Blind Man’s Plea for Justice: Jal Shakti Department Under Scanner in Mendhar

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

BY ALTAF HUSSAIN 

MENDHAR, APRIL 20:-In a deeply concerning development raising serious questions about transparency and accountability in public welfare schemes, a visually impaired man from Mendhar has alleged gross negligence by the Jal Shakti Department.

Mohd Khalil, a resident of Panchayat Jughal in Tehsil Mendhar, has claimed that a hand pump sanctioned in his name under the PRI Plan was never installed at the designated site, despite being officially approved. Khalil, who is blind in both eyes, said he had personally requested the facility during a Gram Sabha meeting, hoping to ease his daily struggle for water.

According to Khalil, the sanctioned hand pump has instead been installed at another location, allegedly benefiting individuals with links to influential quarters. If proven true, the allegations point towards misuse of authority and diversion of resources meant for deserving beneficiaries.

The issue becomes more serious as the financial year 2024–25 has already concluded, yet no corrective action has been taken by the concerned authorities. This delay has not only deprived Khalil of a basic necessity but also reflects administrative negligence.

Expressing his distress, Khalil said that such injustice against a person with disabilities raises broader concerns about the treatment of ordinary citizens. “If this can happen to me, one can only imagine what others might be facing,” he said.
Khalil has appealed to the Deputy Commissioner Poonch and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mendhar to intervene immediately and order a fair inquiry. He also stated that despite visiting the SDM office for three consecutive days, he has been unable to secure a meeting.

Through the media, Khalil has urged the Minister Javed Rana and District administration to take swift action, ensure accountability, and restore his rightful entitlement. Sources indicate that similar complaints have surfaced from other areas of Mendhar, suggesting a possible pattern that requires urgent scrutiny.

The matter calls for immediate attention from higher authorities to ensure that welfare schemes are implemented with integrity and that the rights of marginalized citizens are protected. A prompt and transparent investigation, along with necessary corrective measures, is essential to deliver justice and uphold public trust.