Srinagar, Sep 19: The Centre has forwarded a set of development demands raised by Baramulla Lok Sabha member Engineer Rashid concerning North Kashmir to the concerned Union ministries and departments for appropriate action, Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said.
The demands were submitted by Rashid to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman through a letter dated April 15, 2026, seeking support for infrastructure, healthcare, education and cultural facilities in his parliamentary constituency, particularly in remote and border areas.
Among the key demands was funding for construction and restoration of bridges, including Kharpora, Cherek-e-Lawoosi and Lach Drungsoo in Kupwara, besides damaged bridges at Daand Kandal in Langate and Kralpora Market.
Rashid also sought funds for auditoriums at Bandipora, Baramulla, Beerwah and Kupwara, along with funds to complete the already constructed auditorium at Hangah in Handwara.
In the healthcare sector, he sought a fully equipped cancer hospital in North Kashmir, early operationalisation of the Trauma Hospital at Pattan, completion of pending health-centre and hospital projects and establishment of a maternity hospital in the region.
The MP also sought sanctioning of a degree college at Machil, citing the limited access to higher education facilities for students in the remote border area.
According to Inam, the Ministry of Finance, through an Office Memorandum dated April 24, referred the demands to the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Welcoming the development, Inam said the forwarding of the demands was an important administrative step and expressed hope that the concerned ministries would examine the proposals and take action within their respective jurisdictions.
He said the AIP would follow up on the status of the individual projects, including the proposed bridges, healthcare facilities, auditoriums and degree college.
