediting the process of seeding Aadhar of workers in MGNREGA database so that amount goes to the bank account of actual beneficiary.
While discussing the progress on PMAY-G, the Minister asked the officers to complete the given targets in time so that funds provided by the centre government for providing financial assistance for constructing homes for homeless people are utilized properly. He asked for following the set procedure and to provide the requisite information in the given format to the department so that installments to the beneficiaries are released in time.
Veeri asked for completing targets under PMAY-G at the earliest and asked Assistant Development Commissioner to review the progress block wise twice in a month.
The progress under SBM-G was discussed briefly during the meeting and stress was laid on achieving target of declaring J&K state ODF as per the district wise roadmap prepared by the department. District wise availability of funds and expenditure was also discussed along with the work done at district level.
The meeting also discussed progress under Solid Liquid Waste Management (SLRM) programme and Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP).
Addressing the officers during the meeting, the Minister said that the development of rural population lies on the shoulder of this department and everyone working with this department needs to perform efficiently. He said that BDOs should conduct regular field visits and to monitor the quality of the ongoing works so that they would be proves durable assets for the department and for people too.
He asked them to take weekly meeting VLWs to get the clear picture on the ground and act accordingly to take up works under MGNREGA and also provide employment to the people. “It is our duty to take up the works as per the financial arrangements to avoid liabilities and to complete the works in given time”, the Minister added.
Veeri said that the performance of the department depends upon the efficiency of its employees and the programmes and schemes introduced by the government for the welfare of the people be implemented on the ground effectively if we are serious towards our duties.
With regard to maintenance and record keeping of the assets of the department, the Minister stressed for compiling a booklet having all requisite details of the assets created.
Veeri also asked the officers to lay focus on constructing play grounds on convergence mode at block level and also to construct community sanitary complex near Higher Secondary Schools and Rural Hospitals.
Asking the officers to introduce best work culture in the department, the Minister said that our efforts should be on to bring transparency and accountability in the system. He said that performing officers would be rewarded and stern action will be taken against those who show non-serious approach towards their duties.

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Hello Jammu News at 8:27:00 PM 0

ANANTNAG, MAY 3: Minister for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, A R Veeri today reviewed the status of land acquisition cases for construction of various roads in Anantnag under PMGSY at a meeting held at Dak Bungalow Khanabal.
DDC Anantnag Mohd Younis Malik apprised the Minister about the compensation disbursed for the roads of Zirpora-Gadiseer road, Thajiwara Krandigam (Veeri) 4-Lanning of National Highway, Larkipora-Zaldoora Lisser road, Dooru-Kutay Gund Road and Kishtiwar Simthan Anantnag road. He informed the meeting that for construction of Zirpora Gadiseer Road compensation for land Acquisition of 25.8 Kanals has been disbursed amounting to Rs 201.00 lacs and compensation amounting to Rs 36.21 lacs for 39 structures has also been disbursed. Similarly, for Larkipora Zaldoora Lisser Road involving amount of Rs 0.31 crores disbursed for land structures and trees out of the received amount of Rs 0.50 crores.
The meeting was also informed that a compensation of Rs 86.41 crores has been disbursed against a released amount of 120.07 crores for construction of Kishtiwar Simthan Anantnag road, completed from Simthan Top to Donipawa.
The Minister emphasised upon the Engineers of both PHE and PDD for immediate material shifting of pipes, poles, H T, L T conductor from Chechkoot to Nanil, Mahind to Wopzan and Thajiwara to Krandigam, to enable time bound macadamization of the said roads.
The meeting among others was attended by ACR, Anantnag ,SE PDD, Xen PHE, PDD, Xen R&B and Revenue officers.
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Hello Jammu News at 8:19:00 PM 0


JAMMU, APRIL 13: Minister for Revenue, Haj & Auqaf, Abdul Rehman Veeri, Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries, Abdul Ghani Kohli and Minister for Law and Justice Abdu Haq Khan has felicitated the people of the state on the auspicious occasion of Shab-e-Me’raj.
In their messages of felicitation, the Ministers expressed hope that the celebration of this auspicious occasion would further strengthen the bonds of amity, harmony and brotherhood and be a harbinger of peace, progress and prosperity in the State.
While highlighting the need for spreading message of Prophet Mohammad (SAW) who, promoted love, affection, kindness and mutual respect among the humankind, ministers said the teachings of prophet are more relevant in contemporary times when violence has increased across globe.  They also urged the people to offer special prayers for peace and prosperity of the state.

