Jammu, March 19: Senior Congress leader and DDC Suchetgarh, Taranjit Singh Tony has expressed serious concern over the acute shortage of staff in the health and education sectors, stating that these two crucial domains directly impact the lives of the people. He stressed the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to enhance the medical and educational infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
Addressing a meeting of unemployed youth here today, the senior Congress leader emphasized that medical services in rural areas require immediate attention, with a robust supervision mechanism for doctors to ensure optimal productivity. “We need to channelize the healthcare system in a way that benefits the maximum number of people, especially in far-flung areas where medical assistance is scarce,” he asserted. He further called for better infrastructure, timely availability of medicines, and increased deployment of medical professionals to ensure quality healthcare reaches every corner of Jammu and Kashmir.
Similarly, highlighting the challenges in the education sector, Tony pointed out the dire need to prioritize education by ending the adhoc system of recruitment. He stated that many adhoc lecturers have been serving for over three years without regularization, which is a grave injustice to their contribution and commitment. He demanded that all appointed lecturers be confirmed immediately, ensuring stability in the education system.
Expressing concern over the rising costs of education, Tony stressed the necessity of establishing more government-run educational institutions, from kindergarten to colleges, particularly in rural areas. “Education is becoming increasingly expensive, pushing economically weaker students towards private institutions. The government must step in to provide affordable and quality education for all,” he remarked.
Tony also underscored the importance of student safety, urging the government to incorporate stringent safety norms in the Samagra Shiksha program. He advocated for the construction of earthquake-resistant school buildings with modern safety features, including lightning arresters, as implemented in states like Jharkhand.
The senior Congress leader urged the authorities to take immediate action and prevent the exploitation of students and parents at the hands of costly private institutions, ensuring that quality education and healthcare remain accessible to all.