Srinagar: Former minister and MLA Bandipora, Usman Majid, on Sunday released his manifesto for the upcoming assembly election, outlining what he promises will be done to transform Bandipora into a model constituency.
Addressing the media at his residence in Bandipora, Majid emphasized that the manifesto has been carefully drafted after extensive consultations with various communities, ensuring it addresses the key concerns and aspirations of the people of Bandipora.
Majid affirmed his commitment to enhancing connectivity in the Bandipora constituency. He promised a four-lane highway from Srinagar to Bandipora to improve accessibility and boost economic growth. He also stressed the importance of introducing rail connectivity to Bandipora, which would link the district to the broader region, facilitating trade and travel.
Education, youth empowerment, and healthcare are major priorities in Majid’s manifesto. He vowed to establish a Government Medical College (GMC) in Bandipora, bringing advanced healthcare education and facilities closer to the people.
To empower women and provide accessible higher education, he committed to establishing a Women’s Degree College in Bandipora. Majid also promised a fully equipped district library with 24×7 access to support students and researchers; and an indoor stadium at the district headquarter to nurture local sports talent.
In terms of infrastructure development, Majid pledges a bypass road in Bandipora town to reduce traffic congestion. He also promised to expedite the construction of the Ketson to Lolab road and the Gurez-Bandipora tunnel, making the region more accessible, especially during winters.
Community facilities, such as libraries, marriage halls, and ATMs, would be established in major villages to enhance the quality of life, he promised.
Majid also laid out an ambitious economic development plan. He promised to establish a ‘fruit mandi’ in Bandipora with cold storage facilities to support local farmers and boost the economy. He pledges an industrial estate and an IT park, generating employment opportunities for the youth of Bandipora.
Women’s empowerment is another key focus of Majid’s manifesto. He promised to establish cutting and tailoring centers for women in Bandipora and Naidkhai, providing vocational training and employment opportunities. He also pledged to improve school facilities for girls by dedicating funds to construct clean and sanitary toilets in schools throughout the constituency.
Majid also outlined plans to enhance public services and safety by constructing separate fire stations in key blocks like Arin, Aloosa, Bonakoot, Naidkhai, and Shahgund. He also promised to set up essential healthcare services in remote villages, particularly for tribal communities like Gujjars, Bakerwals, and Paharis.
Environmental and community development also featured prominently in Majid’s pledges. He committed to rehabilitating Kanyari village in the Naidkhai block and ensuring a 24-hour drinking water supply in both the Bandipora and Naidkhai blocks.
Majid also pledged to upgrade schools with modern facilities, including smart classrooms, and to improve medical facilities at the district hospital, including establishing a specialized children’s hospital.
Majid’s vision for tourism and environmental conservation includes promoting Bandipora and Gurez as key tourism destinations, developing eco-friendly infrastructure, and enhancing the development of the Wullar Lake. He also promised to promote water sports in the Wullar Lake to boost tourism and economic growth.
Majid reaffirmed his commitment to fostering unity and preserving the cultural and traditional heritage of Kashmiri Pandits residing in Bandipora while promoting communal harmony between Muslims and Pandits.
He also vowed to fight for the rights of socially disadvantaged castes, such as fishermen living on the banks of Wullar, and tribal communities by implementing the Forest Rights Act of 2006 and addressing any harassment they face.
Majid further promised to advocate for the rights of contractual lecturers, including salary enhancements to match those of their counterparts in Ladakh. He also pledged to increase the monthly assistance for disabled individuals from ₹1,500 to ₹3,000, ensuring they receive the support they deserve.
He further said that the education sector will be his priority.
Majid emphasized that his dedication to the people of Bandipora has always been evident, as he has remained at their doorstep, no matter the circumstances. He claimed that he has treated his political opponents with the same respect and fairness as his own cadre and workers, maintaining an approach of inclusivity and fairness throughout his political career.
“This will be my fifth election as an independent candidate. I hope the people of Bandipora will choose me and allow me to serve them again,” he said.
