Vakil called for shunning the practice of issuing statements by the leaders of Congress and National Conference

                                    

Fruit industry is the mainstay of Kashmir's economy but government not concerned about it: Most of the works which had been started during the tenure of Ghulam Nabi Azad have not been completed till today: Vakil

GNS Rafiabad July 17: Expressing concern over the deteriorating condition of fruit industry in the state, former Minister and Member AICC Abdul Gani Vakil has urged the chief minister to take immediate steps to save this vital industry which provides livelihood to lakhs people directly and indirectly. Vakil said "The fruit industry is the mainstay of Kashmir's economy but still government is not concerned about it.  No incentive is given to fruit growers to promote horticulture he said and demanded to equip Doabagah juice factory with the new technology so that fruit growers will take benefit out of it. He also called for assessing damages of fruits due to weather vagaries for taking up appropriate measures. Urging Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take immediate and necessary action to control the destruction of fruit industry as it is the mainstay of Kashmir's economy. Vakil expressed deep regret over the government's inability to utilise the resources at our command and said that government has been unable to emphasise on enrichment and utilization of natural resources which has been bestowed upon State of Jammu and Kashmir. Mr. Vakil was addressing series of public meetings in Achabal, Ferozpora, Drusoo and Doabgah in Rafiabad District Baramulla.

Vakil expressed concern over the slow development process in the state and said works started before 3 years have not been completed yet. He said most of the works which had been started during the tenure of Ghulam Nabi Azad have not been completed till today and even some projects sanctioned during his time have not been taken up yet like a power grid station at Dangiwacha costing 29 crores is lying in the dustbin though approved during the tenure of Ghulam Nabi Azad and similarly a receiving station which is complete but has not been made functional. He stressed upon Chief Minister to adopt double and triple shift working introduced by Former Chief Minister of the State Ghulam Nabi Azad which proved successful during his tenure. Mr. Vakil stressed upon Chief Minister to activate the same double and triple shift working style to achieve developed Jammu & Kashmir and by activating double and triple shift working system in the State the works which had been started earlier or at present will be completed in time and it will strengthen credibility of the Government in minds of the people of theState. Vakil also stressed upon chief Minister for regular supervision and monitoring of works at District level and demanded strict action against those who are creating obstruction in the development process. He said congress is committee to corruption free system and cannot be silent on corruption as Prime Minister of India did not spare his own party men who were find involved in corruption they are either in the jail or had to leave Chief Ministership. This is really appreciable and should be taken positively with the appreciation to the Prime Minister of India and Smt. Sonia Gandhi. Mr. Vakil said those who are tainted or corrupt will have no place in the party or Government added Vakil.Terming the smooth functioning of coalition parties essentially important for the socio-economic welfare and political stability in the state Vakil called for shunning the practice of issuing statements by the leaders of Congress and National Conference which are detrimental to the interests of the both the parties as also against the development agenda being carried forward by the coalition government. Vakil said that issuing of statements by the leaders of these parties to score points is an unhealthy sign and the top brass leadership of both the parties should give their mind to the rank and file of the parties making them to abide by the principals of coalition. Vakil asked the party leaders of both Congress and National Conference to work in tandem, strengthen the bonds of coalition and help the government fulfill its commitments made to people.Besides others who addressed the gatherings include General Secretary J&K PCC Dr. Abdul Ahad Yatoo, Sr. Vice President District Baramulla Haji Mohammad Afzal Khan, J&K Youth Congress General Secretary Altaf Ahmad Malik, and Block President Dangiwacha Rafiabad Ghulam Nabi Shah.