GILGIT, Nov 28: A number of development projects have been initiated to improve living standard of the people dwelling in far-flung parts of the Northern Areas. The projects will be completed at a cost of Rs350 million.

This was stated by Chief Secretary Northern Areas Imtiaz Kazi while responding to demands of tribal elders at a meeting held in Tangir valley on Tuesday. He was also accompanied by other administrative secretaries

He said the NAs administration had set a new trend of holding 'Khuli Kacheri' to know the problems faced by people and remove them at the earliest. He said the government was striving hard to bring improvement in the lives of common people and bring backward areas on par with the developed parts of the country.

The tribal elders thanked the government for initiating projects for socio-economic uplift but demanded employment of local people in various departments.

The chief secretary directed the secretaries of education, health and forest departments to expedite process to get the required posts approved by the competent authorities.

In response to a demand made by a tribal leader, the chief secretary said that ban on cutting of trees in private and commercial forests as well as transportation of already cut timber would be lifted after the prime minister approved the summary submitted by the NAs administration.

He directed the secretary works to include some projects of vital importance, particularly road infrastructure and water supply, in the next annual development plan.

Imtiaz Kazi appreciated the zeal of people and instructed the secretary forest to induct forests guard as early as possible.

He took serious notice of complaints of absenteeism in the health department and directed the health secretary to take action against absent staff.

The chief secretary asked people to constitute a grand jirga to eliminate social crimes. He also inaugurated an intermediate college in Tangir valley and said coordinated efforts would be made to spread education.

The community thanked the government for constructing a road for trucks and demanded its further extension.—APP