J&K Panel told to create sustainable jobs

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who reviewed the work of the expert group on Jammu and Kashmir set up by him under the chairmanship of former RBI governor C Rangarajan, has directed the panel to ensure that the job opportunities generated are sustainable.

“The Prime Minister desired that the group take into account all relevant aspects, like skill enhancement, education and appropriate involvement of civil society and industry, so that employment opportunities generated are sustainable,” said a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

Mr Singh, the statement said, asked the group to give due regard to equity considerations, in terms of various regions of the state, sectors of the economy, levels of skill and gender. The group assured the prime minister that his suggestions would be taken into account and its report would be ready within three months.

An earlier group headed by Dr Rangarajan in 2005-06 had made a number of recommendations that included transfer of 390 MW Dulhasti Hydel Power Project from NHPC to Jammu and Kashmir, transfer of 1,020 MW Bursar Storage Scheme from NHPC to Jammu and Kashmir for execution in the state sector, tying up long-term capacities in IPP projects in the power sector, particularly based on coal and gas, and providing intense road and telecom connectivity in the state.