Dr Manohar amplifies public concerns in J&K UT at monthly Mandli meeting

• Residents share grievances as former Minister pledge action on local issues at Six Acres Farm meeting

BILLAWAR: In a strong demonstration of public engagement and community outreach, Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma, Former Minister, convened the monthly public meeting at Six Acres Farm, Mandli, along with a large delegation of senior Congress leaders and local representatives. The meeting underscored the party’s unwavering commitment to raising the pressing issues confronting the people of Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory, ranging from basic civic amenities to governance-related concerns.

The gathering was attended by Sham Lal Spolia, Congress Block President Billawar; Romesh Verma, Block President Mandli; Raj Kumar Kumblia, Rajput Sabha President; former sarpanches Karan Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Hans Raj Sharma, and Dyal Singh; retired educationalists Ram Lal Bhatti (Principal), Joginder Singh (Master), and Manzoor Ahmed (Master); retired officials Shiv Dev, Anant Ram, Rattan Chand; Kulbushan Sharma, Retd Forester; as well as youth leaders including Narotam Singh, Vipul Sharma, GS Biloria, Surinder Verma, and Rahul Sharma, among others.

During the interactive session, a wide range of issues confronting the local residents were brought to the forefront, reflecting the day-to-day challenges faced by people across the region. On the infrastructure and civic amenities front, citizens raised serious concerns regarding inadequate road connectivity, frequent power outages, and irregular water supply, all of which affect both daily life and economic activities. In the field of education, participants highlighted a persistent shortage of qualified teachers, delays in recruitment and appointment processes, and the lack of proper school facilities, which hamper students’ learning and overall development.

Healthcare also emerged as a critical concern, particularly in remote areas where medical services remain insufficient and residents struggle to access government health schemes and timely treatment. The issue of employment and livelihoods was another major focus, with youth expressing frustration over limited job opportunities, farmers outlining the challenges they face in sustaining agriculture, and local entrepreneurs pointing out inadequate support for small businesses and economic initiatives.

Finally, on the governance and transparency front, citizens stressed the urgent need for prompt redressal of public grievances and greater accountability from administrative authorities, emphasizing that effective governance must be responsive, people-centric, and inclusive. Through these discussions, the Congress leaders were able to gain firsthand insight into the concerns of the residents, reinforcing their commitment to actively advocate for solutions and ensure that these issues receive proper attention at every level of administration.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Sharma emphasized that the Congress party has historically and consistently taken up the voice of the people in the J&K UT, raising their issues both at the grassroots and in formal political forums. He stressed the importance of active citizen engagement in ensuring that governance remains people-centric and that development reaches every corner of the territory.

The session also provided residents the opportunity to directly interact with leaders, ensuring that their grievances receive focused attention and follow-up. Congress leaders reiterated their pledge to continue such public outreach initiatives, reinforcing their commitment to transparent governance, social welfare, and equitable development in Jammu & Kashmir.The meeting concluded on a note of unity and resolve, with Congress leaders assuring residents that the party would remain a steadfast voice for the people, highlighting issues that demand immediate policy attention and sustained government action.