Jammu, October 19: A one-day convention of the J&K Christian Welfare Council, an affiliated wing of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), was held yesterday at Mohalla Ustaad, Jammu, under the chairmanship of Ashish Peter. Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President, Jammu, was the Chief Guest. The convention was attended by Bimla Luthra, State Vice President, Women Wing, JKNC; Chander Mohan Sharma, District President Jammu Urban; Rakesh Singh Raka, Vice President, Central Zone; and S. Gurnam Singh, District Secretary, Jammu Urban.
Addressing the convention, Rattan Lal Gupta emphasised that inclusive development and social justice must reach every section of society, particularly marginalised and economically weaker communities. He alleged that the Christian community in Jammu and Kashmir did not receive adequate attention during the previous BJP-PDP government and the LG administration between 2014 and 2024.
Gupta said that the NC government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is focusing on extending development initiatives and civic amenities to neglected communities. He stressed that Christian colonies and localities deserve their fair share of development, including better roads, sanitation, drinking water, electricity and other essential civic facilities.
He further emphasised the need to provide special attention to children belonging to economically weaker families, particularly in the fields of education, scholarships, skill development and access to opportunities. He said that no community should be left behind in the development process and that the benefits of government schemes must reach the grassroots level without discrimination.
Highlighting employment and livelihood opportunities, Gupta referred to Mission YUVA, an initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, self-employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities among the youth. He cited the programme’s stated targets of establishing approximately 1.35 lakh business units and creating opportunities for around 4.25 lakh young people, while stressing the importance of effective implementation, access to financial assistance and institutional support.
He said that the government must continue to strengthen public education, healthcare, rural infrastructure, drinking water supply, electricity and social welfare services. He also stressed that the concerns of weaker sections, women, youth and people living in underserved localities should remain central to development planning. Rattan Lal Gupta reiterated that inclusive development, social justice and equal opportunities for all communities must remain key priorities of the Omar Abdullah-led government.
