Rather conferred “Life Time Achievement Award”

The Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather was today conferred the “Life Time Achievement Award” for his outstanding contribution in the field of state politics and chapter for the economic development of J&K. The award was presented to Mr. Rather, at a glittering function in the Union Capital this morning, by the Indian International Friendship Society (IIFS). The function, held in observance of “Global Friendship Day”, was inaugurated by the Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah. The citation that was readout while presenting the award to Mr. Rather reads …. “The Society confers, “Life Time Achievement Award” to you because you have glorified India with outstanding contribution. The conferment of the award is a mark of our sincere appreciation of your exceptional leadership and genuine willingness to do every thing possible for boosting the state’s economy. We wish to felicitate you for your commitment to start a new chapter for the economic development of Jammu and Kashmir described as paradise on the earth. The Minister has been throughout his life undertaking difficult, challenging and upstream tasks, which needs passion and deep commitment.” Soon after the award ceremony, Mr. Rather was greeted by distinguished participants, including House of Lords U.K., Baroness Sandip Verma FRSA, Minister of Canada Mr. Thakkar, Member Parliament Canada, Dr. Ruby Dhalla, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Mr. Mukul Wasnik, CBI, Director, S. Joginder Singh,Eminent Lawyer, Mr. Rohid Kochhar, Lieutenant Governor for Pondcherry, H.H. Shri Iqbal Singh, former Governor of Tamilnadu and Assam Dr. Bisham Narian Singh for getting the prestigious award. Mr. Rather is already credited with Best Legislator Award, Finance Wizards Award and Dr. Ambedkar Award. Born at Badipora in Tehsil Chadoora, District Budgam, Mr. Rather is M.A. LLB with Diploma in Public Administration. He practiced at the Bar from 1971 to 1977 and was elected to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in 1977. He has been winning his Assembly seat in all elections i.e. 1983, 1996, 2002 and 2008. Mr. Rather was unanimously elected as Speaker of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in 1982. In 1983, he was inducted in the Cabinet as Finance Minister. Thereafter, he held important portfolios in the State Government from time to time. He remained Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development Panchayats, Cooperation, Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Haj and Auqaf, Law and Parliamentary Affairs and at present holds the charge of Finance and Ladakh Affairs Ministry of Jammu and Kashmir State. He has also been member of Central Executive Committee of National Conference since 1980. He has headed various Parliamentary Committees of the State Legislator such as Public Accounts Committee (PSC), Public undertakings Committee (PUC), Committee on Government Assurances, General Purposes Committee, House Committee, Rural Committee, Estimates Committee, Committee on Subordinate Legislations and represented the state Legislator in various National seminars and led several delegations. He was also leader of the opposition in Jammu and Kashmir legislative Assembly from July 2004 to July 2008. He is the first MLA in State who has been returned from the same Constituency (Chrari-Sharief Constituency) six times in a row.