SYED BASHARAT UL HASSAN
Jammu, DD: Ajaz Jan, MLA Poonch, highlighted several pressing issues in the J&K Legislative Assembly during the Chief Minister’s grants session. He strongly condemned the incident in which a woman was allegedly beaten by a police officer in Kulgam, Srinagar, calling it an inhumane act. He urged the Hon’ble Home Minister of India to take strict action against the officer and ensure justice for the victim.
In addition, Jan advocated for the promotion of border tourism in Poonch and Mandi, demanding the inclusion of Poonch, Mandi, Loaran, Gagrian, Gali Pindi, Gountriya, and Jhulas in the official tourism map. He emphasized the potential of these areas for boosting tourism and local employment.
The MLA also stressed the need for timely tenders in all departments and insisted on maintaining quality standards in developmental works. He raised concerns over delayed wage payments to laborers who worked under various government schemes, pointing out that contractors from outside the state are neglecting local laborers’ issues. He demanded immediate disbursement of their pending payments.
Further, Jan called for a salary hike and permanent status for Special Police Officers (SPOs) and expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister for recommending a salary increase for SPOs during the 2013-14 period, which was later approved by the government.
Among his other key demands were:
• A new grid station for Gagrian, Arai, and upgraded poles and wires for Poonch, Nangali Saibaba, Sathra, Loran, and Mandi blocks.
• A Gondola project for Loran, Sawijan, Gagrian, and Seven Lakes to boost tourism in the Poonch Haveli constituency.
• New developmental projects for the region to enhance infrastructure and improve the livelihood of local residents.
Ajaz Jan reaffirmed his commitment to the people of Poonch and urged the government to take immediate action on these demands for the overall development and welfare of the region. DD