Defending the State Government’s mining policy, State Finance Minister and Haridwar district in-charge Minister, Indira Hridayesh said on Friday that mining in the river is a must to maintain its un-interrupted flow. “The BJP is making an issue out of it in a fit of desperation to remain relevant in the State’s politics,” she said.
Quizzed over Haridwar being removed from the list of Smart Cities, she said that Atal Gram Yojna is still going on in full swing and development of the district will continue. “Such an omission is nothing serious and we have other options,” she said.
She also distributed saplings among women of the district along with the amount of `350 in form of Fixed Deposit (FD) which will mature after three years . Total 620 plants of Mango, Guava and Amla were distributed during the drive. Plants were provided by the forest and horticulture departments of the district.
Many of the women expressed annoyance over being literally lifted at the programme from their houses by forest department tractors at 11 am. Another said there was no arrangement of food and snacks meant for the participants.
About 650 people filled the Pradham Mantri Bima Suraksha Yojna (PMBSY) forms on a single day. It may be mentioned that `12 as the entry fees will be borne by the State Government.