* Sawhney for people-centric governance
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 7: Intensifying his attack on the prevailing governance scenario in the Union Territory, JKPCC working president Raman Bhalla today painted a grim picture of the ground realities in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that people across regions are grappling with a “multi-dimensional crisis” ranging from economic distress to administrative neglect.
Addressing a large public meeting in Ward 11 of Block Bahu, Bhalla said that the common citizen is today burdened with rising costs of living, shrinking employment avenues, and delayed access to essential welfare schemes, making everyday survival increasingly difficult for large sections of society.
The meeting, organized by Ward president Suresh Bangotra under the supervision of Block president Bahu, Latish Sharma and leadership of I/C Bahu Constituency Satish Sharma, witnessed participation from prominent local leaders and a large number of residents, especially youth.
Bhalla strongly highlighted the persistent delay in disbursement of pensions to elderly persons, widows, and differently-abled individuals, stating that such negligence reflects a serious lapse in governance. He also pointed out that delays in ration card bifurcation and updating have excluded many deserving families from availing benefits under food security and other welfare schemes.
Expanding on broader public issues, Bhalla said that Jammu and Kashmir is facing an acute unemployment crisis, particularly among educated youth, who are struggling due to lack of recruitment drives, delayed examinations, and slow filling of vacant government posts. He also criticized the rising inflation, especially the increasing prices of LPG cylinders, essential commodities, and transportation costs, which have severely impacted middle-class and lower-income families. He added that traders, small business owners, and daily wage earners are equally suffering due to declining economic activity and lack of government support.
Calling for urgent intervention, Bhalla urged the administration to prioritize people-centric governance by ensuring timely delivery of welfare benefits, addressing unemployment through transparent recruitment, controlling inflationary pressures, and upgrading basic infrastructure
JKPCC District Jammu Urban President Yogesh Sawhney, in his address, emphasized the need for strengthening grassroots-level governance and improving coordination between the administration and the public. He said that local representatives must be empowered to resolve civic issues promptly and effectively.
Among those present were Mulkh Raj, Sahil Shavotra, Kundan Lal, Yash Pal Sangral, Ram Lal, Balram, Tara Ram, Baldev Raj, Babli Madam, Sukhchain and Rahul Salotra.
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