Youth Congress launches 'Chalo Panchayat' initiative in Ramban to address local issues

RAMBAN: The Youth Congress successfully held its "Chalo Panchayat" programme across the Gandhri Block, covering the Gandhri, Khabbi, and Bhatni Panchayats. The event, led by Fairoz Khan, State Youth Congress Working President J&K, Former National President NSUI, and a member of the Congress Manifesto Committee, focused on the themes "HAMARI RIYASAT HAMARA HAQ" and "SADDA HAQ."

Local residents highlighted several pressing issues. Water supply in the Gandhri Block remains a significant problem; despite the installation of pipes, there are no water sources. Immediate installation of hand pumps across the Gandhri Panchayat is requested. Road connectivity is another major concern due to land subsidence, necessitating an alternative road from Koura Gandhri via Bagarh. Additionally, roads from Kanga to Borkha and Gandhri to Tanger via Barnal are stuck due to the lack of forest clearance. Residents also face issues with high electricity bills despite the absence of meter readers and the use of wooden poles.

The High School Khabbi building was completed four years ago, but classes have not yet started, causing suffering for the people. There are also difficulties in renewing job cards. The lack of ambulance services and staff at PHC Bhatni is a serious concern, as is the urgent need to ensure the availability of doctors in the area.

The programme took place at three significant locations: Chinar Park in Gandhri, the Bus Stand and Khabbi Court Mohalla in Khabbi Panchayat, and the Forest Quarter in Khoti Bhatni of Bhatni Panchayat. Hundreds of enthusiastic participants gathered at these venues, warmly welcoming Fairoz Khan and engaging in discussions about local issues.

Senior Congress leader and Former Sarpanch Rahmatullah Runyal, along with Luqman Ahmed, Block President of Gandhri Block Congress, and other local leaders, including Block President Youth Congress Pawan Khajuria, Mujeeb Runyal, General Secretary Block Congress Gandhri, Mustaq Katoch, Tanveer Ahmed, Sajad Ahmed, Jhangir Katoch, Jamsheed Ahmed, Raiz Malik, and Hafiz Karim, played a crucial role in the event's success. Their involvement highlighted a collaborative effort to address and resolve local issues.

The programme aimed to empower local panchayats and tackle pressing community concerns. Key discussions included the urgent need for the restoration of statehood before the assembly elections and a call for early Assembly and Panchayat elections with full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. Attendees also addressed local rights to land and jobs, justice for workers, daily wagers, contractual workers, Anganwadi and ASHA workers, and issues related to electricity rates, smart meters, and billing transparency. Other topics of importance included healthcare, particularly the lack of doctors in Primary Health Centers (PHCs), education reforms, initiatives for a drug-free J&K, and the allocation of resources for youth sports infrastructure, including playgrounds. The waiver of KCC (Kisan Credit Card) loans and resolution of issues faced by fruit-growing farmers were also prominent issues discussed.

Fairoz Khan raised concerns about corruption under the BJP, citing a ₹13,000 crore scam in the Jal Jeevan Mission, 2,500 illegal appointments in J&K Bank, the sale of J&K Police Sub Inspector exam question papers for ₹30 lakh, and general mismanagement of public funds. He stressed the need for accountability and transparency in governance.

In his address, Fairoz Khan commended the crucial role of panchayats in regional development and criticized the BJP-led government for its neglect of rural issues. He reassured attendees of the Congress party's commitment to addressing these problems and emphasized that the "Chalo Panchayat" programme series aims to gather valuable feedback for the Congress manifesto. This includes focusing on unemployment, rural development, and ensuring that the rights and voices of the people are heard and respected.

The event concluded with a pledge to continue working towards a stronger and more inclusive panchayat system. The "Chalo Panchayat" programme series will keep visiting various blocks within the Ramban Assembly, reinforcing the Congress party's dedication to addressing local grievances and fostering community engagement.

Rahmatullah Runyal, a senior Congress leader, also addressed the broader failures of the BJP-led government and the administration under the Lieutenant Governor, describing it as "Vinash Kaal." He criticized the illegal imposition of Section 144 on public meetings, rallies, and protests, which he claimed undermined civil liberties. He highlighted the loss of nearly 500,000 jobs due to an unconstitutional internet ban lasting 18 months, an increase in terrorist attacks and killings over the past six months, and the awarding of mining and mineral contracts to outsiders, which undermines local interests. Additionally, he condemned the proliferation of wine shops and pledged to prevent their establishment in Gandhri. Fairoz Khan announced that the 5th of August would be observed as a black day for Indian democracy.

Luqman Ahmed expressed his gratitude to the people of Gandhri Block for their support and enthusiasm, which contributed to the success of the programme. He assured that he would continue to raise their voices and fight for their rights.