Hopes in Despair
‘Lending a hand to someone is better than giving dole’
I extend my warm congratulations on your well-deserved success in the recent Legislative Assembly election. Additionally, I commend all those candidates who participated, embodying the spirit of democracy in our constituency.
Your election has sparked immense hope within our community, as people hold significant aspirations for progress in areas that impact our daily lives. The villages nestled under the Pir Panchal Himalayan range have voiced their needs, waiting for a leader to turn these aspirations into action. Our region, familiar to the world since before 1857, continues to hold immense potential for growth across various sectors, such as education, agriculture, tourism, and healthcare. Below are some areas we humbly request your attention to:
- Education: With male literacy around 61% and female literacy at a mere 40%, it is vital to prioritize education to combat poverty and underdevelopment. We urge the establishment of schools equipped with essential infrastructure, such as ICT facilities, kindergartens, sanitation, and sports equipment etc. Additionally, mainstreaming out-of-school children (OOSC) and children with special needs (CWSN), along with the creation of counseling centers, would greatly enhance educational quality. Supporting both teaching staff and students through accountability measures is essential to fostering a conducive learning environment.
- Agriculture and Horticulture: Agriculture remains the backbone of our hilly region, yet traditional practices have resulted in disguised unemployment. To maximize the sector’s potential, scientific farming methods should be introduced. Experts should regularly engage with farmers, guiding them on high-yield crops (HYC), green manures, and tested fertilizers and pesticides and establishment of some cold stores. Moreover, embracing national initiatives like the Green, White, Blue, and Pink Revolutions, alongside schemes such as Startup India, Mission Youth, and Skill India, would create opportunities for educated youth. Establishing vocational training centers should also be a priority.
- Tourism Promotion: The tourism sector, especially in Gulmarg, has witnessed remarkable growth, bringing economic benefits to locals. Expanding this sector can unlock additional employment opportunities. Road connectivity, hotel facilities, E-facility, proper working places for workers, environmental sustainability, adventure tourism and enhanced ski infrastructure are crucial for scaling tourism and stimulating economic growth of the UT and Tangmarg Gulmarg in particular. Local attractions like Drung, Gogaldara, and Buderkoot require road improvements and promotional efforts to boost regional tourism, benefiting the entire UT.
- Handicrafts and Women Empowerment: Handicrafts have long been a livelihood for many in our region, especially women. However, many women artisans face economic, social, and cultural exploitation, receiving minimal returns for their labour. An exclusive women’s market, offering local handicrafts, would empower women economically and socially. Additionally, initiatives like entrepreneurial guidance, easy bank loans and an EDI branch would involve more women in the economic landscape.
- Healthcare: Our healthcare facilities lack basic infrastructure, adequate medical equipment and staff, compelling patients to travel long distances for essential care. Enhancing all local hospitals especially SDH Tangmarg with advanced equipment, establishing a blood bank and filling vacant medical positions would improve healthcare accessibility. Round-the-clock availability of gynecologists, surgeons, and essential medicines is urgently needed.
Additional areas, such as electricity, clean drinking water, rural development, R&B, irrigation, Jal Shakti, forest management, administrative issues and unemployment also require immediate attention. The people of Tangmarg-Gulmarg hope to see tangible changes in these areas, improving overall quality of life.
While much has been achieved, there is still much work to be done. Our youth are eager to contribute; with the right resources, direction and support, they can bring new vitality to our community. We respectfully urge you to develop a detailed action plan to address these issues progressively, keeping open channels for community feedback. “Opportunities often lie hidden within despair, all that is needed is a hand extended in support”
Thank you sir
Gh Hassan Bhat
Teacher/Resource Person
Zone Tangmarg Bla Kmr
hussain.hassan95@gmail.com
