Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 8: With hopes of a relief package, Minister Javid Ahmad Dar today said that the damage assessment reports will be sent to the Centre in the coming days.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the SARAS Mela at Sher-e-Kashmir Park here, Dar said the Chief Secretary is currently compiling the reports before forwarding them to the Government of India.
“After assessment by the DCs, the reports were sent to the Divisional Commissioners. Now, they are with the Chief Secretary, who is compiling and analysing the losses suffered across sectors. In a few days, the report will be sent to the Government, and we are hopeful of a relief package,” Dar, who is holding the portfolio of Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, said.
On the selection of candidates for the upcoming by-elections and Rajya Sabha seats, Dar said the party’s core committee will take a final decision.
“The core committee of the party will meet and decide on the candidates for the by-polls and Rajya Sabha elections, he added, stressing: “All speculations are unfounded.”
When asked about the PDP’s bill seeking to safeguard landholding rights in J&K, Dar remarked, “We cannot stop anyone. They are free to bring any bill.”
Reacting to Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma’s allegations against the National Conference and the Chief Minister, Dar said, “It has been one year since the Government was formed, and he (Sharma) has never issued a positive statement. We won’t respond to such remarks.”
Earlier, the Minister inaugurated the 11-day SARAS Mela, which showcases the best of crafts and products by rural women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from across the country.
The event, organised by the J&K Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) under the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, features over 200 SHG women from 13 states, along with stalls from all districts of J&K. It exhibits handicrafts, handloom items, and regional cuisines, celebrating India’s diverse culture and entrepreneurial spirit.
MD JKRLM Dr. Shubhra Sharma, Additional Mission Director (Kashmir) Mohammad Imran Khan, J&K Bank General Manager Rakesh Magotra, and representatives from NABARD and Grameen Bank were present at the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Dar said the SARAS Mela provides a vital platform for rural women entrepreneurs to showcase their skills, expand market linkages, and strengthen livelihood opportunities. He announced that J&K Bank has sanctioned Rs 100 crore to 2,673 SHGs, marking a significant step toward promoting self-employment and women-led enterprises in rural areas.
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