Union MoS Meenakshi Lekhi visits Baramulla in North Kashmir

Srinagar: Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi yesterday visited Baramulla in north Kashmir as part of the Public Outreach Programme and carried out several activities there having larger public significance. The Union Minister visited Govt Girls Higher Secondary school Baramulla and kick-started the plantation drive during which a number of saplings were planted in the school premises.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister stressed upon all the departments to participate in the drive so that a good number of trees are planted to maintain the ecological balance at large which is vital for a healthy and progressive society. She urged upon the officers to be a part of this prestigious programme and make the plantation drive successful.

After leading Plantation Drive, the Minister also felicitated the meritorious NEET qualifiers. She complimented the felicitated students for their performance and emphasized upon they to work hard in their respective domains.

While felicitating the NEET qualified Aspirants, the minister advised the fraternity to acquaint themselves with modern means of education adding that present dispensation at the



central level is very keen to upgrade the employability of students by means of different skill development and job-oriented courses.

The Minister conducted an interactive meeting with DDC members, BDC Chairpersons, MC presidents and PRIs among other stakeholders and listened to their developmental aspirations and concerns. She gave a patient hearing and expressed happiness over the meeting held with the PRIs and said that Union Government has a good dream for the development of Jammu and Kashmir. She added that the present outreach programme has been initiated by the Government to know the basic problems of the people at the ground.

She also assured that the demands and grievances projected by the delegations have been taken note of and the same would be put up with appropriate authorities for their timely redressal.

The Minister also extended congratulations to the PRIs for the successful establishment of de-centralized System and said that the present govt is working to strengthen the PRI mechanism with more financial autonomy. She emphasized upon them to identify their role and co-operate in the field of development.