Govt committed to ensure equitable development in remote areas: CM

Jammu, Jan 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Wednesday met several deputations at Civil Secretariat Jammu, and listened to their issues, demands and grievances for immediate redressal.
A deputation led by District Development Council Chairman Kishtwar, Pooja Thakur, brought development and employment issues to the notice of the Chief Minister.
Representing far-flung areas of Paddar, Dachhan, Atholi, Nagseni and other areas of Kishtwar district, the delegation submitted a memorandum of demands to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, highlighting key issues faced by these remote areas of Kishtwar district.
The delegation emphasized the need for employment opportunities for locals in ongoing and upcoming power projects, along with the upgradation of schools and health institutions to address critical shortages of teachers, doctors and paramedics.
They also brought attention to the need for improved public infrastructure, including better roads, reliable drinking water facilities and the establishment of banking services in remote areas.
The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to the deputation and assured that all genuine demands would be addressed on priority emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable development in remote areas for upliftment of marginalized communities.
In a separate meeting, a deputation comprising former legislators of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir State Assembly met the Chief Minister to discuss their concerns.
They requested for an enhancement of pension benefits, noting that the last revision occurred over a decade ago.
Besides they requested for an increase in medical allowance.
They also sought intervention of Chief Minister in giving directions for smooth and hassle free entry of ex-legislators to the Legislative Assembly and Secretariat premises and to devise a simple mechanism to facilitate their easy access.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured the delegation that their issues would be taken up promptly.
CM Omar Abdullah said that his government gives due recognition to their contributions to public service and assured that a mechanism would be devised to facilitate their entry without any difficulty.