Tuesday, March 14 2006 14:58 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has asked its officials to formulate schemes for strengthening infrastructure and frame strategies so that work could proceed on them in two shifts from April 15.

Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad directed divisional officers, including the Commissioner, to frame a strategy for working in double shifts on different schemes and ensure that earmarked funds are properly utilised, an official spokesman said here today(Mar 14, 2006).

Azad, who visited the border town of Gurez in Baramulla district yesterday, chaired a high level meeting of divisional officers and said that initially five schemes each should be earmarked in infrastrutural sectors like roads and buildings, public health engineering and irrigation.

The Chief Minister said the vision of 'khushhaal Kashmir' (prosperous Kashmir) could only be achieved by serious, devoted and a dedicated work culture.

Azad told officials to visit far-flung areas in order to assess the problems of the people and asked them to ensure that local youth be absorbed in Class IV posts.

Announcing the upgradation of the high school at Gurez to a higher secondary school, Azad said a degree college would be set up in next three years in the town.

The Chief Minister also promised to take steps to extend Income-tax concessions, given to the people of Leh and Kargil,to residents of Gurez as well.

A committe has been constituted to consider giving special allowances on pattern of Leh and Kargil to all far-flung areas of the state like Gurez, Azad added.