JAMMU, MARCH 31: Several members of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today raised pressing public concerns during Zero Hour, drawing government attention towards critical gaps in healthcare, education, infrastructure, public utilities and administrative functioning across their constituencies.
MLA Shagun Parihar highlighted the issue of vacant administrative posts at District Hospital Kishtwar, stressing the urgent need for specialists such as an anaesthetist and a radiologist to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.
MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone called for the extension of the Power Amnesty Scheme for another year to provide relief to consumers and prevent power disconnections.
MLA Dr. Shafi Ahmad Wani raised concerns regarding acute manpower shortages in Budgam district, particularly the absence of key positions including Deputy Chief Education Officers (Dy CEOs), Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs), headmasters and principals in higher secondary schools.
MLA Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Mir urged the government to resume construction work on the long-pending Government Degree College Rajpora, which has remained stalled for several years.
MLA Javaid Riyaz Bedar demanded posting of an Executive Officer for the Municipal Committee Pattan and the filling up of vacant posts such as ZEOs and Block Development Officers (BDOs) in his constituency.
MLA Tariq Hamid Karra flagged the issue of inflated electricity bills allegedly caused by load enhancements without consumers’ consent, seeking intervention from the concerned authorities.
Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal emphasized the need for timely admissions of NEET-PG candidates to ensure that aspirants from the region are not disadvantaged at the national level.
MLA Prof. Gharu Ram Bhagat sought early repayment of long-pending dues to the depositors from the J&K SCARD Bank.
MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para requested for posting of a radiologist at District Hospital Pulwama to strengthen the diagnostic services.
MLA Javaid Ahmad Mirchal called for filling up of vacant posts in the Health and Irrigation departments in his constituency, urging prompt intervention by the government.
MLA Choudhary Mohammed Akram pressed for the early release of the provisional list of field functionaries in the Agriculture Production Department. He also sought streamlining of the National Pension System (NPS) across J&K in light of recent amendments.
MLA Muzaffer Iqbal Khan demanded rehabilitation of families affected by road slippages in his constituency. He advocated for extending hostel facilities in Pahari Hostels to postgraduate students as well.
MLA Surinder Kumar raised concerns over disparities between rural and urban areas in accessing LPG services under existing norms.
MLA Zaffar Ali Khatana sought filling up of vacant posts including Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kokernag and Executive Officer, Municipal Committee Kokernag and also supported the extension of the Power Amnesty Scheme.
MLA Arjun Singh Raju urged the government to improve road conditions in his constituency to facilitate smooth operation of SRTC buses.
MLA Javaid Iqbal demanded a detailed inquiry into the mysterious deaths reported in Budhal, Rajouri last year and also sought provision of additional buses to improve public transport in his area.
MLA Sheikh Ahsan Ahmad Pardesi requested the government to formulate a plan for optimal utilization of the vacant GB Pant Hospital premises, mentioning the lack of adequate healthcare facilities in the surrounding areas after relocation of the pediatric hospital.
MLA Satish Sharma called for an in-depth inquiry into the damage to recently constructed volleyball and badminton courts due to rains and demanded deployment of a fire tender in his constituency to meet emergency needs.
The issues raised during Zero Hour reflect a wide spectrum of public concerns, with legislators urging timely and effective intervention by the government to address these challenges and ensure improved service delivery across Jammu and Kashmir.