RAJOURI: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) senior leader and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Friday said that the Omar Abdullah-led Government has completed nearly one and a half years in office with a commitment towards transparent, people-centric and inclusive governance despite the limitations of the Union Territory setup and non-restoration of full statehood.
Addressing two massive public meetings at Dalhori (Dhangri) and Thanamandi in Rajouri district, Choudhary said the Government has been working to fulfil the promises made to the people in its election manifesto and has laid a strong foundation for long-term development of Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting at Dalhori was organised by former DDC Member Dhangri Th. Rameshwar Singh, who highlighted the demands and issues of the area. The public meeting at Thanamandi was organised by Block President Thanamandi Mushtaq Shawal, who also raised local issues and concerns in the presence of District President Rajouri Urban Shafayat Ahmad Khan.
Surinder Choudhary said the Government has accelerated developmental works across Jammu and Kashmir by improving road connectivity, bridges, schools, hospitals, drinking water schemes, irrigation facilities and other essential infrastructure.
He said special focus has been laid on equitable development to ensure that no region, including border, hilly and Kandi areas of Jammu Province, remains neglected.
“Pir Panjal is getting a developmental boost under the Omar-led Government,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the Government has presented two budgets by an elected government after seven years, focusing on employment generation, youth empowerment, women welfare, agriculture, tourism, education, healthcare, digital governance and strengthening social security.
He added that several reforms have also been initiated to improve transparency, public service delivery and fiscal management.
Surinder Choudhary said the Omar Abdullah-led Government has consistently raised the demand for restoration of full statehood, terming it a legitimate democratic aspiration of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that despite constitutional and administrative limitations under the Union Territory arrangement, the Government has continued to serve people with dedication and accountability.
Assuring people at both public meetings, Choudhary said all genuine demands and issues would be addressed in a phased manner. He said some demands related to roads and bridges have already been accepted and announced construction and blacktopping works in the area.
Meanwhile, NC leader Rattan Lal Gupta said the achievements of the Government have frustrated the BJP, which, according to him, has failed to accept the growing confidence of people in the National Conference-led administration.
He alleged that instead of supporting development initiatives, the BJP was indulging in propaganda to divert public attention from its failures.
Gupta asserted that the Omar Abdullah Government is committed to completing its full five-year term and fulfilling promises made to the people.
He appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to continue supporting the Government’s agenda of peace, development, social justice and restoration of democratic rights, including full statehood.
He strongly demanded that the Modi Government restore statehood for the betterment of Jammu and Kashmir.
Gupta also urged party workers to gear up for the forthcoming Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies elections.
Those present on the occasion included Vijay Lochan, Chairman SC Cell; Th. Yashuvardan Singh, Additional Spokesperson Jammu; Rakesh Singh Raka, Vice President Central Zone; Youglal; Bansi Lal Sharma, Block President Dhangri; Aftab Lone, Block President Rajouri; Tofail, Block President Chingus; Mohd Ismail Choudhary, Block President Doongi; Parvez Jatt, Block President Nagrota; Daleep Singh; Parvez Khan; Abdul Hamid; Sajid Pervaiz; Bashir Ahmed; Master Daljeet Singh; Rakesh Kumar Sharma; Waqar Mir; Vivek Sharma; Bashir Wani; Parvez Malik; Parvez Mirza; Maqbool Khasana; Yaki Advocate; Rafiq Mir; Abdul Quoom Naik and other party functionaries.
