<span style="color: #222222;">Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Kumar Mishra today commenced his two-day tour of the Anantnag district. The Minister reached at Pahalgam in south Kashmir and met delegations of PRIs, Hoteliers and Civil Society members of the area. The delegation of Hoteliers informed him about the heavy flow of tourists and said that they are committed to providing world-class facilities.<br />''<br />''Mr Mishra emphasized that developmental works are being completed at a rapid pace. He said that not only has the quantum of work has increased, but also the quality of work has improved and public funds are being spent in a transparent and accountable manner.<br />''<br />''The Minister said that the government is committed to transforming the Union Territory of J&K and ensuring that all services are available to the public. He said that development was restricted for many years after independence due to the concentration of power in some hands. He maintained that the three-tier Panchayati Raj system has facilitated ground-level development and expressed confidence that at the present pace of development, the welfare and prosperity of the people will improve by leaps and bounds. He said that thriving participative democracy, the enthusiasm of council members, their understanding of public issues and their empowerment to redress public grievances is evidence of the transformation in Jammu and Kashmir.<br />''<br />''The Minister appreciated the role played by the PRIs ineffective implementation of participative democracy, gave them a patient hearing and assured them that all demands will be taken up at the appropriate forums and issues will be resolved on priority.<br />''<br />''Mr Mishra also visited the 116 Bn camp of the Central Reserve Police Force in Pahalgam, where a Sainik Sammelan had been organised. He interacted with the Jawans on the occasion and praised them for their contribution in ensuring peace and prosperity.</span><br />