Chalo Panchayat: Residents of Ramban demand action on roads, jobs, and basic amenities

RAMBAN: The "Chalo Panchayat/Chalo Ward" program, led by Advocate Fairoz Khan,  Former National President of NSUI and Former Working President of the Youth Congress J&K, continued to make significant strides today in Tanger Panchayat, focusing on addressing critical local issues and ensuring that the voices of the community are heard. As part of the broader "Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq" initiative by the Indian Youth Congress, the program witnessed an impressive turnout of residents from both Tanger and Kanga Panchayats, who actively engaged in discussions and voiced their concerns.

Several key issues were brought to the forefront by the locals during the meeting: Tanger Panchayat: Residents emphasized the urgent need for job opportunities in the Sawalakote project and demanded its swift activation to provide employment to locals. The poor condition of roads connecting Tanger, as it is under NHPC, was highlighted, with a strong call for immediate restoration and macadamization. The community also pressed for the construction of new roads to previously untouched habitations, such as Tanger-Badool and Tanger-Gandhri roads.

The lack of ambulance services in the area was another major concern, along with the pressing need for a higher secondary school in Tanger. Complaints about unfair electricity charges due to improper meter readings were raised, with locals demanding the restoration of roads and the grid at Pernote, as well as a concession of 50 units of free electricity until restoration is complete. The establishment of a bank in Tanger was also a significant demand.

Kanga Panchayat: The failure of the Jal Jeevan Mission was a central issue, with pipes installed but no water supply. Residents proposed the immediate installation of hand pumps as a temporary solution. Concerns were also raised about the lack of new ration cards, stalled labor card renewals, and the absence of gas subsidies. The dire need for animal medicines and the lack of support from horticulture departments for local products like Anaar Dana were discussed. The community called for the construction of sports stadiums in both Kanga and Tanger Panchayats, and the urgent need for a Panchayat Ghar in Kanga. The construction of the 2 km road from Parbasi to Malso was deemed crucial, as students currently walk 4 km to reach their school, with an immediate DPR requested for this long-pending demand. Frustrations were expressed over stalled old-age pensions, the lack of wires and poles in Kanga Panchayat, particularly in Bisali, and the overall poor state of local infrastructure.

The meeting in Tanger was addressed by key figures, including Ex-Sarpanch Tanger Ab Rashid, Block President Congress Lauqman Shoil, Iqbal Khandy, Ex-Panch Prem Singh Ji, Saddam Bali, Youth Congress District Spokesperson, Man Singh, District Youth Congress General Secretary, and Sarfaraz Alam, Youth Congress Leader Block Gandhari. In Kanga, the gathering was addressed by senior Congress leaders Bashir Anjum, Yaqoob, Babli Devi, Haji Shaib, Kalssoma, Azmutllaha, Zubair Katoch, among others.

Responding to these concerns, Fairoz Khan Congress leader  assured the community that their issues would be escalated to the administration. He emphasized that the Congress party would not hesitate to organize protests if necessary to ensure the needs of Tanger and Kanga Panchayats are met. Khan expressed his gratitude to all participants for their active involvement and reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the rights of the people.

The "Chalo Panchayat" program continues to shine as a beacon of hope for the residents of Ramban district, drawing attention to the needs of the community and working tirelessly towards effective solutions. Residents expressed their heartfelt thanks to Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party for initiating this program, stating that it was the platform where their voices were being heard.