10th February 2017: Terming scouting as a platform to turn young kids into responsible citizens of tomorrow, Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti today appreciated the role of scouting movement in strengthening discipline, character and honesty among the youth. Giving away the President’s awards among the distinguished Scouts, Guides and Rovers of the State here today, the Chief Minister said the history of the organisation is replete with character development of the youth and asked the organisation to carry forward its activities in future as well. Mehbooba Mufti said youth have remained a priority with her as they have lost many good moments of childhood, and platforms like Scouting would be doing a great job so that the youth fully develop their mental, physical and moral faculties to heightened requirements of coming times. She said God has bestowed youth of the State with innumerable qualities but these need to be sharpened and chiseled to get the best out of them. The function was organised by J&K chapter of Bharat Scouts & Guides (BS&G) and the Chief Minister honoured 48 Scouts, Guides and one Rover with commendations for their dedication during various Scouting & Guiding Trainings. On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced raise of annual grant to the organisation from the present Rs. 3 lakhs to Rs. 10 lakhs and offered to hold the NEXT ANNUAL SCOUT/GUIDE JAMBOREE in the State. She also assured to provide proper places at Jammu and Srinagar for scout/Guide training. Minister for Youth Services & Sports, Moulvi Imran Raza Ansari and Minister for Education, Jenab Naeem Akhtar (President J&K State Bharat Scouts and Guides) also shared their thoughts with the young Scouts & Guides and impressed upon them to take public service as a motto to change the society for tomorrow. Earlier, in his welcome address, I/C. Chief Commissioner, J&K state Bharat Scouts & Guides, Shri. I. D. Soni outlined the aims and objectives of scouting movement. Director, Youth Services & Sports, Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad; Director, Education, Jammu, Babita Rakwal besides representatives of J&K chapter of Bharat Scouts & Guides were present on the occasion.