Former Chief Minister and National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah announced that Jammu is experiencing a shift towards inclusive development under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. This transformation signals an end to years of empty promises.
During a meeting with a delegation from the National Conference, Dr. Abdullah affirmed that the current government restored public trust in democratic processes, allowing average citizens to access the corridors of power.
The delegation discussed longstanding public issues they attributed to the previous misgovernance under the BJP. They appreciated the corrective steps initiated by the Omar Abdullah-led administration to address the setbacks faced by Jammu over the last decade.
Dr. Abdullah reassured the delegation that the National Conference understands the hardships the public endured under undemocratic governance. He emphasized, “The Omar Abdullah-led government is making rapid strides to restore people’s faith in democratic institutions.”
He expressed concerns about the much-touted Smart City project, noting that recent rainfall and resulting waterlogging had laid bare the hollow claims associated with it.
Highlighting the ongoing initiatives, Dr. Farooq Abdullah detailed the government’s efforts to protect the historic Mubarak Mandi heritage complex, which had suffered years of neglect. He added that free transport for women has improved mobility, while additional ration quotas helped alleviate the financial burden on impoverished families.
Furthermore, the restoration of the Darbar Move has revitalized economic activities, bringing much-needed relief to traders in Jammu. Upcoming projects, including ropeways, riverside development, and lake creation, will help establish Jammu firmly on the national tourism map.
Dr. Abdullah urged party members to gear up for the impending Urban Local Body (ULB) and Panchayat elections. He stressed the need for increased public outreach and representation for youth, especially women, to align governance with their aspirations.
On another note, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently urged Gujjar organizations to conduct research on climate change’s impact on the Gujjar-Bakerwal community. Speaking at the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust in Jammu, he emphasized the importance of scientific studies in formulating effective future policies.
Remembering the late Dr. Masud Ahmed Choudhary on his third death anniversary, who he praised as a transformative educationist, the Chief Minister said, “There is no dearth of talent in Gujjar institutions. If this talent is channelized into research on climate change, it will strengthen the community.” The Gujjar-Bakerwal community faces unique vulnerabilities due to their nomadic lifestyle, compounding the risks from climate variability.
Omar Abdullah also highlighted the necessity of enhancing educational initiatives, such as building Gujjar hostels and schools. He called for a rigorous evaluation of reservation policies, stating, “We have spoken about reservation for years, but serious studies on its real benefits are still lacking.”
Dr. Farooq Abdullah, addressing attendees at the event, encouraged community solidarity and urged prioritization of education, reaffirming that education alone can secure the future of the upcoming generations.
The event saw participation from several ministers, MLAs, former officials, senior advocates, and civil society members, all committed to the development and welfare of the Gujjar community.
