Scientists to scribes, Ganai’s ‘patient hearing’ attracts over 400 visitors

JAMMU: The winter capital city’s most powerful neighbourhoods –the Wazarat Road, Ghulami Bagh and the high lanes of Gandhi Nagar’s special block –wear a nearly deserted look on the weekdays with paramilitary troopers guarding the ministerial bungalows.

In the Governor’s Rule, the town’s new address for some little signs of political activity is along the Canal Road –the State Guest House, which is normally home to some high profile visitors for their discreet meetings. It is at this place where Governor’s Advisor Khurshid Ganai –a repository of portfolios of several Ministers –opens to the crowd that is normally headed to the Ministerial bungalows.

Since the fall of coalition government on July 19, the weekly outreach programmes of the Governor’s three Advisors are the only political windows available to the people who return from the government offices disappointed or need some policy interventions.

From Kishtwar to Kathua, from goldsmiths to rice growers, Khurshid Ganai’s Saturday victors were upward of 400 in 26 delegations. “Over 400 people forming 26 delegations from across Jammu region met the Advisor and apprised him of their grievances and demands”, said an official spokesman.

The Advisor, the spokesman further said, “gave a patient hearing to the deputations and assured them that their genuine demands will be looked into. He passed on-spot directions for redressal of various grievances and directed the officers to maintain close liaison with the local population so that their grievances are redressed at the earliest”.

Responding to demands of a deputation of Basmati Growers Association from R. S Pura, the Advisor informed that the Governor Administration will set up dedicated stall to showcase state’s unique agriculture produce including Basmati rice, Walnut, Honey, Mushroom, Saffron, Rajmash and other products at the upcoming Trade Fair in New Delhi.

He said the ‘Buyer-Seller Meet’ in the national capital will go a long way in opening a global market for the Basmati rice of R.S Pura which remain in high demand. “It would also bridge the gap between international exporters and growers. Export of Basmati Rice can greatly boost the state’s economy,” the Advisor added.

Interacting with a Reasi deputation seeking establishment of Degree College in Pouni and up-gradation of Government High School in Kundra village, the Advisor said the civil society has to play a pivotal role in encouraging girl child and enabling them to contribute in the development of society and nation. He said it is highly important to promote girl education in rural areas to make them independent and assertive.

Meanwhile, several other deputations representing rural areas, employees associations and social organizations projected their demands before the Advisor.

A delegation of Scientists from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu demanded establishment of more Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in Udhampur, Ramban and Kishtwar districts as approved by Indian Council of Agriculture Research, New Delhi.

A deputation of Swarn Vihaar Welfare Association demanded plying of Mini bus service and installation of electric poles at Durga Nagar.

Deputations of Lecturers, Demonstrators and Vocational trainers working on academic arrangements basis in various government Polytechnics colleges and ITIs, Patwaris and gauge readers working on contractual basis in Irrigation department demanded regularization of their services.

Another deputation of J&K Print Media Welfare Association raised their demands regarding implementation of advertisement Policy 2016 for newspapers and empanelment of more newspapers.

A delegation of Jammu Heritage Society sought development of Jammu as independent tourist destination. They also demanded constitution of a committee of experts for the development of second phase of Raghunath Bazar, preservation and restoration works of forts at Lakhanpur, Samba, Akhnoor, Hiranagar and Reasi. The deputation also urged the Advisor to bring Jammu on the country’s tourism map.

Leading a deputation, Ex MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia apprised the Advisor about the issues of Udhampur area including augmentation of drinking water facilities, better sanitation, up-gradation of roads, renovation of footpath from Kalaban to Sangyal on self help basis and others.

A deputation of residents of SC Mohalla Garghani from Sanasar of Ramban demanded opening of Niabat office at a central place between Panchayat Sanasar and Sana, construction of link road from Champa to Dhainu and establishment of first aid Medical Sub Centre at Gargani.

A deputation from Gujjar Basti Bari Brahmana demanded construction of culvert and metalled road. A group of residents of Raipur Domana demanded early completion of works on the link roads and drains in their locality.

A deputation from Hiranagar of Kathua sought construction of D-5 sub distributaries of Chak Battal. Another deputation from Dansal demanded construction of road from Tarah to Padhar. It also demanded filling of vacant posts in Government Primary School Doha Tarha.

A deputation from Gool Gulabgarh area of Reasi and Ramban districts presented charter of demands seeking creation of Pahari district, establishment of Munsiff courts at Arnas, creation of Niabat office at Judda, creation of Development Authority for Gool Gulabgarh, completion of ongoing road works, transfer of forest range Gool from administrative control of the Forest division Mahore in Reasi to Forest division Ramban.

A deputation of Jagrit Samaj from Basohli, Mahanpur, Bani and Billawar of Kathua demanded re-alignment of certain stretches of Lakhanpur-Mahanpur-Basohli National Highway Renovation of water bodies of Panchayat Plail and Dambra, to speed up the construction of missing links between Kishanpur, Billawar and Kehlari Dhar and Mahanpur road.

Several other deputations including Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham Jammu, Gram Welfare and Development Society R S Pura, Shri Sadhu Ganga Trust Handwara, Sukrala Stone Crusher Billawar, Non Gazetted Agriculture Graduate Association Jammu, Veterinary Doctor’s Association, Horticulture (P&M) officers Association and others also raised their demands.