MLA Gulmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah, Highlights Key Issues related to the Gulmarg Constituency in a meeting attended virtually today chaired by Hon’ble Minister Ms. Sakina Itoo

Hon’ble MLA Gulmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah, virtually participated in a high-level meeting chaired by Hon’ble Minister for Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education, and Social Welfare, Ms. Sakina Itoo. He raised crucial issues related to health, education, and social welfare, seeking immediate government intervention for the holistic development of the Gulmarg Constituency.

Health Sector

Given the influx of 2.5 million tourists/ pilgrims and increasing healthcare demands, the MLA stressed the need for:

Upgradation of SDH Tangmarg into a District Hospital with state-of-the-art healthcare facilities.
Appointment of specialist consultants in Cardiology and Orthopedics for quality treatment.
Upgradation of PHC Kunzer as Sub District Hospital and NTPHC to well-equipped medical centers.
Medical Aid Centers in every village for improved healthcare accessibility.
Addressing the shortage of doctors and paramedics by engaging staff on contractual basis (if needed).
Restoring SKIMS to its former glory,
acknowledging the dedicated efforts of the Director SKIMS, Director Health Services, and CMO.

Education Sector

To strengthen the education infrastructure, the MLA proposed:

Sanctioning of two Girls Higher Secondary Schools, one each for Tangmarg and Kunzer Zone.
Upgrading schools in Chandil and Warpora to Higher Secondary level.
Establishing a Women’s Degree College to promote higher education for women in the constituency.
Emphasises for purposeful vocational training in higher secondary and secondary schools for skill development and employability.
Expanding kindergarten schools in remote areas to strengthen early education.
Boosting primary education through improved infrastructure and staffing.
Upgrading school buildings and boundary walls for a safer learning environment.
Introducing commerce and other new subjects; utilizing existing postgraduate staff having postgraduation in the relevant subject.
Implementing the SAMAGRA scheme effectively for expanding modern education facilities.

Social Welfare Initiatives

The MLA emphasized social security and public welfare, proposing:

Increase in old-age pensions for better financial support to senior citizens.
Timely disbursement of welfare benefits to avoid unnecessary delays.
Reforming the Marriage Assistance Scheme, allowing reconsideration of rejected applications after rectifying deficiencies.
Formation of dedicated survey teams to identify deserving beneficiaries and providing assistance to these beneficiaries in availing the welfare schemes.
Expanding ICDS centers in remote hamlets where no such facilities exist.

Special Focus on Gulmarg Constituency

MLA Farooq Ahmad Shah stressed the need for equitable development in health, education, and social welfare, considering Gulmarg’s global recognition. He urged the government to take immediate steps to address these pressing issues.

He further acknowledged the valuable platform provided by Hon’ble Minister Ms. Sakin Itoo to discuss and strategize these developmental initiatives, reaffirming his commitment to the welfare and progress of the people of Gulmarg Constituency.