Revival of wool industry on anvil: CM

Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah

Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah today said that revival of wool industry in the Valley was on the anvil and the Government has already initiated measures in this behalf. The Chief Minister was talking with a deputation that was one of the many that met him here this morning to acquaint him about issues confronting them.

Srinagar, Feb 11: Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah today said that revival of wool industry in the Valley was on the anvil and the Government has already initiated measures in this behalf. 

The Chief Minister was talking with a deputation that was one of the many that met him here this morning to acquaint him about issues confronting them. 

The deputations came from different areas including from Pulwama, Kulgam, Anantnag, Ganderbal, Srinagar and Beerwah. 

Mr. Abdullah said the revival of the wool industry was being attended on priority and the matter was under the active consideration of the Government. Describing the industry as mainstay of the economy of rural areas, the Chief Minister said that its revival will help better the socio-economic profile of a large segment of population, directly and indirectly. 

The deputations apprised the Chief Minister regarding adequate power supply, improvement in drainage and sewerage, employment, better road connectivity, revival of wool industry in the Valley and setting up of a college at Beerwah. 

Mr. Abdullah gave a patient hearing to all the deputations and assured them of considering the demands put forth by them He told the deputation from Beerwah that he will explore possibility of setting up of a college in the area. 

The Chief Minister said that since the Government alone could not provide jobs to everyone, the private sector was being approached to set up their ventures for generating employment avenues to the educated unemployed youth. He said the setting up of a BPO Centre by ESSAR-Aegis at Rangreth yesterday was a beginning in this behalf. He expressed hope that other industrialists and leading businessmen of the country would also come to set up their units in the State. 

Mr. Abdullah asked MLA Amira Kadal, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani to take stock of the drainage problems in various areas of the city along with concerned officers and ensure pumping out the water from waterlogged areas. 

Regarding improvement in road connectivity and streamlining power supply, the Chief Minister said that a comprehensive road connectivity programme has been framed and by March, all the damaged transformers would be replaced by new ones for which Government has issued orders for stocking adequate number of new transformers. 

Former Minister and senior NC leader, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad Shah, ex-MLA Mr. Ali Mohammad Dar and some leaders of National Conference also met the Chief Minister.  (NAK)