Friday, March 10 2006 11:05 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Jammu: Declaring upgradation and expansion of education, healthcare facilities, road connectivity and other public services as a matter of high priority for his government, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has said that development in these areas could transform the socio-economic profile of the state.

The present government's thrust is to provide road connectivity, drinking water, healthcare and other such facilities to the people in rural areas of the state, he said addressing public meetings at Khilani and Malothi in Bhaderwah area of Doda district yesterday(Mar 9,20006) .

Doda, being one of the largest districts in the state,possesses high potential for tourism and adequate infrastructure for tapping it will be created, he said.

In this connection, he referred to the constitution of Tourism Development Authorities in the district saying that basic aim of setting up of these authorities was to exploit tourist potential and pave the way for economic well being of the people.

Azad said the demands put forth by the people for creation of a Rural Development Block would be looked into sympathetically.

The Chief Minister, who also visited ancient temples at Gupt Ganga in Bhaderwah area of the district, emphasized the need for preservation of state's ancient monuments and places of religious worship.

A large number of people from various fields met the Chief Minister and presented their charter of demands.