Deputy Chief Minister says government is committed to developing rural areas at par with urban areas
URI, May 20, 2026: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary announced that the government has accelerated facility creation and remains fully committed to developing rural areas at par with the urban centers and cities of Jammu and Kashmir.
He made these remarks while addressing a public outreach program at Bagna during a daylong tour of the border constituency of Uri in Baramulla district.
During his extensive visit, the Deputy Chief Minister assessed the progress of ongoing development works, road connectivity projects, educational and health infrastructure, and regional mining operations.
He was accompanied by the Chief Engineer of PMGSY, the Chief Engineer of R&B North Kashmir, the ADC of Baramulla, the SDM of Uri, and several other senior officers from the district administration.
Addressing the public gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized that providing rural and border areas with modern facilities ensures that youth living in far-flung regions receive equal opportunities for growth and progress.
During his inspection of various R&B works at Zehampora Uri, which included the construction of additional classrooms and library facilities at the local Government High School, he directed officials to expedite the projects to strengthen regional educational infrastructure.
He also reviewed the mining sector by inspecting the Gypsum mining block at Bagna Dara Gudliyan Uri, where he stressed the need for transparency, strict regulation, and adherence to safety and environmental norms.
He instructed officials to submit complete details of all mining blocks to ensure that local communities receive the maximum socio-economic and livelihood benefits from these operations.
As part of the infrastructure development initiatives, the Deputy Chief Minister laid the foundation stones for the Kushamarg PMGSY Road project at Bagna Uri and the PMGSY Nambla–Rustom–Bilalabad road project, noting that these developments will significantly improve mobility and connectivity for border residents.
He also inspected the PWD Rest House at Lagama Uri and ordered a complete renovation, including plans for a new conference hall, parking facilities, and landscaping.
Concluding his tour, the Deputy Chief Minister addressed another public outreach program at the Officer’s Club to listen to local grievances and met with various public delegations, including individuals who lost land to the NHPC power project, assuring them that their genuine issues would be addressed on a priority basis.