JAMMU, FEB 14: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, as part of his pre-budget consultations, engaged with public representatives from Rajouri and Poonch districts at the Civil Secretariat on Friday. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary and Minister Javed Ahmad Rana, along with Chairpersons of District Development Councils and MLAs from both districts, participating in person and virtually.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of completing ongoing projects alongside initiating new ones. He assured that the issues and priorities raised by the representatives would be considered for inclusion in the upcoming budget.
“You are the primary stakeholders—you meet people daily and understand their most pressing concerns. Our aim is to involve you in planning and development so that the voices of the people find a place in our governance,” he said, underscoring the role of elected representatives in grassroots governance.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioners of Rajouri and Poonch provided updates on capex works that would be prioritized in the upcoming budget. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary highlighted concerns in Nowshera, including shortages of medical staff, drinking water challenges, mobile network issues, and the need for road and bridge upgrades, particularly the four-laning of the Rajouri-Poonch Road beyond Akhnoor. He also stressed the need for tourism development in the region.
Minister Javed Ahmad Rana, representing the Mendhar assembly segment, raised concerns regarding drinking water supply, identification of new water sources, electricity, tourism development, employment, and education. Other MLAs also presented demands across various sectors, including tourism, agriculture, horticulture, and urban development.
