SRINAGAR: In a series of engagements aimed at addressing the grassroots public concerns, several deputations today called on Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs and Transport, Satish Sharma.
The delegations raised a wide range of issues spanning public transportation, youth employment, sports infrastructure and local development demands.
During his meeting with General Manager (Operations), Jammu & Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (RTC), the Minister discussed the availability and augmentation of bus services during the upcoming Eid festival. He stressed the importance of ensuring seamless travel arrangements to accommodate the increased passenger traffic, particularly on intra-district and inter-district routes during the festive period.
A delegation of para-athletes representing various districts of the Union Territory submitted a memorandum highlighting concerns regarding the welfare and recognition of persons with disabilities in sports. They emphasized the urgent need for upgraded infrastructure, improved training facilities and mainstreaming of para sports. The athletes also called for greater government efforts to popularise the Paralympic Games and ensure equal opportunities in sporting events.
A deputation from Kokernag, led by Legislator Zafar Ali Khatana, met the Minister and raised a host of constituency-specific issues. The delegation submitted a list of developmental demands, including road connectivity, water supply, healthcare facilities and educational infrastructure. They sought the intervention of the Minister for timely redressal.
A delegation from Bandipora district, led by Advocate Saheer Rather, appealed to the Minister for the establishment of a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) centre at Chatti Baddi. The delegation underlined the pressing need for employment avenues for the educated youth of the area.
A group of aspirants for the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) Junior Engineer (JE) posts also met the Minister. They submitted a plea requesting for postponement of the scheduled JE examination, citing issues related to short notice, logistical challenges and the need for more preparation time. The aspirants expressed hope that their concerns would be addressed in the interest of fairness and transparency.
Another deputation from Manwan in the district of Kupwara requested for initiation of a dedicated bus service from Manwan to Kupwara. The residents stressed that the absence of direct public transportation has been a long-standing issue, causing hardships, particularly for the students and patients.
Several other groups from different regions called on the Minister to bring forth various developmental, civic and service delivery issues. These included matters related to road connectivity, ration distribution, IT infrastructure and youth engagement programs.
The Minister assured that the concerns raised by the deputations would be examined seriously and remedial action would be taken in a time-bound.