Jammu, 08 January (H.S.): JKPCC working president and former minister, Raman Bhalla, has intensified his mass contact programme across the RS Pura-Jammu South Assembly constituency, reaching out to people from diverse sections of society to understand their hardships, anxieties, and expectations.

During these extensive door-to-door interactions and public meetings, Bhalla patiently listened to grievances and assured the people that the Congress remains firmly committed to justice, equity, democratic values, and inclusive development in Jammu and Kashmir.

Bhalla expressed grave concern over the distressing condition of farmers, who have suffered massive losses due to recent heavy rains, flash floods, and water-logging, but have been denied timely compensation. He pointed out that crops worth crores have been destroyed, agricultural land rendered unproductive, livestock lost, and irrigation channels damaged.

Despite repeated appeals, farmers continue to face official apathy, pushing them into debt and economic uncertainty. He also highlighted that families whose houses, shops and small businesses were damaged by natural calamities are still waiting for relief and rehabilitation, exposing the government’s failure to respond humanely during crises.

JKPCC working president strongly criticized the cancellation of permission for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Medical College, terming it a deliberate and unjustified blow to the aspirations of the Jammu region. He said the move has deprived thousands of students of advanced Medical education, weakened the region’s healthcare infrastructure, and eliminated potential employment avenues. He described the decision as discriminatory and symbolic of the persistent neglect and step-motherly treatment meted out to Jammu.

Bhalla drew attention to the severe shortage of staff in Government institutions, including hospitals, schools, colleges, revenue offices, and civic bodies. He said understaffing has crippled service delivery, increased public suffering, and overburdened existing employees. The Congress leader further highlighted rising prices of essential commodities, poor road conditions, lack of urban amenities, and deteriorating health services.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar