MLA Kangan flags closure of Naranag, raises multiple civic issues in Assembly

Srinagar, Feb 10: Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kangan, Mian Mehar Ali, on Tuesday raised several public interest issues in the Legislative Assembly during the ongoing budget session, including the continued closure of tourist destinations in his constituency, particularly Naranag.

Speaking during the budget discussion, the MLA said that while the budget was largely satisfactory, several key concerns had not been adequately addressed. He stressed the need for equitable distribution of resources between rural and urban areas.

Mian Mehar Ali expressed concern over the prolonged closure of Naranag, a prominent tourist spot in Kangan, and urged the government to take immediate steps to reopen it for tourists and local livelihoods.

He also raised the issue of seasonal teachers, seeking clarity on whether the government has any roadmap or policy for their regularisation. Highlighting financial hardships, the MLA flagged delays faced by pensioners and contractors in receiving General Provident Fund (GPF), gratuity payments and pending bills, some of which have remained unpaid for years.

The MLA further demanded that the cath lab announced in the previous and current budget be made functional at the Rajouri hospital at the earliest. He also pointed out that several projects under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) have come to a halt due to a lack of funds.

Raising another concern, Mian Mehar Ali said there are around 2,200 seasonal teachers in Jammu and Kashmir and sought the government’s response on whether any provision exists for their permanent engagement.

Additionally, he demanded a 100 per cent subsidy for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Below Poverty Line (BPL) consumers under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana.