Govt says they are committed to Construct Singpora-Vailooo Tunnel

Demanded proper identification of BPL families in the state to ensure full coverage of NFSA: Saroori

Srinagar, June 05: The government of Jammu and Kashmir said that it supports the demand for providing alternative connectivity to Chenab valley with Kashmir province by way of construction of Singpora-Vailoo tunnel.

In reply to A.Q No. 22 of Congress MLA G M Saroori, Under Secretary to Government Public Works (R&B) Department said that the proposal of construction of Sinpora-Vailoo tunnel still exists and government has not backtracked from it added that Finance Department Vide Govt Order No. 238-F of 2015 dated 8-12-2015 has initiated to undertake various projects under Public Private Partnership mode.

He stated that the department is in the process of recommending a few selected projects to Finance Department in the matter which includes the tunnel project on Singpora-Vailoo road. Saroori said the tunnel will provide alternative route to Kishtwar District of Jammu province with Kashmir throughout the year, besides, it will also increase trading facility as well as socio-economy of the areas which are considered as one of the most backward areas of the state.

Saroori also slams the government for fixing of 60:40 ratio added that BPL means BPL and there is no need to fix any criteria with regard to fixing of ratio. He said that some of the areas in Inderwal constituency are 100% BPL and demanded BPL ration cards to each deserving family without fixing any criteria. He also slammed the government for carrying out BPL survey through different departments added that on scrutiny of the lists prepared by the different departments, the lists has no uniformity as the list prepared by various departments are different to each. 

Congress MLA from Inderwal demanded the steps taken for proper identification of BPL families in the state for issuance of new ration cards to them to ensure full coverage of this poor population under the schemes in vogue.

He also demanded macadamization of roads in his constituency, funds for clearing the contractor’s liabilities, early completion of work on the hospital building to be completed besides this sanctioning of various roads for Inderwal constituency.

Saroori has also showed his strong concern over the misuse and ‘non-utilization’ of funds by the State’s Sport’s council. He said state council failed to utilize funds for the development of Sports Infrastructure in the state despite availability of additional funds to the tune of Rs 30 Crores, majority of which is lying unspent at JK State Sports Council accounts and some has been converted into fixed deposits.