- Affirms Modi Govt’s commitment to Gurez-Bandipora Tunnel Project
- Chairs meeting with senior officers, calls for enhanced awareness of Govt schemes
BANDIPORA: On the third day of his visit to Bandipora district, senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP, Er. Gulam Ali Khatana paid a surprise visit to Gurez Hospital and chaired a meeting with senior officers. The MP, accompanied by former MLA and senior BJP leader, Faqir Mohammad Khan, ST Morcha President, Arshad Khan, and other party leaders, also addressed a public gathering of over 700 people at the Dak Bungalow.
During his surprise visit to the hospital, Khatana interacted with patients and staff, asking the medical personnel to provide the best possible healthcare facilities to the local population. The MP’s hands-on approach highlighted the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services in remote areas.
Addressing the gathering at the Dak Bungalow, Khatana emphasized the Modi government’s priority of developing every corner of the country, regardless of geographical barriers and without discrimination. He stated, “The proposed tunnel between Gurez and Bandipora is a top priority for Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s government. This project aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to locals, as Gurez remains cut off from the rest of the world for six months due to heavy snowfall.”
In a meeting with local officers, the MP directed them to disseminate information about centrally sponsored schemes in local languages and conduct regular awareness camps. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that the masses can fully avail themselves of various welfare and developmental schemes.
Former MLA and BJP leader Faqir Mohammad Khan brought attention to alleged embezzlement in the Grameen Bank, urging that the hard-earned money of the people be returned respectfully. Khan also called for an audit of all centrally sponsored schemes in the area, signally pilferage of public money. Additionally, he requested an increase in the rice quota provided by the CAPD from 5 to 10 kg per person.
Addressing the unique challenges faced by the region, Khan proposed, “Tenders for development works in the area should be called in offline mode. Due to snow, we have only six months to complete works in Gurez, and the online process is very time-consuming. The government should consider our demand.”
District President, ST Morcha BJP, Irshad Ahmed Khan raised the issue of over 400 refugee families who sought asylum in Gurez in 1947, calling for a special package for their settlement. He also highlighted the need for a permanent principal at GDC Gurez, stating that the current arrangement of an additional charge by another principal is affecting the college’s functioning.
The local leaders also demanded the launch of new projects in the area and a special recruitment drive to address unemployment concerns. The visit of MP Gulam Ali Khatana underscores the BJP’s efforts to connect with remote areas and address long-standing issues. The focus on healthcare, infrastructure development, and welfare schemes reflects the party’s commitment to inclusive growth. However, the demands raised by local leaders, including concerns about financial irregularities and the need for tailored administrative processes, highlight the complex challenges facing this geographically isolated region.
