Saroori demanded Gool-Kishtwar Railway Line

Jammu-Poonch Railway Line to cost Rs. 7227.85 Crore, Baramulla-Kupwara to cost Rs. 640.57 Crore

Both Railway projects pending for approval with GOI since 2008, 2010 respectively

Srinagar June 28: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir today said that the proposal of Jammu-Poonch Railway Line via Akhnoor and Rajouri has already been submitted to the government of India for approval in the year 2008, beside a proposal for linking boarder District of Kupwara with Baramulla Railway Link also stands submitted with the Government of India in the year 2010 for approval and funding.

While responding to the resolution moved by Congress MLA from Inderwal Ghulam Mohammad Saroori, Minister in charge Planning Government of Jammu and Kashmir stated that updating of survey report for new Railway Line between Jammu and Poonch with 234.12 KM length will cost Rs. 7227.85 Crore while updating of New BG Railway Line from Baramulla to Kupwara with 38.80 KM length will cost Rs. 640.57 Crore.

The government retreated its commitment or effective means of communication that plays vital role in enhancing the economic profile of the areas that get physically connected particularly by railways added that accordingly, the state government has already taken up the connectivity issue with union railway ministry and is also pursuing the matter vigorously with the concerned ministry.

The government stated that as per the information provided by the Indian railways in the past, a preliminary engineering cum traffic survey for a new Jammu to Rajouri – Poonch Railways line had been carried out by the Northern Railways Construction Organization and report of the same has been submitted to the Railway Board, Ministry of Railways in September, 2008.

The government further stated that after commissioning of Qazigund-Baramulla Railway Link, the state government had requested the government of India to extend the rail connectivity from Baramulla to Kupwara for which the survey was carried out and the report stands submitted with the government of India in October 2010.

The government stated that the survey of railway line from Kathua-Basohli-Baderwah-Kishtwar is underway which is expected to be completed by year end it added that the state government has taken up the issue of laying o Railway lines from Jammu to Poonch Via Rajouri and Baramulla to Kupwara several times with Union Ministry of Railways on several occasions and wll continue to impress upon the Central Government even through the intervention of Chief Minister or new railway lines.

Reacting to the statement given by the Finance Minister Dr. Haseeb Drabu on behalf of the Government, Congress MLA from Inderwal Ghulam Mohammad Saroori informed the government that the rail link between already existing Gool Railway junction to Kishtwar will be the shortest possible rail link and will cost less as compared to railway line from Kathua-Basohli-Baderwah-Kishtwar. He said that state government should pursue the matter with union railway ministry for Gool-Kishtwar railway line.

Reply to Saroori, Dr. Haseeb Drabu assured him that the state government will write to union railway ministry about the issue added that since the government has been pursuing the matter vigorously with the Union Ministry of Railways and trying to get new projects sanctioned at the earliest, he (Drabu) urged the MLA Inderwal to withdraw the resolution.

On the assurance of the Finance Minister, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori withdrew his resolution.

Why Permission to only 6k Kashmir Hajj Pilgrims this Year? Saroori asks Govt

Regularization 60K daily wagers in the state

Srinagar, June 27: Senior Congress Lawmaker from Inderwal, G. M Saroori on Monday took PDP-BJP government head on for “not increasing the quota” in number of J&K Muslims who intend to go for annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Saroori said that only 6000 seats have been made available for J&K. “Out of 32000 applications J&K Government received only 6000 are being allowed to proceed to Hajj,” Saroori told the house, Has Nagpur directed PDP-BJP government not to allow pilgrims for Haj? “is it another order from RSS?”

“Then Dr Manmohan Singh led Union government would allot special quota for J&K but that practice has been withheld,” Saroori said asking government to explain the issue. Saroori was supported by NC, Mubarak Gul and PDP Javed Mustafa Mir and asked the Speaker to direct the minister concerned to respond to the issue.

