Srinagar: Members of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday raised a wide range of public issues during Zero Hour, drawing the government’s attention to concerns related to water supply, road connectivity, agriculture, education, healthcare, disaster relief and civic infrastructure across the Union Territory.
MLA Langate Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh raised the issue of bringing back the mortal remains of a student from his constituency who died in Chandigarh and urged authorities to expedite the process. MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone also sought government intervention in the matter.
Responding, Minister Javid Ahmad Dar said he had contacted senior officials immediately after receiving information about the incident and expressed hope that the mortal remains would be brought back without further delay.
Several legislators raised concerns regarding pending works under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). MLA Trehgam Mir Saifullah and MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone sought early resumption of stalled projects, stating that a House Committee report on the issue had remained pending for nearly two years. They urged the government to take an early decision in the interest of the public and contractors associated with the projects.
MLA Udhampur West Pawan Kumar Gupta highlighted pending payments under JJM and called for the matter to be taken up with the Government of India. He also sought rationalisation of Jal Shakti Department staff in Reasi and Udhampur districts for better functioning of water supply schemes.
MLA Lolab Qaysar Jamshaid Lone raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of water sources, including drying wells, and sought early commissioning of water supply schemes nearing completion.
Road connectivity and infrastructure issues also figured prominently. MLA Chenani Balwant Singh Mankotia drew attention to the poor condition of PMGSY roads across Jammu and Kashmir and alleged inadequate maintenance despite availability of central funds.
MLA Bandipora Nizam-ud-Din Bhat raised issues related to PMGSY road connectivity in tribal areas and highlighted the condition of the Sumbal-Bandipora road.
MLA Poonch Haveli Aijaz Jan demanded protection works to prevent recurring flood damage and sought restoration of affected public infrastructure.
MLA Ramban Arjun Singh Raju highlighted infrastructure requirements linked to education and employment and stressed the need to align educational courses with emerging job opportunities.
Disaster-related losses and compensation also came under discussion. MLA Rajouri Iftkar Ahmed sought enhanced compensation for families whose houses were damaged in floods in Poonch and Rajouri districts. MLA Beerwah Shafi Ahmad Wani demanded adequate compensation for farmers affected by hailstorms in his constituency.
MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami raised the issue of a weather-based crop insurance scheme and called for a comprehensive policy to promote and protect saffron cultivation. He also urged stringent quality checks on pesticides in view of concerns over their impact.
MLA Rajpora Ghulam Mohiuddin Mir sought a comprehensive survey to assess crop losses caused by recent rains.
Education-related concerns were raised by several members. MLA Inderwal Pyare Lal demanded upgradation of high schools to higher secondary schools in his constituency, stating that students had to travel long distances for higher education.
MLA Pahalgam Altaf Ahmad Wani sought upgradation of middle and high schools in remote areas to improve educational access.
MLA Tral Rafiq Ahmad Naik demanded the establishment of a sub-district hospital in his constituency and sought age relaxation in recruitment rules to create more employment opportunities for youth.
MLA Bishnah Rajeev Bhagat highlighted space constraints at the Government Degree College in his constituency and sought improved facilities for students and faculty. He also raised issues related to the development of border areas.
Public safety and urban issues also featured during the proceedings. MLAs Waheed Parra and Abdul Majeed Bhat Larmi raised concerns regarding civilian traffic movement on the Srinagar-Qazigund stretch of the National Highway.
MLA Hazratbal Salman Sagar expressed concern over the increasing number of dog-bite cases in Srinagar and called for a dedicated mechanism to address the issue. He also highlighted sanitation concerns and stressed the need for a comprehensive plan to tackle congestion in the city.
MLA Bhaderwah Daleep Singh Parihar sought improved public amenities at tourist destinations in Bhaderwah and demanded the creation of a Development Authority for the Doda and Bhalesa areas.
MLA Ramnagar Sunil Bhardwaj sought a CBI inquiry into the alleged duping of women Self-Help Group members in what he described as the “Haldi Scheme” scam and demanded action against those responsible.
MLAs Mehraj Malik of Doda and Ghulam Mohiuddin Mir of Rajpora also raised issues related to water supply in their respective constituencies.