Stressing the need to empower panchayati raj institutions in J&K, Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said implementing the panchayat raj amendment act in the state will go a long way in this regard.

"I appeal to government to empower it by implementing the panchayat raj amendment act in the state," he said at a rally here.

The state Congress has been demanding incorporation of the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act, 1992, in the state's Panchayati Raj Act to empower the rural local bodies.

The 73rd amendment provides for devolution of power and responsibilities to different tiers of panchayati raj institutions.

He said that various projects started during his tenure as chief minister are still pending and need to be completed.

The AICC leader said that Congress has two vacancies in the present coalition government in J&K. Azad, however, said that there is no need to build pressure on the coalition partner over this issue as they are not against it.

"When we put forth our demand of cabinet berths, we will get it," he said and assured full support of the Congress to the Omar Abdullah government.

He described peace as important for development and stated that prevailing stability and peace should be exploited to the maximum in order to give boost to the developmental activities in the state.

"We want stability and peace in the state and Congress party will cooperate with coalition partner in maintaining it."

The Union Minister assured that healthcare infrastructure will be strengthened whereby new sub centres and trauma centres will be opened in the remote areas of Kathua district.

He also assured that funds will be provided for the upgradation of sub district hospital Billawar. He also sanctioned Rs 30 lakh from MPLAD for construction of stadium at Billawar.

The Union Health Minister said that pentavalent vaccine for child immunization will be introduced in J&K from this year which will reduce the number of vaccines to be administered to the child under child immunisation programme.

Azad also said that Union Health Ministry has launched a programme for BPL people where any person suffering from cancer or heart and kidney ailments can get free of cost treatment in any hospital of India.