Saroori also asked the state government to regularize all the 60,000 daily wagers in the state. “Shrugging off from responsibilities by either sides was against the public interests,” Saroori said while asking the Government to regularise all those daily wagers, contractual staff, Adhoc, HR workers, casual labourers who have completed seven years of service as per the norms in vogue.

He also demanded implementation of cabinet order regarding regularization of 8700 NYC and regularization of Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReTs) as general line teacher after completion of seven years of service.

“This hapless lot had been put to tremendous hardships despite toiling hard in pressing circumstances. It is irony of sorts that these workers are not being paid even minimum wages,” Saroori said and added that it was a cruel joke with these youngsters, who have put in now about 10 years service in different departments following their adjustment against clear vacancies.

Saroori asked the government to dispense with ‘red tapeism’ and official wrangling vis-à-vis the files of adhocees and contractual lecturers. He also said that Doda and Kishtwar districts particularly Bhalessa area are facing electricity shortage and urged the Government to address the issue so that general public won’t face any hardship in this regard. On Polythene ban bill Saroori said that Jammu and Kashmir is a tourist state with fragile environment. He called for complete ban on the polythene in the entire state.

Two year on, work on 850 MW Rattle HEP is still under suspension

Developer GVK shows inability to resume work: Govt  

Srinagar June 26: Even though two years has passed since the GVK Powers limited and its sub contractor L&T has suspended the work on state prestigious 850 MW Rattle Hydro Electrical Power Project under construction on river Chenab in Drabshala area of Kishtwar District, the state government fails to get the construction work restored as a result of which hundreds o unemployed youths becomes jobs less.

In a fresh twist; rather in a shocking development, in reply to A.Q No. 28 of Local MLA from Inderwal Ghulam Mohammad Saroori, the government of Jammu and Kashmir stated that the developer (GVK Limited) has expressed inability to resume work on the project.

The work on the project was suspended by the developer in July 2014 after local people led by BJP Youth leaders held strong protest against the project management for denying the jobs to local people other than the project affected families that too were provided the job of lower rank by the project management.

Due to financial crunch faced by the GVK Power Limited and their dispute with Sub Contractor LNT remain the main cause for abandoning of the project work and not the protest and the demands raised by the local unemployed youths.

Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh in his written reply to Congress MLA Inderwal question stated that the 850 MW Rattle HEP was awarded to M/S GVK Limited on BOOT bases under Independent Power Producer mode in June 2010, but the construction work on the project has been abandon by the company which rendered some local people jobless.

Deputy CM further stated that work on the project is to be carried out by the developer and said that efforts are on to get the work resumed since last more than one year.

He said that after developer has expressed inability to resume the work, the matter is being examined by a committee headed by Finance Commissioner Planning Development & Monitoring Department and assured that the further course of action in this regard will be decided soon.  The project can accommodate more than 3000 skilled and unskilled labour if the work started.

While talking to reporters MLA Ghulam Mohammad Saroori said that Rattle power project is the first mega hydropower project being constructed in the state on Built, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) basis, added that the contract awarded company failed to start the work on this prestigious project and also failed to give adequate land compensation to the locals who were dislocated due to construction of the project. 

Saroori asked GVK Management to resume the work on the project or to leave the project and give other companies a chance. “There are thousands of unemployed youths in Drabshalla, Saroor, Bunjwah, Thathri, Kahara, Kishtwar and other adjoining areas who are having vast experience in handling various kinds of machineries being used in hydroelectric projects and also have experience from projects like 390 Dool-Hasti Power Project and 450 MW Baghliar Power Project” said Saroori. He said that there is no reason to deny jobs to locals on the pretext of lack of experience.

Congress lawmaker said that due to non-resumption of the work on Rattle project, that state will start losing nearly 1500 Cr annually as this project will help the state in reducing the power deficit crises, beside will also help the state in saving nearly 1500 Cr power tariff bills annually.

