Srinagar, Nov 16: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman and former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday said that Banihal will be developed as an economic powerhouse of Jammu and Kashmir and its people will reap the dividends of tourism and agriculture sectors once he forms the government. He, however, said that elections in Jammu and Kashmir should be held without further delay since people repose faith in only electoral democracy and it has no substitute so far in the world.
Azad said it is only the people’s representative who can provide the governance to the people at the doorstep instead of bureaucrats who are right now running the show. “The people can approach their representative for their day-to-day issues. All of them can’t afford to knock on the doors of officers and civil secretariat,” he said while addressing a gathering of people at Neel, Banihal.
The former chief minister said it was during his tenure hospitals, roads and colleges were built in Banihal. “Prior to that, the region was landlocked with dismal economic opportunities for its people. Since then, the economy has grown and the jobs for its people have also risen due to which people are not forced to migrate for employment,” he said.
The DPAP chief said once his party comes to power, the overall socioeconomic development will take place in the area since Banihal is close to his heart. “I have a special place for you people in my heart and I assure you Banihal will be one of the emerging tourist hubs in entire Jammu and Kashmir. People should come here and spend their time that will give a fillip to the local economy,” he said.
He said more colleges and hospitals will be provided to ease the healthcare facilities for its people since most of the people here cannot afford to travel long distances for treatment purposes. “Providing quality education to the people here is also one of his main aims to ensure the youth of Banihal can compete at national and international level. The educational facilities in Banihal must be of higher standards so that any youth here can compete with national and international students and crave out his or her own space,” he said.
Azad said while he was always focusing on sanctioning projects for Banihal; however, he faced hiccups in its execution due to the “insensitivity” of officials at the ground level. “I won’t let it happen again and ensure whatever is sanctioned is implemented on the ground on war footing basis,” he said, adding, “If elected to power, we will sanction college, tehsil, tourism hub, more roads, the best hospital in Neel.”
The former CM also lashed out at political parties for “exploiting” the people of Banihal and said all these parties have been rejected by the people.
