By Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened meetings with various delegations at the Civil Secretariat today to address their pressing issues and demands. Among those who attended was a delegation led by Pooja Thakur, the District Development Council Chairperson of Kishtwar. They brought forth crucial concerns regarding development and employment in the area.
The delegation, representing remote regions such as Paddar, Dachhan, Atholi, and Nagseni in Kishtwar district, submitted a comprehensive memorandum outlining their demands. They stressed the importance of creating employment opportunities for locals in existing and future power projects, as well as upgrading schools and healthcare facilities to alleviate the shortages of teachers, doctors, and paramedics.
Additionally, they highlighted the urgent need for better public infrastructure, which includes improved roads, reliable drinking water supplies, and banking services in these remote locations. The Chief Minister listened attentively and assured that all legitimate concerns would be prioritized, reaffirming the government’s dedication to promoting equitable development in marginalized communities.
In a separate session, former legislators from the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly met with the Chief Minister to voice their grievances. They sought increases in pension benefits, which have remained unchanged for over a decade, and requested a raise in the medical allowance.
Furthermore, they appealed for the Chief Minister’s intervention to facilitate smooth access for ex-legislators to the Legislative Assembly and Secretariat, advocating for a straightforward system to ensure ease of entry. The Chief Minister assured the delegation that their concerns would be addressed promptly and recognized the significant contributions made by these former public servants. He committed to establishing a mechanism to ensure their entry without complications.
