Army to hold recruitment rally at J&K soon: Deputy CM

Jammu: Army would soon hold a special drive to recruit youths in Paddar belt of Kishtwar. Stressing the need to create employment in the state, especially in the far-flung areas, Jammu and Kashmir's Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh said that the state and central governments were mulling special drives to recruit youths in police, army and other forces.

"The youth of Paddar belt will soon get an opportunity to join the Indian Army as the Defence Ministry has agreed to hold a special drive in the area," he said at a public meeting after laying the foundation stone of a Rs 2.24 crore power project in Kishtwar on Monday.

He called on the youth to find self-employment. There are schemes under which the government provides financial aid and expertise to set up income-generating units, Singh said.

The deputy chief minister said a special thrust is being laid on extending road connectivity to all parts of the state.

"Under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Jammu and Kashmir has received funding of Rs 2,800 crore to provide road link to all areas," he said, adding that soon road projects would also be taken up in Paddar area to connect the villages.

Singh said land for 'Model College' proposed for the area has been identified and campus building would soon begin.

Listing other projects proposed for Kishtwar, he said the construction of an airstrip in Kishtwar town would add a new dimension to the development of the hill-district.

"The pilgrim and leisure tourism would get a fresh lease of life with the start of air service to the district," he said.