Jammu, Feb 12: PDP MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra on Wednesday raised concern over the delays in the completion of an AIIMS in the Kashmir Valley and flagged several issues related to healthcare infrastructure, private clinics’ registration and the reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir.

Participating in a discussion in the Assembly on grants for education, social welfare and health, Parra said these are sectors crucial for human development, which require urgent attention amid the growing demand and existing constraints.

“The completion of AIIMS Awantipora, which caters to the Pulwama-Challar belt, would significantly improve the overall healthcare sector in south Kashmir and Srinagar.

“Last year, the status of AIIMS Awantipora was 70 per cent and it remains the same even today. There has been considerable cost escalation.

“If the government personally monitors the project, it will bring significant changes in Pulwama and benefit the entire south Kashmir,” Parra said.

The PDP legislator also said that despite earlier assurances and meetings convened by the petition committee, the progress of the project appeared slow and required close monitoring.

He also reiterated the demand for MRI facilities at the district hospital in Pulwama, saying the hospital witnesses heavy patient footfall amid staff shortages.

Parra also demanded the establishment of a community health centre (CHC) in the Khan Medical Block under centrally-sponsored schemes, urging the government to take up the matter with the Union government.

He also said that permanent registration of more than 3,000 private clinics in Jammu and Kashmir has been pending for the past two years.

“Earlier, private clinics used to receive annual registrations, but permanent registration is necessary as these are already supporting the healthcare system where government facilities are inadequate,” he said.

Parra also flagged issues related to the reservation policy, claiming that the current system created an imbalance in opportunities.

“Sixty per cent of the population is getting 40 per cent of the opportunities, while 40 per cent of the population is getting 60 per cent of the opportunities. This imbalance affects education, employment and future prospects,” he claimed.

The PDP MLA also urged the J-K government to keep two orders (SRO 305 and SRO 176), which implement the new reservation policy, in abeyance till the Cabinet committee report is finalised and issues related to caste census and related metrics are resolved.

Keeping the order in social welfare in abeyance temporarily would help address public anxiety and restore balance in opportunities, Parra said.

Srinagar, Feb 11: Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone V. K. Birdi today chaired a high-level joint security review meeting at Police Control Room Kashmir in view of forthcoming important events.

The meeting was attended by senior officers of J&K Police, Intelligence Agencies, Army, Railways and Central Armed Police Forces deployed in the Kashmir Zone.

IGP Kashmir reviewed the prevailing security situation and took stock of preparedness and coordination measures put in place for the upcoming events. Emphasis was laid on effective intelligence sharing, inter-agency coordination and sustained public cooperation to maintain peace and security.

District Police Chiefs were directed to intensify market checking drives in coordination with the Civil Administration to curb hoarding, black marketing and overpricing of essential commodities. District heads were also instructed to enhance community engagement to ensure smooth conduct of religious and public events.

In view of the anticipated increase in tourist footfall, enhanced security measures were ordered at tourist destinations. Security of railway stations and tracks was reviewed, with directions for intensified patrolling, surveillance and preventive measures, including awareness initiatives to avert mishaps. Security arrangements along the National Highway were also reviewed and directions issued for further strengthening.

IGP Kashmir directed all officers to remain vigilant, strengthen intelligence and response mechanisms, and ensure close coordination for the smooth and peaceful conduct of forthcoming events across the Kashmir Valley.

Srinagar, Feb 11: Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo on Wednesday said that the district administration has revoked nearly 70 driving licences of individuals found involved in NDPS cases, asserting that stringent action against drug peddling will persist.

The DC said the decision was taken by the District Level Committee in coordination with District Police Srinagar and allied departments, particularly the Transport Department. He stated that anyone found involved in NDPS-related offences will face legal cancellation and disqualification of their driving licence.

The Deputy Commissioner said the step is aimed at sending out a strong deterrent message, urging youth and the general public to stay away from drug-related activities.

He further added that the district administration, in close coordination with police and health teams, is committed to intensifying its crackdown and adopting strict measures to curb the drug menace in the district. — (KNC)

Srinagar, Feb 11: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday ruled out any plan to provide five marlas of land to residents living in border areas.

The clarification came in response to a query by MLA Dr Rajeev Kumar Bhagat, who asked whether the government intended to allot land at safer locations for border residents.

The Minister Incharge Revenue stated that no such proposal is currently under consideration—(KNO)