Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

PMO asks Industry to partner in Leh Rehabilitation Effort

The Prime Minister's Office has called upon Indian Industry to join hands in the rehabilitation of Leh and Kargil, in the aftermath after the recent flash floods. Shri TKA Nair, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister met with the office bearers of CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, PHDCCI and SCOPE, and called upon their support for rebuilding of both infrastructure and livelihoods in Leh and Kargil. Chief Secretary, J&K, and senior officials from the Prime Minister's Office participated in the meeting. The meeting was attended by Shri Hari Bhartia, President, CII, Shri Chandrajit Banerjee, DG, CII, Shri Harshpati Singhania, Former President, FICCI, Dr. Swati Piramal, President, ASSOCHAM, Shri Ashok Kajaria, President, PHDCCI, and Dr. UD Choubey, DG, SCOPE.

During his visit to the affected areas, the Prime Minister has already announced support involving rebuilding of houses, hospitals, water supply, and power supply, and sanctioned Rs 125 crore for this purpose. The Prime Minister has also directed that houses should be rebuilt before the onset of the winter and that he would visit the area again to ensure that this was done.

Shri Nair mentioned that there was no shortage of funds. What was needed from industry was the, pooling together of knowledge and implementation resources, to ensure., that the target of rehabilitation of the population before winter was met. He mentioned that there was a need for the private sector to participate and partner the government in such initiatives. The Industries Associations have assured the Prime Minister's Office that they will spare no effort to assist. While the associations have already placed some groups on ground to conduct initial studies, they will ramp up their efforts in coordination with the PMO and the State Government. The areas for cooperation included ensuring adequate supply of material, equipment, and labour, along with necessary assistance in terms of technical expertise and medical assistance as needed.

PMO has asked the State Government to prepare a target and milestone map, for rehabilitation and to have it ready by the end of this month. Principal Secretary to Prime Minister has directed PMO officials to monitor the implementation on the ground to ensure that the targets are met.