Ganderbal, July 7: The Social Activist Forum Ganderbal on Tuesday urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to take immediate steps to strengthen healthcare and education infrastructure in Kangan constituency, highlighting shortages of medical staff, inadequate hospital facilities, delays in school infrastructure projects and several welfare-related concerns.
Addressing a press conference at Kangan, Social Activist Forum representative Manzoor Ahmad Lone said that the true measure of development lies in quality healthcare and education rather than roads and physical infrastructure alone. He said Kangan continues to face serious challenges in both sectors, which require urgent government intervention.
Lone said the Sub-District Hospital (Trauma Hospital) Kangan has witnessed some improvements following public interventions in recent months, but several critical deficiencies still remain. He demanded the installation of a modern ultrasound machine and round-the-clock ultrasound services, particularly during night hours when private diagnostic centres remain closed.
He also called for the appointment of a qualified radiologist to operate CT scan facilities and sought the deployment of specialist doctors, including neurologists, oncologists and urologists, to cater to the growing healthcare needs of the region.
Highlighting staff shortages, Lone said the hospital requires BSc-trained nurses, pharmacists, medical assistants and technical staff for the oxygen generation plant. He also demanded that the recently installed dialysis machine be made operational without further delay and called for the establishment of a fully functional blood bank and endoscopy services at the hospital.
Referring to recent incidents allegedly linked to the shortage of trained nursing staff, he stressed that adequate manpower is essential to ensure quality patient care and prevent avoidable medical complications.
Lone said he has already submitted a memorandum regarding these issues and has sought an appointment with the Chief Minister to apprise him of the concerns. He added that the local MLA has also been informed and expressed hope that the Health Minister would visit the area to assess the situation firsthand.
Turning to the education sector, Lone alleged that several government schools in Kangan constituency continue to function without adequate infrastructure. He claimed that despite the sanction of funds under the Samagra Shiksha scheme for the construction of a school building at Kachpatri, students are still studying in tin sheds.
Seeking a transparent inquiry, he alleged that funds sanctioned for the project were diverted elsewhere and demanded accountability for the delay. He also pointed to pending school infrastructure projects in Chakbasti, Ganiwan, Nilgrad, Botkulan and other areas, stating that tendering and construction work has remained incomplete despite approved proposals.
Another representative of the Social Activist Forum Choudhary Atta Mohd highlighted overcrowding in schools, saying that in some institutions, eight classes have been conducted in only three rooms for decades. He also raised concerns over schools functioning from rented private buildings due to the non-availability of permanent infrastructure.
The activist also expressed concern over the delay in the deployment of seasonal teachers for tribal children. He said nearly 40,000 students from tribal communities are still awaiting teachers despite the academic session already being underway, urging the Education Department to ensure their immediate engagement.
Besides local issues he appealed to the government to formulate a comprehensive employment policy for unemployed youth in Jammu and Kashmir. He also sought relief for economically weaker sections by introducing concessions in electricity bills and extending benefits available to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries to families falling under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
He further urged the government to implement the Ladli Beti Scheme in Ganderbal district, stating that eligible girls in the district are yet to benefit from the scheme.
The Social Activist Forum appealed to the Chief Minister, Health Minister and Education Minister and MLA Kangan to address the issues on priority and ensure improved public services for the people of Kangan constituency.
