JAMMU: Senior National Conference leader and Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Thursday rejected allegations of regional discrimination and asserted that the Omar Abdullah-led government has ensured fair and equitable development across Jammu and Kashmir.
Rana was addressing a public meeting at Samelpur, Bari Brahmana in Samba district, organised by District President ST Cell Samba, Showkat Ali. The gathering was also addressed by National Conference Provincial President Jammu, Rattan Lal Gupta.
Speaking on the occasion, Rana said Jammu has witnessed significant public investment across key sectors under successive National Conference-led governments.
Highlighting infrastructure development, he said that under the latest PMGSY-IV package worth ₹4,224 crore, a majority of the 316 approved road projects are expected to benefit the Jammu division due to its larger connectivity gaps and remote habitations.
He further stated that districts of the Jammu division affected by floods have received substantial relief and restoration assistance. According to Rana, restoration works along the Chenab River have been allocated ₹49 crore, Tawi River ₹42 crore, Samba district ₹29 crore and Kathua district ₹18 crore.
Addressing the gathering, Rattan Lal Gupta said the Omar Abdullah-led government has ensured balanced political representation alongside equitable development.
“The government has institutionalised regional balance through equal representation of Jammu and Kashmir in the Cabinet, appointment of a Deputy Chief Minister from Jammu and allocation of key portfolios to Jammu-based leaders,” he said.
Gupta also highlighted the long-standing drinking water crisis in the Kandi belt areas of Jammu, Samba and Kathua, noting that these regions have faced acute shortages for decades.
He said the government has prioritised the needs of water-stressed areas and revived several pending water supply schemes that had remained neglected for years. Efforts are being made to ensure their timely completion so that safe drinking water reaches affected households.
Former DDC Bari Brahmana, Suriya Begum, and former Chairman JCC Bank, Mohinder Singh, also addressed the gathering and urged party workers to prepare for the forthcoming Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies elections. They called for the formation of Panchayat-level party committees to strengthen the party’s grassroots presence.
The speakers reiterated the National Conference’s commitment to inclusive development, regional balance and equitable governance across all parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Among others present were Chairman SC Cell Vijay Lochan, Chairman OBC Cell Abdul Gani Teli, Rakesh Singh Raka, Ashok Attri, District President Samba Sudagar Gupta, M.L. Kaith, Working President Women Wing Jammu Rajni Devi, Shahnaz Akhtar, Swarn Singh, Prem Singh, Joginder Kumar, Yashpal, Krishan Dutt, Sushma Devi, Tresham Khullar, Hussain Ali, Col Rashid and other party functionaries.
