Srinagar, Sep 24 (NVI) Several members of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Thursday raised issues related to public welfare, infrastructure, employment and development during the Zero Hour of the ongoing autumn session.
MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi) sought expeditious forest clearances for road projects to ensure their timely completion. The minister in charge of the Public Works Department said the matter would be taken up on priority with the Forest Department.
MLA Nizam-ud-din Bhat raised the issue of refusal of environmental clearance to the New Ganderbal Hydroelectric Power Project, while MLA Shamim Firdous sought measures to address water scarcity in her constituency, including construction of a reservoir.
MLA Mohammad Yousuf Rather (Tarigami) demanded an increase in the honorarium of consolidated employees, including ASHA, Anganwadi and Mid-Day Meal workers, on the lines of Sikkim and Puducherry.
MLA Muzaffar Iqbal Khan sought consideration of cooks and other similar school staff under the Minimum Wages Act, saying their existing honorarium was inadequate. He also demanded fair compensation for farmers whose land had been acquired for construction of schools and water supply schemes.
MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz raised the issue of shortage of doctors and medical supplies in his constituency, while MLA Mian Mehar Ali sought a degree college and horticulture office for Gund tehsil, permission for night stays by tourists at Naranag and large-scale winter events at Sonamarg.
MLA Surjeet Singh Salathia sought release of funds to account holders of a cooperative bank and payment of pending salaries of its employees, besides seeking a timeframe for clearing the dues.
MLA Daleep Singh Parihar raised the issue of sexual assault of a young girl in his area and demanded stringent punishment for those responsible.
MLA Rameshwar Singh sought restoration and maintenance of roads damaged by rainfall in his constituency and raised concerns over the new UGC rules.
MLA Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah sought early commencement of work on the Poonch-Tangmarg road, describing it as an important project aimed at connecting the two regions of Jammu and Kashmir. He also called for strict enforcement of the ban on polythene in Gulmarg and its catchment areas.
MLA Shakti Raj Parihar highlighted delays in connectivity projects due to pending forest clearances and shortage of manpower in his constituency.
MLA Justice (retd) Hasnain Masoodi raised the issue of absorption of daily wagers of JK Cements and pending dues of employees of the Handloom Development Corporation. He also raised the issue of customary quarry mining in the area.
MLA Sajad Gani Lone raised the issue of privileges entitled to members of the Legislative Assembly and called for ensuring that they are provided.
MLA Narinder Singh raised the issue of ST-2 certificates in his constituency and sought measures for their early issuance.
The issues were raised during the Zero Hour of the autumn session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.—(NVI)
