- Hundreds of SC/ST/OBC people join NC at Panchayat Dhanoo
UDHAMPUR: The hallmark of present National Conference (NC) government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has been its unwavering commitment to inclusive and equitable development, ensuring that every section of society, particularly the weaker and marginalized communities, benefits from progressive policies.
This vision was further reinforced today as hundreds of individuals from SC, ST, OBC, and other disadvantaged groups joined the party in a significant political event held at Panchayat Dhanoo, Tikri in District Udhampur. The newly joined members were welcomed into party fold by the Provincial President Adv Rattan Lal Gupta, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Provincial Secretary Jammu, Vijay Lochan Chairman of JKNC SC Cell, Rakesh Singh Raka Vice President Central Zone, Anayat Ullah District President OBC Udhampur Urban, Farooq District President OBC Udhampur Rural .The function was organized by Thakur Dass, Suram Chand, Rattan Lal, Anchal Singh Rtd Govt Officer.
Welcoming them into the party fold, Advocate Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President of JKNC, reaffirmed the NC’s dedication to uplifting weaker sections and providing them with equal opportunities in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. On this occasion large number of social activists besides women workers joined National Conference.
Addressing the gathering, Rattan Lal Gupta described the Annual Budget presented by the Omar government as a visionary, progressive, and development-oriented budget. He emphasized that the Omar government has translated its commitment to social justice into action through key budgetary allocations. He highlighted that the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has passed grants of Rs 12,014.89 crore for School Education, Rs 8,813.70 crore for Health and Medical Education, Rs 4,504.28 crore for Social Welfare, and Rs 2,193.40 crore for Higher Education, making a total investment of over ₹27,526 crore. These allocations, he said, are a testament to the NC government’s focus on strengthening the foundation of weaker sections and ensuring their upliftment through targeted policies.
The Provincial President pointed out that the education sector remains a top priority for the NC government, with substantial investments aimed at improving school infrastructure, scholarship programs, and accessibility for students from marginalized backgrounds, particularly SC/ST communities. He further stated that the health and medical education sector is being strengthened to provide quality healthcare services to the poor and disadvantaged. The Social Welfare budget, he noted, will directly benefit weaker sections through financial assistance, skill development programs, and social security measures, while higher education initiatives will enable youth from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue academic and professional growth.
Rattan Lal Gupta criticized previous regime for neglecting these communities and failing to implement welfare-driven policies, leading to increased unemployment and economic distress among SCs, STs, and OBCs. The senior NC leader assured that the National Conference will continue to be the voice of the underprivileged and work tirelessly to ensure their rights, dignity, and economic well-being. He urged the newly inducted members to actively engage in strengthening the party’s mission of social justice and inclusive governance.
Reaffirming the National Conference’s unwavering commitment to the upliftment of marginalized sections, Sheikh Bashir Ahmad said that the NC Government headed by the dynamic Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has committed to safeguard the rights of the depressed classes and ensure social justice. He further elaborated that several flagship schemes under the National Conference government are specifically designed to uplift SC, ST, and OBC communities. These include financial assistance for students, scholarships, self-employment programs, healthcare support initiatives, etc.
Speaking on the occasion, Vijay Lochan, Chairman of JKNC SC Cell, said that NC has always stood for justice, equality, and dignity of all. Under Omar Abdullah’s leadership, the party will continue to champion the cause of social justice and ensure a better future for the marginalized,” he added.
He urged the new entrants to actively participate in the party’s mission and spread awareness about the government’s initiatives among their respective communities. “Together, we will build a Jammu and Kashmir where no one is left behind,” he concluded. Among those who were present included : Naresh Anthal, Vijay Khajuria and other party functionaries of Udhampur Reasi Zone.
