Kathua: Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Dr Nirmal Singh today reiterated his resolve to work tirelessly for development of Billawar into model constituency.
Speaking at series of meetings during the tour of his home constituency here today, Dr Singh said that his main focus was on the expansion of road connectivity as it is vital for pushing growth in rural areas.
“The road connectivity brings with it several social and economic benefits. A good road may encourage more parents to send their children to primary, secondary and higher secondary schools. Farmers could also gain faster, cheaper and easier access to markets for his/her produce. Urban and rural economies can be better connected through good quality rural roads, which could improve the supply chain and promote economic growth” he asserted.
At village Dadwara of Billawar he inaugurated 4 KM link road from Bhaddu to Dadwara executed by PWD(R&B) and completed at an estimated cost of Rs. 1 Crore.
The Speaker reiterated Government’s commitment to ensure holistic development of the State with prioritized efforts for development of rural areas. He said the efforts are on to establish a high-class infrastructure vis-à-vis roads, healthcare, education and power sectors in these rural areas.
To promote pilgrim tourism in Billawar, Dr. Singh said that widening of Billawar- Sukrala Mata Shrine road has already been started and that on Rs. 23 Crore Phinter-Billawar road project is likely to start shortly.
He said the twin roads will enable multiple accesses to Mata Sukrala Temple. He further added that beside roads other tourist amenities will also be developed to facilitate visiting tourists and increase footfall.
Listing works undertaken in Dadwara panchayat, the Speaker said that Rs. 2 Crore projects have been launched in the area including construction of Panchayat Ghar, development educational Infra and other assets. He also informed that construction of Nursing College and Indoor Stadium was at full swing and several more projects are in pipeline which after completion will turn around the development narrative of Billawar.
Later in the day, the speaker inaugurated 7 additional class room block with ramp at Govt. High School Makwal. These rooms were constructed under RMSA by PWD(R&B) at an estimated cost of Rs. 92.12 Lakh. The foundation of these additional class rooms was also laid by Dr. Nirmal Singh in recent past. He also divulged that 2 schools in Billawar were upgraded to Higher Secondary: one in Baggan and another in Gurha Kalyal. Similarly, 2 schools were upgraded to High School one in Marhoona and another in Parole.
Dr Nirmal Singh also assured to develop related infrastructure to promote sports in the educational institutions of the area.
The Speaker was accompanied by ADC Billawar, Joginder Singh Rai, CEO, Aruna Sharma, SDPO, Engineers, BDOs and Tehsildars.