Jammu: JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla today attended a public meeting at Apna Vihar, where he patiently listened to the grievances and concerns raised by local residents. The meeting was aimed at understanding grassroots-level issues and reinforcing the Congress party’s commitment to people-centric governance.
Prominent attendees at the meeting included Satish Sharma, Sanjeev Katal, Vijay Sharma (Retd DC), Suraj Chopra, Neeraj Tandon, Dr Vijay Sharma, Vikas Sharma, Adv. B.R. Chandan, Adv. Romesh Sharma, Col. S.C. Gupta (Retd), Corporator Bali, Corporator Pritam, Pangotra, Bhushan Sharma, Bhushan Gupta, and Rtd. S.E. DPS Bali, among others.Raman Bhalla reiterated that sustained public outreach and dialogue remain the cornerstone of Congress politics and pledged to continue engaging with people at the grassroots to address their concerns effectively.
Addressing the gathering, Raman Bhalla said that Jammu & Kashmir is facing multiple socio-economic challenges that require sincere political will and responsive administration. He noted that issues such as rising unemployment, inflation, erratic power and water supply, deteriorating road infrastructure, inadequate healthcare facilities, pressure on education institutions, and growing drug abuse among youth continue to trouble common people across the Union Territory.
Bhalla also highlighted public resentment over delay in development works, hardships faced by daily wagers and contractual employees, lack of transparent governance, and shrinking livelihood opportunities, particularly for youth and small traders. He stressed that the voice of the people must guide policy decisions and assured that all genuine demands raised during the meeting would be taken up with the concerned authorities at appropriate forums.
“Congress has always stood for social justice, inclusive development, and protection of democratic rights. The expectations of people of Jammu & Kashmir can only be fulfilled through accountable governance and restoration of trust between administration and citizens,” Bhalla said.The meeting witnessed active participation from party workers, local leaders, and residents of Apna Vihar, who expressed their support for Bhalla’s vision and shared their expectations for improved civic amenities and responsive leadership.
Bhalla today stressed the urgent need for the Union Budget 2026 to address the longstanding issues and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. During his visit to Apna Vihar for public meeting, Bhalla highlighted the challenges faced by the Union Territory, including economic distress, lack of adequate infrastructure, and the continued absence of full statehood, which he said has severely impacted governance, democratic accountability, and policy execution.
Bhalla outlined his expectations for the Budget, urging the central government to focus on region-specific development initiatives to uplift the Union Territory and bring relief to its residents. He emphasized the need for increased allocations to sectors like agriculture, horticulture, tourism, and skill development, which are essential for generating sustainable employment opportunities. “Agriculture is the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, yet farmers face challenges like poor irrigation facilities, lack of cold storage, and limited access to markets. The Budget must address these issues to support our farmers and boost rural livelihoods,” he said.
Bhalla also underlined the importance of investments in healthcare and education to ensure access to basic services in remote and underserved areas. He pointed out that many parts of Jammu and Kashmir lack proper medical facilities, forcing residents to travel long distances for treatment. Similarly, schools in rural areas suffer from poor infrastructure and a shortage of trained teachers. “Healthcare and education are fundamental rights.