Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Working President and former Minister, Shri Raman Bhalla, has intensified his mass contact programmes 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 Indian National Congress remains firmly committed to justice, equity, democratic values, and inclusive development in Jammu and Kashmir.
Raman Bhalla expressed grave concern over the distressing condition of farmers, who have suffered massive losses due to recent heavy rains, flash floods, and waterlogging, 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.
The senior Congress leader 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. Bhalla described the decision as discriminatory and symbolic of the persistent neglect and step-motherly treatment meted out to Jammu.
Highlighting the deepening unemployment crisis, Raman Bhalla said that recruitment across departments has virtually come to a halt due to the unresolved reservation policy, leaving thousands of educated youth frustrated and directionless.
He stated that merit, fairness, and social balance must go hand in hand, but governance paralysis has worsened uncertainty.
He also strongly advocated for regularization of daily wagers, casual laborers, and other temporary workers, who have served the government for decades on meagre wages without job security, social protection, or dignity.
Bhalla further raised the long-pending issue of POJK Displaced Persons, who continue to await reservation benefits, adequate rehabilitation, and political justice even after decades of displacement. He said their prolonged neglect is a blot on governance and reflects the lack of political will to address historical injustices. Alongside this, he expressed concern over ex-servicemen, border residents, and migrant families, who face inadequate relief, poor infrastructure, and insecurity despite repeated assurances.
The former Minister lamented that industrial and economic growth in J&K has stagnated, as promised incentives, subsidies, and industrial support packages have not translated into action. This has discouraged investment, forced small and medium units to shut down, and denied job opportunities to local youth.
He also flagged the acute power and drinking water crisis, stating that frequent power cuts, poor voltage, and water shortages have become a daily ordeal for households, farmers, traders, and industries alike.
Raman Bhalla also 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, deteriorating health services, weakening education standards, and absence of elected local governance, all of which have compounded public resentment and alienation.
Concluding his interactions, Raman Bhalla reiterated that the Congress party is consistently raising issues of democratic rights, restoration of statehood, protection of land and job rights, transparent governance, and social justice in Jammu and Kashmir. He reaffirmed that Congress will continue to raise people’s concerns at every appropriate forum and stand shoulder to shoulder with the masses.
Bhalla asserted that the ongoing mass contact programmes aim to strengthen people’s voices, restore faith in democratic politics, and pave the way for a just, accountable, and development-oriented future for Jammu and Kashmir.DD