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Hello Jammu News at 7:02:00 PM 0

Releases book ‘Shahen-e-Shah-e-Jabbal’ based on life of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah (RA)

RAJOURI, APRIL 10: Minister for Revenue, Haj & Auqaf and Parliamentary Affairs, Abdul Rehman Veeri today inaugurated various projects executed by Auqaf Department in Rajouri, here today.
MLA Rajouri, Ch. Qamar Hussain, ADDC Rajouri A S Chib, Regional Director, Survey and Land Records Showkat Qazmi, Additional SP Mohammad Yusuf, ACR Rajouri, Qayoom Mir, Special Officer Auqaf, Raj Mohammad, Administrator Auqaf Rajouri, Abdul Qayoom Dar and other concerned officers were also present on the occasion.
On the second day of his visit to Rajouri district, the Minister inaugurated Shopping Complex at Old City constructed at the cost of Rs 68 lakh. He inspected the shops, other units at the complex and directed the concerned for initiating the auction process so that the assets can be utilized properly.
Veeri also visited Jama Masjid in Rajouri city to inaugurate newly constructed Islamic Research Centre and Toilet Complex built at the cost of Rs 60 lakh. The Minister then inaugurated the office of the Administrator Auqaf and residence of Imam Sahib of Jama Masjid. This building has been completed at the cost of Rs 30 lakh. 
The Minister congratulated the people of Rajouri and Auqaf Department for these newly created properties and asked for their proper and timely maintenance.
Later, the Minister participated in a function organized by Auqaf department which was attended by intellectuals, Ullemas and large number of local people.
On the occasion, various speakers thanked the Minister for dedicating these assets to the people and raised many concerns and demands including conducting a survey to identify Auqaf land/properties encroached by the people in the state and to adopt a mechanism to protect them, constitution of Madrassa Board on the pattern of other states, enhancing salaries of Ullemas and other issues pertaining to the welfare of the beneficiary community.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister appreciated the efforts of Auqaf Islamia Rajouri for creating durable assets for the benefit of the people. He said that Administrator Auqaf is doing tremendous job in the district and has also developed various facilities for the visiting devotees at Shahdara Shareif Shrine. 'The department has no doubt created properties and assets everywhere in the state but there is dire need of adopting a mechanism to protect them', he added.
Terming the role of intellectuals important for making people realize their responsibilities towards the society, the Minister said that people respect the teachings and advice of intellectuals and they should go on spreading message of peace and harmony among all.
Veeri exhorted upon all to contribute in ensuring education to every child in the society. “Our efforts in this regard will surely go a long way in making our state and nation strong”, the Minister said.
Regarding governments endeavor to bring Rajouri and Poonch on the path of development, the Minister said that the government is trying hard to provide all basic amenities to the people living in these hilly districts. He said that proposed tunnel on Mughal Road is the necessity of the time and this project once completed will provide all weather alternate road connectivity to both the divisions.
The Minister said that former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Syed had special attachment with the people of Poonch and Rajouri and wanted to see development here under every sector. The present government is carrying forward his mission of bringing development in this region, he added.
On the occasion, the Minister also released 2 books authored by Prof. Dr Mohammad Bashir Magray namely ‘Shahen-e-Shah-e-Jabbal’ based on life, times and contribution of Baaba Ghulam Shah Badshah (R.A) and ‘Systematic Geography of J&K State’.
Veeri congratulated Prof. Magray for authoring these books and said that through his book, people will come to know about life and contribution of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah. He further said that his book on geography will surely help the scholars/students studying states geography.
Responding to the issues raised by the people, the Minister assured that the government will look into the issue of creation of Madrasa Board in the state and action will be taken accordingly. He said that instructions have been issued to Auqaf department to update the land/property record so that steps can be taken to protect and save them from getting encroached. He assured the gathering that all their other genuine concerns will also be looked into.
MLA Rajouri, Ch Qamar Hussain thanked the Minister for showing concern to the demands of the people of Rajouri and said that government under the leadership of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is working on the agenda of development which is being witnessed by everyone on the ground.

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