Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 18: The coalition members from Congress and National Conference strongly objected to the neglect of Rajouri-Poonch area in sanctioning Medical Colleges in the State and lodged their protest on the floor of the Upper House disrupting proceedings for about 12 minutes.
As the Legislative Council commenced its normal business at 11 am, the National Conference member Dr Shehnaz Ganai stood up and invited the attention of the Chairman of the Council Amrit Malhora that MLCs are not extended invitation in the officials functions related to inaugurations and even their name is not included in the foundation stones while MLAs are given preference. A direction should go from the chair in this regard.
The member while extending gratitude to the Union Health Minister for sanctioning four Medical Colleges in J&K, expressed strong resentment for ignoring a large Rajouri- Poonch area where no Medical College was sanctioned. She alleged that great injustice has been done with the people of Rajouri and Poonch distrcts.
Congress Member Jahangir Mir also stood up and lodged his strong protest for ignoring the aspirations of the people from Poonch and Rajouri and alleged that area has vast population of over 12 lakhs and people have to reach Jammu for getting better treatment. Upon this Congress members Ravinder Sharma, Naresh Gupta and Jugal Kishore also stood up and joined them. While Asgar Ali said that he was satisfied by the decision of the Union Government regarding setting up of Medical College, some members objected and said some areas have given rough deal.
The Chairman tried to calm the members by asking them to allow Question Hour but he failed in his repeated attempts. The members sought reply from the Government and asked whether a proposal would be sent to the Government in this regard.
Minister Incharge PHE Sham Lal Sharma then stood up and suggested to bring a resolution in the House and the same would be forwarded to the State Government in this regard. He admitted that Rajouri-Poonch area which is so vast and has population of over 12 lakh really deserved a Medical College. He assured the members that the matter would be taken up with the Chief Minister. The members then got calm and took their seats. They resolved to bring a resolution in the House. The proceedings remained disrupted for 12 minute in the House.
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