Baramulla, September 19 (KNS): Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department Javid Ahmad Dar on Saturday laid foundation stones and inaugurated a series of development projects across Rafiabad constituency, with a focus on strengthening rural infrastructure and public services.

The projects cover education, veterinary services, livestock development and road connectivity and are aimed at improving infrastructure and essential services, particularly for people living in rural and far-flung areas.

At Watergam, Dar laid the foundation stone for an Engineering Complex, being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 60 crore. The facility is expected to strengthen infrastructure and provide improved facilities for the concerned sector.

The minister also laid the foundation stone for an Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT) Laboratory at Chijhama in Rafiabad, envisaged to strengthen modern breeding practices and livestock development infrastructure in the region.

At Shultoo, Rohama, Dar inaugurated the upgraded Veterinary Building, including fencing, completed at a cost of Rs 29 lakh. The facility is expected to enhance veterinary services and provide improved support to livestock farmers and animal rearers in the area.

In the education sector, Dar laid the foundation stone for construction of a 10-room double-storey building at Higher Secondary School Shultoo at an estimated cost of Rs 2.74 crore.

He also laid the foundation stone for construction of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Computer laboratories/rooms at Boys Higher Secondary School Shultoo at an estimated cost of Rs 72 lakh. The project is aimed at providing students with improved academic infrastructure and strengthening science and technology education.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

In the road sector, the minister inaugurated the Brandub-Khahmoh Road, covering the first and second kilometres, completed at a cost of Rs 1.70 crore. The project is expected to improve connectivity and facilitate smoother movement of people and goods.

At Arkhurwari, Dar laid the foundation stone for permanent restoration of the Vohlutra-Shultoo-Arkhurwari Road at an estimated cost of Rs 1 crore. The project is aimed at improving connectivity between adjoining habitations and access to essential services and markets.

Speaking on the occasion, Dar said the government was committed to taking development to the doorsteps of people, with particular focus on strengthening infrastructure and public services in rural and far-flung areas.

He said development was not merely about creating physical assets but also ensuring that such assets translated into better services, greater opportunities and an improved quality of life for people.

Dar directed the concerned departments and executing agencies to strictly adhere to timelines, quality standards and prescribed specifications in all ongoing and upcoming works.

He stressed the need for close inter-departmental coordination and regular monitoring to ensure timely completion of projects without compromising on quality.

The minister reiterated that the government would continue to prioritise need-based, inclusive and people-centric development, with focused interventions in education, healthcare, agriculture and allied sectors, rural infrastructure and road connectivity.

He also asked executing agencies to maintain transparency and accountability at every stage of project implementation and ensure that the benefits of developmental initiatives reach people at the grassroots level. (KNS)