Srinagar, May 17: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Transport, Food, Civil Supplies and Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, on Sunday said coordination between the Centre and the Union Territory government was important to streamline governance and address public issues, while asserting that the administration was committed to tackling drug addiction and unemployment.
Speaking to KNS, Sharma said bureaucratic hurdles were delaying several processes, but maintained that the government would resolve them gradually.
“There are bureaucratic hurdles, but we will fix everything. Coordination between the state and the Centre is very important,” Sharma said.
The minister said the government was working to restore the “beautiful state” Jammu and Kashmir once was and was implementing austerity measures in line with directions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Highlighting welfare initiatives, Sharma said the government had approved six free LPG cylinders for beneficiaries and introduced free ridership schemes for women, who make up “half of the population”.
He said 200 new vehicles had been added to the transport sector and amendments were being considered to ensure welfare measures reached deserving sections, including poor women, unemployed youth, elderly persons and people with disabilities.
“The biggest priority is the fight against addiction. We all have to fight together to eliminate drugs completely,” Sharma said, while congratulating the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister for launching anti-drug initiatives.
The minister also stressed the need to preserve traditional and eco-friendly modes of transport, saying the use of horses in certain areas could generate employment and reduce environmental damage.
“If we want to preserve ourselves, we have to love nature. Traditional transport systems can provide livelihoods and are affordable,” he said.
Sharma said efforts were also underway to fill vacancies and address long-pending issues in departments such as sports and food supplies.
Referring to Anantnag, Sharma said he shared a close emotional bond with the district because of his family’s roots in the area. He assured residents that issues related to the Assistant Regional Transport Office (ARTO) would be addressed soon.
“I will review the matter and ensure a good officer is posted there as soon as possible,” he said.
Calling for communal harmony, Sharma said temples, mosques and gurdwaras should serve the purpose of keeping people united.
“We are one. Humanity should remain alive and the message of saints and messengers should be spread so people can live together peacefully,” he added.(KNS).
