Banihal ,Sep 29: National Conference MLA from Banihal, Sajjad Shaheen, on Monday raised a number of issues concerning the Chenab Valley and his Banihal-Gool constituency in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, with a strong demand for creation of a separate administrative division for the Chenab Valley.
Participating in the Assembly proceedings, Shaheen said the mountainous geography, difficult terrain, scattered population and administrative challenges of Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar necessitate a dedicated administrative arrangement for the region.
He said the Chenab Valley has immense potential in hydropower, forests, tourism, minerals and other natural resources, but its difficult terrain and inadequate administrative accessibility continue to pose challenges for the people.
Shaheen urged the Government to examine the demand for a separate administrative division in the interest of better governance, decentralisation and balanced regional development.
He also strongly pressed for establishment of a Degree College at Khari, saying that students from Khari and adjoining remote areas have to travel considerable distances for higher education.
“The demand for a Degree College at Khari is a demand for equal educational opportunities for the youth of a geographically difficult and far-flung area. Our students, particularly girls, should have access to higher education closer to their homes,” Shaheen said.
The MLA also raised issues concerning upgradation of higher secondary schools at Ramsoo, Sumar, Dastigam, Dharam and Mahakund, shortage of teaching staff and the need for strengthening educational infrastructure in remote areas. He also highlighted the requirement of girls’ schools and better educational facilities in Khari and Gool.
On healthcare, Shaheen sought infrastructure upgradation of Sub District Hospital, Gool and seprate Health Block Khari, a CT Scan facility at Banihal, establishment of a Trauma Hospital at Ramsoo, and completion of the PHC building at Neel Bhatoo.
He also raised issues relating to creation and rationalisation of Patwar Halqas and Girdawar Circles, besides the need to review the existing revenue village arrangements in view of changing population and administrative requirements.
Shaheen said that the developmental needs of the Chenab Valley require sustained attention and a coordinated approach.
He reiterated that he would continue to raise issues concerning education, healthcare, revenue administration and regional development in the Assembly and seek concrete measures for improving public services in the far-flung areas of Banihal-Gool and the wider Chenab Valley.
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