Civil Society Voices Concerns at Dakbanglow Rajouri Press Meet, Chaired by Mushtaq Bhat

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

LIAQAT ALI KHATANA

RAJOURI DEC 11:-Civil society representatives in Rajouri have raised several pressing concerns at a press meet held at Dakbanglow on Tuesday, chaired by Mushtaq Bhat. The gathering, attended by prominent community members, ex-sarpanches, and local leaders, aimed to highlight the issues faced by the public in the region, urging the administration to take immediate action.

A key demand put forth during the press conference was the release of salaries for Panchayat Raj Institution (PRI) members, who have not been paid for over 11 months. The PRI members, including elected representatives from different Panchayats, expressed their frustration over the prolonged delay in salary disbursement. This issue, they stressed, has had a severe impact on the morale of local representatives, who are supposed to work for the welfare of their respective constituencies but are now being forced to bear personal hardships due to the government’s inaction.

Mushtaq Bhat, while addressing the media, pointed out that the non-payment of salaries is not just an issue of financial stability for PRI members but a matter of public governance. “The PRI members are the grassroots workers who serve as the link between the administration and the common people. Their salaries should be a priority, as their work is integral to the smooth functioning of local governance,” he said.

In addition to the issue of salaries, the press meet also highlighted the long-standing demands for the release of funds for various developmental works, particularly for Capex (capital expenditure) schemes. The civil society members expressed their concerns that the delay in fund release has been obstructing development projects that are crucial for the welfare of the public.

A significant portion of the discussion was dedicated to the dire condition of local infrastructure, especially the road network. The attendees demanded immediate repair and reconstruction of the vital road that connects Kheora to Paroori via Chowdhary Nar, Rethal, Ujjhan, and Dandkote. These roads, they stated, have been in poor condition for years, causing significant inconvenience to commuters and hindering the transportation of goods, especially during harsh weather conditions. “These roads are essential for the daily movement of the people of this region. Immediate repairs are needed to ensure safety and smooth travel,” said Advocate Zahoor Bhatti, one of the prominent figures present at the event.

Ex-sarpanch Abdul Rehman also spoke about the lack of basic amenities in several areas, urging the government to pay attention to the needs of remote villages that have been neglected for far too long. The representatives also expressed their disappointment at the slow pace of development and the lack of transparency in local administration.

The press meet concluded with a call for immediate action on the issues raised. The civil society leaders emphasized that while they are committed to working with the administration for the betterment of Rajouri, the government must take responsibility and fulfill its promises to the public. The participants have vowed to continue their advocacy and ensure that the demands of the people of Rajouri are heard and acted upon.

The meeting, which was also attended by prominent local figures such as Mohd Arief, is seen as a step towards strengthening the voice of civil society in the region, ensuring that the administration is held accountable for the welfare of its citizens.