In once separatist and militancy hubs, Union Ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad and Shripad Nayak presided over ‘public darbars’ (open interactions) in Srinagar and Baramulla on Thursday and distributed cash, baby kits and announced medical tourism schemes. Students in Baramulla have talent enough to compete at the national level,” Mr. Prasad said, inaugurating an indoor sports stadium at a cost of ₹7 crore. Model districtPromising to make Baramulla a model district, Mr. Prasad unveiled the district logo, inaugurated a district web portal and e-inaugurated Bharatnet facility for 38 panchayat halqas. In Srinagar, known for separatist-backed shutdowns, militant violence and street protests, Mr. Shripad Nayak met hundreds of locals at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre on the Dal lake. The Minister also e-inaugurated various projects in Srinagar, including heritage lighting, flood lighting system etc.

Source: The Hindu January 23, 2020 16:30 UTC