Ramban, Aug 18: Fairoz Khan, Congress leader, former National President of NSUI, and former Working President of Youth Congress J&K, continues his extensive tour of the panchayats, visiting the villages of Halla, Jatgali A, Draman, and Garhi.
During his visit, Fairoz Khan actively engaged with the local community, listened to their concerns, and discussed pressing issues affecting their daily lives, including rural development, infrastructure, and access to essential services.
He reaffirmed his commitment to addressing these challenges and assured residents that he would raise their grievances with the relevant authorities.
In Halla, the lack of a consistent water supply in Seri Hall was a major concern, along with a shortage of staff and lecturers at the Higher Secondary School.
In Sildhar and other panchayats, residents reported receiving electricity bills without accurate meter readings. Additionally, locals highlighted that new ration cards have not been issued in over 10 years, old-age pensions have been discontinued, and the Naibat office, which was sanctioned for Halla, is instead situated in Karol.
Khan promised to advocate strongly for relocating the Naibat office to Halla, as originally planned, and to fight for the community’s rights without leaving any stone unturned. He also acknowledged the absence of a proper playground and a Primary Health Centre (PHC) in the village.
In Nowshee, locals raised concerns about the lack of electricity poles, with wires dangerously tied to trees and structures.
They also demanded the resumption of the SRTC bus service from Karol to Garhi, which had been discontinued for unknown reasons.
The poor condition of roads in the area was another concern, with locals urging for repairs. Additionally, there is need of bridge at Garhi, which connects to the High School Kumet near the Chinar tree, during rains there danger to students and the public. The halted work on the 29-kilometer Karol to Kumet road project under PMGSY was highlighted as a major issue. Although 26 kilometers of the road have been completed, 3 kilometers remain unfinished, despite land acquisition having been completed years ago.
In Jatgali A, residents expressed frustration with the irregular presence of the Tehsil Supply Officer (TSO), who only visits once a month, causing delays in essential services.
Fairoz Khan brought this issue directly to the Director of Food and Supplies Department, who assured that it would be resolved by Monday, with the TSO making more frequent visits to the area, once or twice a week. The community also insisted that the food depot should remain in Jatgali.
Several individuals from the community, including Abdul Rashid, Abdul Gani, Imtyiaz Khan, Desh Raj, Jaswant, and Ashok Kumar, voiced their concerns during the visit.
Many locals, including Nasear Bhatt, Jeevan, and Nasir Khan, also joined the Congress party, pledging their full support to Fairoz Khan and the Congress party’s vision.
The programme was coordinated by Kuljeet, Youth Congress Block President of Rajgarh; Tillak Raj, Congress Block President of Rajgarh; and Ashok Kumar, Youth Leader, along with several other local leaders.
Fairoz Khan’s tour continues to strengthen the Congress Party’s grassroots connection and bring attention to the urgent needs of the panchayat communities.
