Jammu, October 15: Senior National Conference leader and Provincial President, Jammu Province, Rattan Lal Gupta, Adv., said that the completion of two years of the Omar Abdullah-led elected government marks an important occasion to review its achievements, assess the progress made across key sectors and renew its commitment to the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Interacting with a delegation from Block Gandhri District Ramban led by Madam Shamim Akhtar former DDC Member Gandhri along with party office functionaries and delegates of Block Gandhri at Party headquarter Gandhi Nagar, Jammu in the presence of Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Provincial Secretary Jammu, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell and Rakesh Singh Raka Vice President Central Zone. Gupta said that the National Conference government assumed office in October 2024 with a mandate to restore democratic governance, strengthen public welfare, address unemployment, improve essential services and pursue the restoration of full Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the administrative and financial challenges associated with the Union Territory structure, the government has continued to advance its development and welfare agenda.
He said the government’s performance must be judged not merely by political statements but by improvements in the everyday lives of ordinary citizens, including farmers, traders, employees, students, women, youth, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and residents of remote and border areas.
Gupta said the restoration of full Statehood remains the foremost political commitment of the National Conference government. The Assembly has adopted a resolution seeking Statehood, and the government has continued to pursue the demand with the Union Government. He urged the Centre to fulfil its commitment without further delay so that Jammu and Kashmir can enjoy the democratic and constitutional rights associated with full Statehood.
Gupta highlights the major initiatives and development priorities of the Omar led Govt during its first two years such as Revival of the historic Darbar move between Jammu and Srinagar, Free travel for women on government operated e buses, enhanced old age pension/ Handicapped pension/ widow pension from Rs 1000 to Rs 1500 below 80 years and Rs 2000 to aged more 80 years and above, Enhancement of Marriage assistance from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75000 for eligible girls, Focus on road construction, repair and blacktopping improving connectivity to remote villages, border areas and hilly regions, upgradation of hospital infrastructure and diagnostic facilities, continued focus on improving healthcare facilities in rural areas, improving school infrastructure, Strengthening drinking water supply infrastructure, improving water-quality monitoring and testing facilities, promoting tourism as a major source of employment and economic growth, Promoting entrepreneurship through Mission YUVA, with a five year target of approximately 1.37 lakh enterprises and 4.25 lakh employment opportunities, transparent recruitment and efforts to fill vacant government posts, Encouraging private investment, skill development and industrial employment for local youth, supporting women through self-help groups and livelihood programmes, supporting farmers, horticulture and allied agriculture activities, strengthening rural infrastructure and access to agricultural markets, the proposed addition of electric buses to the public transport fleet, alongside sports infrastructure and youth participation programmes, offers opportunities to improve urban mobility and encourage healthier lifestyles. Their implementation should be monitored for accessibility, service reliability and benefits to young people across both regions.
Gupta reiterated the people of J&K that Govt led by Omar Abdullah is committed to fulfil its Manifesto promises made during the election in Toto in remaining tenure of three years and ensured a peace, prosperity, brotherhood and inclusive development and a model State of J&K for the rest of the country.
