JK govt to create special category for remote areas

The Jammu and Kashmir government is planning to carve out a special category for far-flung backward areas in the state to focus on their speedier and integrated development.

The Jammu and Kashmir government is planning to carve out a special category for far-flung backward areas in the state to focus on their speedier and integrated development.

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Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said his government was contemplating to carve out a special category of backward pockets comprising most difficult and hitherto left underdeveloped areas for their comprehensive economic reconstruction and upgradation of basic amenities.

"Without disturbing the position, status and benefits of declared backward areas, the special category would receive additional attention in the process of development," Omar said addressing a public meeting at the border village of Tangdhar in Kupwara district.

"Steps are afoot to implement multi-faceted and multi-lateral development programmes in these areas for the good of people. It is my keen desire to serve people in far-flung backward areas by taking government to their doorsteps and delivering on ground," the Chief Minister said.

Referring to the difficult accessibility of areas like Machhil, Keran, Gurez, Tulel, Dachhan and Tangdhar, which remain cut off during winter months, Omar assured special attention of his government for the development of these places.

He said "a new developmental chapter will be opened for far-flung regions, particularly backward areas".