Congress President Sonia gandhi in Banihal (J&K), 26th June 2013 Wednesday, 26 June 2013 Full text of Sonia Gandhi’s speech I am very happy to be present here on this precious and historic occasion. There was a time everyone found it impossible to cross Pir Panjal by rail line. But, today, that dream has come true. Now Kashmir has connected with Jammu through railway line. I take this opportunity to congratulate the Union Railway Minister, his entire officials and all other staff and others behind this tremendous achievement who put in their sincere efforts to successfully complete this project facing several challenges throughout. We are all proud of them. This is not an ordinary occasion. With this project, we are beginning a new chapter of development in Jammu and Kashmir. This will open new avenues for economic growth, new investments and fresh business opportunities and also will benefit transport, gardening and handicraft industries in the region. By the inauguration of this new rail line, there will be fresh job opportunities for the youth. This new line will provide an all-weather link to Kashmir valley and people will get connected to the outside world in all seasons. The region often gets cut off from the rest of the country due to snowfall during winters and this difficulty will now be an old chapter. UPA Government at the centre believes in inclusive growth. We also take measures for welfare and upliftment of the people at far-flung areas who are deprived off basic facilities. This was the vision for ‘Bharat Nirman’ of late Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru, who had drafted a road-map for the modern India. Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi followed his foot- steps. The UPA Government at centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh also has been following this vision of development. During the past few years, the central government has extended support to the Jammu Kashmir government to build roads, highways, tunnels, bridges and railway lines. Efforts have also been made to ensure connectivity in the distant areas. The Mughal road connecting Kashmiri Ghati to Rajouri, the tunnel and the highway between Kashmir and Ladak are some of the examples. We also want proper roads in all the villages here so that there will not be any problem for commuting in all seasons and I am confident that the central government will ensure timely completion of all such rural road projects undertaken in the state. The National Conference (NC)-Congress coalition government in the state has initiated several development processes to transform the state. The people also have started appreciating these efforts. The turn-out in the recently held Panchayat elections in the state undoubtedly prove that, the people of the state are fed up with the violence and they want to live in peace and harmony. The youth here want good education, better job opportunities and a bright career. Similarly, the Kashmiri women want to be self-reliant and they look for positive changes in their living standards. The UPA Government has therefore launched schemes like HIMAYAT and UMEED. Several other initiatives are also being implemented. I believe that all local bodies should be given more autonomy and financial support and its elections should be held in time. I don’t deny that there were some issues in the state regarding this but I am sure that with due consultations, discussions and meetings we can find solutions to every problem. The people of Kashmir have the potential and talent to surge ahead and to build a bright future. We need to continue our efforts for better development based on secularism and inclusiveness. We will stand by the people of Kashmir and will together work to ensure their good future. I once again congratulate all the Railway officials behind this historic project and also the people of Kashmir. Thank you. - See more at: pressbrief.in/index.php/English-Speech-Text/Congress-President-Sonia-gandhi-in-Banihal-JK-26th-June-2013.html#sthash.5at5Zk0Z.dpuf
Posted on: Sun, 07 Jul 2013 11:15:56 +0000
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