SRINAGAR: Members of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Thursday raised a range of public welfare, infrastructure and development-related issues during Zero Hour in the ongoing Autumn Session.
MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurez) sought early forest clearances for road projects to ensure timely completion. Responding to the issue, the Public Works Department minister said the matter would be taken up with the Forest Department on priority.
MLA Nizam-ud-din Bhat raised concerns over the reported denial of environmental clearance to the New Ganderbal Hydel Power Project.
MLA Shamima Firdous highlighted water scarcity in her constituency and demanded construction of a reservoir to address the issue.
MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami urged the government to enhance the honorarium of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Anganwadi workers and Mid-Day Meal workers, citing higher remuneration being paid in some other states and Union Territories.
MLA Muzaffar Iqbal Khan sought implementation of minimum wage norms for cooks and other support staff in schools, saying their honorarium was inadequate. He also demanded fair compensation for farmers whose land had been acquired for schools and water supply schemes.
MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz raised the issue of shortage of doctors and medical supplies in his constituency.
MLA Mian Mehar Ali demanded the establishment of a degree college and horticulture office in Gund tehsil, permission for tourists to stay overnight at Naranag and the organisation of large-scale winter events in Sonamarg.
MLA Surjeet Singh Slathia sought the release of deposits of account holders of a cooperative bank and payment of pending salaries to its employees, asking the government to specify a timeline.
MLA Daleep Singh Parihar raised the issue of an alleged sexual assault of a young girl in his constituency and demanded strict action against those responsible.
MLA Rameshwar Singh sought restoration of road infrastructure damaged by recent rainfall and also raised concerns over new University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations.
MLA Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah called for execution of the proposed Poonch-Tangmarg road project and urged authorities to strictly enforce the ban on polythene in Gulmarg and adjoining catchment areas.
MLA Shakti Raj Parihar highlighted delays in connectivity projects due to pending forest clearances and shortage of manpower in his constituency.
MLA Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi sought absorption of daily wagers of Jammu and Kashmir Cements and release of pending dues of Handloom Development Corporation employees. He also raised issues related to customary quarry mining.
MLA Sajad Gani Lone raised the issue of privileges and facilities available to legislators and called for ensuring that elected representatives receive their entitled benefits.
MLA Narinder Singh Raina highlighted delays in issuance of Scheduled Tribe (ST-2) certificates in his constituency and sought early resolution of the matter.
