Advocate Waqar
The government of Jammu & Kashmir had promised many things to its people, such as restoring the region’s special status, creating 100,000 jobs, providing free electricity and gas, and improving living conditions. These promises gave people hope for a brighter future. But now, after three months of governance, none of these promises have been fulfilled. The people feel betrayed as they continue to face major problems like unemployment, poor infrastructure, and lack of basic facilities.
Instead of solving these real issues, the government is focusing on unnecessary matters like the reservation debate. This has done nothing to improve the lives of people and has only created more problems.
Recently, Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Member Parliament and National Conference leader, protested over the reservation issue. While protests are part of democracy, this one seems to be aimed at gaining political mileage rather than solving the problems of the people. Such actions divide communities and disturb the peace in the region.
Real problems in Jammu & Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir is dealing with many bigger problems than the reservation issue. The government should focus on these challenges:
1. Unemployment: Many young people in the region do not have jobs. The promise of creating 100,000 jobs has not been fulfilled, leaving educated youth frustrated and hopeless.
2. Poor education: Schools and colleges lack good infrastructure, trained teachers, and modern learning tools. Without quality education, the youth cannot build a bright future.
3. Lack of healthcare: Hospitals are not equipped to handle the medical needs of the people. Many rural areas lack basic healthcare facilities, forcing people to travel long distances for treatment.
4. Missing basic facilities: Clean drinking water, proper roads, and regular electricity are still not available in many areas. These are basic necessities that every citizen should have.
5. Demand for statehood: The people want Jammu & Kashmir’s statehood restored. They feel this will give them more control over their governance and protect their identity.
6. Terrorism and security issues: The region continues to face terrorism, which disrupts daily life, scares away investors, and keeps tourists from visiting.
7. Tourism needs revival: Tourism is a major source of income in Jammu & Kashmir, but it has suffered due to instability and poor promotion.
8. Lack of unity and peace: Political debates like the reservation issue create divisions among people, disturbing harmony and peace in the region.
How the government can solve these problems
The government must take strong and practical steps to solve these problems and improve the lives of the people. Here’s how:
Create jobs for youth
Start new projects in agriculture, IT, tourism, and handicrafts to create job opportunities.
Encourage private companies to invest in Jammu & Kashmir and hire local people.
Open skill development centers to train youth in modern skills that are in demand.
Improve education
Build better schools and colleges with libraries, laboratories, and digital classrooms.
Recruit and train teachers to improve the quality of education.
Provide scholarships and financial aid to students from low-income families.
Strengthen healthcare
Build new hospitals and upgrade existing ones with modern equipment.
Hire more doctors and healthcare workers, especially for rural areas.
Introduce mobile health clinics for villages where people can’t access hospitals.
Provide basic facilities
Ensure clean drinking water is available in every village and town.
Build proper roads to connect remote areas to cities.
Provide consistent electricity and affordable housing for all.
Restore statehood
Work with the central government to bring back Jammu & Kashmir’s statehood.
Ensure local people have a say in how their region is governed.
Stop terrorism
Take strict measures to stop terrorism by improving security and intelligence systems.
Strengthen law enforcement to protect the lives and property of people.
Promote awareness programs to stop the spread of radical ideas and involve local communities in maintaining peace.
Boost tourism
Promote Jammu & Kashmir as a safe and beautiful destination for tourists.
Organize cultural festivals and events to attract more visitors.
Improve tourism infrastructure like roads, hotels, and transport facilities.
Provide financial support to small businesses involved in tourism, like houseboat owners and tour operators.
Maintain peace and unity
Launch community-building programs to bring people from different backgrounds together.
Solve public grievances through open discussions and fair decisions.
Promote harmony through cultural exchanges and public awareness campaigns.
A brighter future for Jammu & Kashmir
The youth of Jammu & Kashmir are its greatest asset, but they need opportunities to succeed. If their problems are ignored, they will feel frustrated and might take to the streets in protest. This could create instability and harm the democratic system.
The government must act quickly and responsibly. By creating jobs, improving education, providing healthcare, and ensuring basic facilities, it can give people hope for a better future. At the same time, measures to stop terrorism, promote tourism, and maintain peace are essential for long-term development.
The people of Jammu & Kashmir deserve a government that works for their welfare. They need unity, justice, and progress, not empty promises and political conflicts. The government must deliver on its commitments and focus on solving the real issues. This will not only restore public trust but also bring lasting peace and prosperity to the region.
Jammu & Kashmir is a region of immense potential and beauty. With the right steps, it can become a shining example of development, harmony, and progress. Let us hope the government takes the right actions before it is too late.
(The author can be reached at [email protected])
