Excelsior Correspondent
TANGMARG/GULMARG, May 6: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated a state-of-the-art multi-purpose indoor sports complex at Government Degree College (GDC) Tangmarg, developed at a cost of Rs 2.75 crore under the CAPEX budget, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure and youth engagement across Jammu and Kashmir.
The newly established facility, located within the college premises, is equipped with modern indoor sports infrastructure, including arenas for badminton, table tennis, carrom, and billiards. The complex aims to promote a vibrant sports culture and encourage greater participation of youth in physical activities, particularly during harsh weather conditions in the region.
Minister for Education Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Gulmarg Pirzada Farooq Ahmed Shah, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, Commissioner Secretary Ram Niwas, Director Colleges, Principal GDC Tangmarg, and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
Following the inauguration, the Chief Minister toured the complex and interacted with students. In a lively engagement, he also participated in indoor games including billiards, table tennis, and badminton alongside students and colleagues, drawing enthusiastic applause and appreciation from the gathering.
Earlier, the Chief Minister launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan signature campaign from the college premises, urging students to actively contribute towards building a drug-free society.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasized the pivotal role of youth in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Our children are our future. We are making every possible effort to secure a brighter tomorrow for them, but it is equally important to prepare them for the responsibilities ahead. The development of Jammu and Kashmir in the coming years will largely depend on the role played by our youth,” he said.
Highlighting the challenges faced by students in accessing quality higher education within the region, Omar Abdullah noted that the lack of private universities had compelled many families to send their children outside Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in significant financial burden.
“We estimate that every year, nearly Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200 crore is spent on tuition fees alone by students studying outside J&K, excluding travel and living expenses. This places immense pressure on families,” he said.
He said that the Government has taken a landmark decision to allow the establishment of private universities in Jammu and Kashmir, with the necessary legislation already passed and rules being finalized.
The Chief Minister further highlighted key initiatives undertaken by the Government for youth empowerment, including free bus travel for women in Government buses, large-scale Government recruitment, and self-employment support through the Mission Yuva programme.
“We aim to provide 20,000 to 25,000 Government jobs this year. At the same time, we are enabling young entrepreneurs by facilitating easy access to loans without the need for guarantees, with the government acting as a guarantor,” he said.
Later, the Chief Minister inaugurated a new block of the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Gulmarg, constructed at a cost of Rs 203.80 lakh under CAPEX.
He inspected various sections of the facility, including the OPD, Emergency Room, pharmacy, X-ray unit, and wards, and reviewed the healthcare services being provided to locals and tourists.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister chaired the meeting of the Board of Directors of Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation at the Convention Center, Gulmarg.
The Board deliberated on the upgradation of the Gulmarg Gondola Project aimed at enhancing its carrying capacity, operational efficiency and safety standards through modernization of critical infrastructure.
The Chief Minister emphasized timely execution of projects, adoption of modern technology and adherence to high safety standards to meet the growing tourist inflow. He underlined the importance of strengthening tourism infrastructure to further boost the local economy.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani; Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta; Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Ashish Chandra Verma; Managing Director, J&K Tourism Development Corporation, Shreya Singhal; Director Tourism Kashmir/Managing Director, J&K Cable Car Corporation, Syed Sajad Qamar; Director Tourism Jammu, Vikas Gupta; Director General, Budget; Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg Development Authority, and other concerned officers.
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