Former Chief Minister and National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah declared that Jammu is progressing towards inclusive development under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. This statement came during a meeting with a National Conference delegation on Tuesday, where he emphasized the restoration of public confidence in governance.
Dr. Abdullah pointed out that Jammu previously faced broken promises but is now witnessing genuine initiatives for sustainable growth. He urged the government has opened corridors of power to the common people, setting a new precedent for democratic engagement.
During the interaction, the delegation raised several long-standing public issues, attributing their accumulation to what they termed the misrule of the BJP over the past decade. The delegation commended the corrective and developmental measures taken by the Omar Abdullah-led government to revitalize Jammu, now increasingly seen as a city pressuring for reform.
“The Omar Abdullah-led government is making rapid strides to restore people’s faith in democratic institutions,” Dr. Abdullah remarked, expressing optimism about the government’s proactive approach through engaging with local communities.
In light of ongoing urban development initiatives, he cited the much-publicized Smart City project. He noted that recent rain and subsequent waterlogging starkly highlighted the shortcomings of the project, calling it a wake-up call for serious infrastructural assessments.
Dr. Abdullah further discussed the significance of protecting the historically rich Mubarak Mandi heritage complex, which has suffered neglect over the years. Concrete steps such as free transport facilities for women, increased ration quotas for low-income families, and the revival of the Darbar Move have contributed to enhanced economic activity in Jammu.
The National Conference president pointed out that ongoing and forthcoming projects, including ropeways, riverside developments, and lake creation, aim to establish Jammu as a leading destination on the national tourism map, significantly bolstering local economy.
Oh the political forefront, Dr. Abdullah encouraged party workers to prepare for the upcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) and Panchayat elections, stressing the need for enhancing public outreach to ensure community engagement. He highlighted the importance of special representation for youth, especially women, advocating their inclusion in governance structures.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, during another event, highlighted the importance of scientific studies regarding climate change and its impact on the Gujjar-Bakerwal community. He made these remarks at the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust (GDCT), Jammu, where he commemorated the third death anniversary of Dr. Masud Ahmed Choudhary, a prominent educationist.
“There is no dearth of talent in Gujjar institutions. If this talent is channelized into research on climate change, it will strengthen the community,” said Omar Abdullah, signifying the vulnerability of the Gujjar-Bakerwal community due to their nomadic lifestyle.
In his address, the Chief Minister also advocated for the enhancement of educational facilities, including Gujjar hostels, schools, and mobile schooling options. He underscored the necessity for a thorough assessment of the effects of reservation policies. “We have spoken about reservation for years, but serious studies on its real benefits are still lacking,” he noted, focusing on evidence-based policymaking.
Dr. Abdullah, addressing the gathering of community members and leaders, emphasized the pivotal role of education in securing a better future for the younger generation. He urged the community to unite and prioritize education in their efforts.
The event witnessed participation from several Ministers, MLAs, former Ministerial figures, senior advocates, civil society members, and representatives from the Gujjar community, showcasing extensive support for the new policies and initiatives.
