Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 11: Delegations from the Dogra Sadar Sabha (DSS), All Jammu and Kashmir Transport Welfare Association (AJKTWA), and the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) – Jammu Chapter, met with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today to discuss important issues affecting the Jammu region, particularly those concerning transport and trade.
The DSS delegation, led by President Th Gulchain Singh Charak (a former Minister), included respected members from various sectors, such as senior Army officials, bureaucrats, educators, artists, and leaders from civil society. During their visit to the Chief Minister’s residence, the delegation outlined several pressing demands and challenges facing the Jammu region. The Chief Minister listened attentively and engaged with them in a cordial manner. Gulchain Singh also took the opportunity to inform the CM about their upcoming 120th Annual General Council meeting scheduled for late December.
Key issues raised with the CM included the restoration and preservation of historical palaces, relocation of Archives, the establishment of a Duggar TV channel in Jammu, revival of the Jammu Festival, and an increase in ex-gratia payments for war widows to align with other Union Territories and States. Additional points included the development of the Ranbir Canal area, a new degree college building in Bishnah, as well as improvements at Patnitop and other tourism spots to support the local hotel and transport industries. They also called for the removal of blockages along the Gen NC Vij Road and the completion of the long-delayed Kathar-Bridge Bal Sahyog Road project, which has been pending since 2011.
The delegation consisted of notable members including Maj Gen Sunita Kapoor (Working President of JKESL and Co-convenor of the DSS Mahila Wing), Col Karan Singh (Vice President), GA Khwaja (General Secretary), Col Dr Virendra Sahi, Gambhir Dev Singh, Amanat Ali Shah (President of Anjumane Imamia), and several others.
A second delegation from AJKTWA, led by Chairman Karan Singh Wazir, also met with the Chief Minister in Jammu to raise concerns related to the transport sector. This group included influential members such as Mohinder Singh (Chief Patron), Vijay Singh Chib (President), and Ranjeet Singh (President of the Tanker Union). They urged for immediate action to address the challenges facing transport operators, stressing the urgent need for a Comprehensive Transport Policy. Their demands included the creation of a structured policy that focuses on modern requirements, such as the development of Transport Nagar, new terminals, and inter-state bus stands. While they acknowledged the introduction of 100 e-buses per division under the Smart City initiative, they criticized the lack of coordination with current transport stakeholders and urged the Smart City project authorities to collaborate with transport leaders to formulate a detailed timetable and operational plan for the buses. They also called for action against illegal commercial vehicle operations.
The CM recognized the vital importance of the transport sector within the UT’s economic structure and assured the delegation that their issues would be prioritized.
A further delegation led by ICC Chairman Rahul Sahai and senior members – Samar Dev Charak, Anil Sharma, Ashish Jain, and Raj Dua – presented a comprehensive memorandum to the Chief Minister, outlining critical areas for JKUT’s development. This memorandum called for timely support for local industries through special packages and the prompt disbursement of Rs 350 crores allocated under the IDS 2017 scheme. The ICC also urged for expedient clearance of 1,450 pending cases under the NCSS 2021 incentives program. They proposed extending the NCSS 2021 package with a higher budget and reserving at least 40% of the benefits for local entrepreneurs to foster inclusive industrial growth.
Highlighting the potential of sports and exhibitions for economic progress in Jammu, Sahai suggested the construction of two new stadiums and a modern indoor sports facility. He called for the establishment of an advisory committee consisting of experts in sports, tourism, industry, and civil society to oversee infrastructure development, as well as the creation of an annual sports calendar featuring major events in Jammu & Kashmir. Sahai emphasized the importance of empowering sports associations, promoting golf tourism, and accelerating the completion of the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Kathua.
He reiterated the ICC’s willingness to partner with the government, stating, “Our organization is always prepared to shoulder any responsibility that the government deems appropriate, ensuring the holistic development of Jammu & Kashmir.”
