Employment related concerns of people being looked into: LG Sinha

Jammu, Nov 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Monday stated that the government was fully conscious of employment related concerns of traders and other people (in Katra) and other genuine concerns too would be looked into with a compassionate approach.

Reference was to the traders and other sections protesting in Katra of Reasi district against Rs 250 Cr ropeway project of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) to be constructed between Tarakote Marg and Sanjhi Chhat.

“We are fully conscious of those concerns and we’re taking care of employment needs of (the locals or those to be affected),” he said.

LG Sinha was responding to media queries regarding anti-ropeway protests, after conducting the onsite inspection of Tawi riverfront project of Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL) here.

The protest, continuing for the past four days had taken a violent turn this morning, however, was called off this evening after successful deliberations (of protesters) with the DC Reasi.

“Even earlier the committee, headed by the Divisional Commissioner Jammu, constituted to address such concerns, had held deliberations with different stakeholders. If still some genuine concerns persist or anybody has a grievance, they will definitely be looked into,” LG Sinha assured.

“Our focus is on inclusive development i.e., to ensure progress as well as generation of employment,” he remarked. “Efforts are underway to utilise tourism potential of Jammu to its optimum so as to address concerns (of people, traders) here. We are trying to ensure that all the projects presently underway are expedited and executed at a swift pace,” he stated.

Asserting that almost ninety percent work of the ambitious Tawi riverfront was completed, the Lieutenant Governor said, “Once completed, I believe that the evenings of Jammu people will also be as splendid as those of Lucknow.”

Regarding a question about J&K players selected for IPL, he said, “We extend heartiest congratulations to all those players (of J&K).”