Statehood delay, joblessness, power-water crisis hurting people: Dr Manohar

Statehood delay, joblessness, power-water crisis hurting people: Dr Manohar

Seeks delimitation before Panchayat polls, raises concerns over rural neglect, staff shortages and governance failures

Purmandal, May 31: Former Minister and senior Congress leader Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma today launched a scathing attack on the administration over what he termed as the growing hardships being faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that unprecedented unemployment, deteriorating basic services, delay in restoration of statehood and continued neglect of rural areas have pushed the common man into a state of uncertainty and distress.

Addressing a well-attended day-long conference of Congress workers and party sympathizers at Purmandal, Dr. Sharma said that people across Jammu and Kashmir are grappling with multiple crises simultaneously while those in authority have failed to provide effective solutions. He emphasized that the concerns of youth, farmers, labourers, employees, traders, women and senior citizens deserve immediate attention and concrete action.

Highlighting the issue of unemployment, Dr. Sharma said that the absence of adequate recruitment drives and delays in filling thousands of vacant posts have shattered the aspirations of educated youth. He observed that a large number of qualified young men and women are wandering from office to office in search of employment opportunities, while many have crossed the prescribed age limits waiting for government jobs. The growing unemployment, he said, is not only causing economic hardships to families but is also adversely affecting social stability and development.

Dr. Sharma expressed serious concern over the irregular drinking water supply in urban as well as rural areas. He said that despite repeated assurances, people are being forced to face acute shortages, especially during the summer months. Women and elderly persons are the worst sufferers as they are compelled to travel long distances or spend considerable time arranging water for daily household needs. He stated that access to safe and adequate drinking water is a basic necessity and governments must ensure uninterrupted supply to every household.

Referring to the unscheduled power cuts being witnessed across Jammu and Kashmir, the former minister said that prolonged electricity outages have become a major source of inconvenience for residents, students, traders and farmers. He pointed out that frequent power disruptions are affecting studies of students, hampering business activities and creating immense difficulties for households during the scorching summer season. Small-scale industries, shopkeepers and self-employed youth are also suffering financial losses due to unreliable power supply, he added.

Dr. Sharma accused the administration of completely abandoning rural areas in terms of development. He said that roads, drainage systems, irrigation facilities, healthcare infrastructure and other essential services in villages continue to remain neglected. The lack of development, he noted, has widened the gap between urban and rural regions, forcing many young people to migrate in search of better opportunities. He stressed that balanced development is essential for inclusive growth and social justice.

The senior Congress leader reiterated the party's demand for the immediate restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the prolonged delay has created a sense of political uncertainty among the people and weakened democratic institutions. According to him, restoration of statehood is essential for ensuring greater accountability, effective governance and stronger public participation in decision-making processes.

Dr. Sharma also demanded that delimitation-related concerns be addressed and clarified before the conduct of Panchayat elections. He maintained that local self-governance institutions play a vital role in grassroots democracy and development, and any electoral process must inspire confidence among all stakeholders. He stressed the need for transparent and fair democratic mechanisms to strengthen public faith in governance.

Raising concerns over the acute shortage of staff in various government departments, Dr. Sharma said that the situation is particularly alarming in schools, colleges and hospitals. He observed that educational institutions are facing shortages of teachers and non-teaching staff, adversely affecting the quality of education and limiting learning opportunities for students. In many areas, he said, students are unable to receive proper academic guidance due to vacant teaching positions.

The former minister further stated that the shortage of doctors, nurses, paramedics and support staff in hospitals is putting tremendous pressure on the healthcare system. Patients, especially those from rural and economically weaker sections, are being forced to endure long waiting periods and inadequate medical facilities. He emphasized that strengthening healthcare infrastructure and filling vacancies must be treated as a priority to safeguard public welfare.

Dr. Sharma also sought clarification over the recent statement made by the Chief Minister of West Bengal regarding the issue of cows, saying that public representatives should avoid creating confusion on matters linked to public sentiments and should instead focus on issues concerning people's welfare and national unity.

Calling upon Congress workers to remain connected with the masses, Dr. Sharma urged party cadres to actively highlight public grievances and strengthen efforts for safeguarding the interests of common citizens. He asserted that the Congress party would continue to raise issues affecting the people both within and outside democratic forums and would persist in its struggle for employment generation, improved civic amenities, restoration of democratic rights and equitable development across Jammu and Kashmir.

Several senior Congress leaders, local functionaries, party workers and residents from adjoining areas attended the conference and expressed concern over the challenges confronting the people. The participants unanimously stressed the need for responsive governance, accelerated development and timely redressal of public grievances to ensure a better future for all sections of society.