Need to tighten the noose on black marketing: Saroori

“Re-verify ration cards in JK as lot of discrepancies are feared to have taken place” 

Srinagar, June 21: - Senior Congress legislator from Inderwal, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori today said there is need to tighten the noose on black marketing by taking stern action against the erring traders and officials.

Saroori while participating in the CAPD grants said the price control mechanism can only be strengthened in the state if black marketing on ration can be checked regularly and the department needs to take various steps to check pilferage in the public distribution system.

He stated that in one of glaring example of corruption in CAPD Department can be gauged from the fact that the families which were earlier having Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration cards are now being issued Above Poverty Line (APL) ration cards and the rich and wealthy families which were having APL ration cards are now being given BPL ration cards in utter violation of norms, which Saroori claimed as an ‘injustice’ with the poor and nomads of the state. He said there is urgent need for “re-verification of ration cards” so that the benefit could reach to the deserving people. "It's very unfortunate to know that CAPD has published ration cards in English thereby skipping the official language of J&K state”, Saroori said while showing his grave concern demanded that Ration cards must be printed in Urdu language.

"Supply of floor from Udhampur store is full of adulteration and the people are not getting nutrition's that's why our children's are facing malnutrition problem and are easily pray to vulnerable diseases", Saroori said and demanded that the pure floor be supplied from the Jammu store instead of Udhampur store.

Saroori also appreciated the efforts of CAPD Minister in lifting 100% ration from the FCI Godowns instead of 40% as alleged last year during the Assembly session that department should lift all the ration from FCI as there many complaints regarding pilferage of Food grains, adulteration of Food grains in FCI/CAPD Stores and in order to have a check on pilferage and adulteration, the lifting of 40% Food grains was demanded to stop,”. There is need that the Department should directly lift 100% food grains from the FCI Godowns from the state to stock directly in the food Godowns of the districts for onwards distribution. This way it will check the pilferage and ensure quality Food grains, Saroori further added.

He also raised many public related issues including enhancement of ration scale to 7 Kgs instead of 5 kgs per soul at the rate of Rs 2, sorted minister's direction to supply the sugar quota on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-fitr at the earliest, provide ration to consumers 10th of every month instead of 20^th, adjustment of dealers in government service, regularization of the services of Contractual/Daily Wagers working with the department, cancelling of license of the corrupt dealers which are involved in black-marketing which he claimed to be the biggest 'Foe' of CAPD department, clearing all the pending carriage charges including 16 crores and 17 crores of Doda and Kishtwar districts respectively and Private vehicle operators should be entrusted with the job of supplying of ration in the periphery of hill districts.

Saroori further demanded enhancement of Kerosene quota for Doda and Kishtwar districts, Opening up of stores at Block level in order to facilitate easy transportation of ration to far-flung areas, Retention of storekeeper at Bhatyas who is working honestly and strict action against the corrupt dealers, demanded opening new sale depot’s at Bunjwah, Burdhar, Saroor Cheera, Sigdi Bhata, Bhagran, SheikhPura, Kuchal, Niccha Bonda, Poora Sarthal, Upper Keshwan, Naidgam, Batwari, Sheeri Pahalgam, Kendwaar, Rahal, Kherian, Singpora and other areas of Inderwal Constituency beside setting up more LPG outlets by giving priority to those areas where there is no LPG outlets.

Erratic power-cuts during Ramadan adding to the woes of people: Saroori

Power department failed to allot work 100 crores RGGVY Phase II project even after two years

Srinagar, June 21: - Senior Congress legislator from Inderwal, Ghulam Muhammad Saroori in state assembly, lamented the government for failing to provide electricity to the consumers of the state especially to the erstwhile Doda district during the month of Ramzan.

Saroori said that situation is like that the bulbs don’t lit for days together and even transformers massively damaged are not repaired. “The consumers are too much worried about the non-availability of the electricity that they offer to de-electrify their homes. In a situation like this it will be better to declare ‘power holiday’ in the state especially the erstwhile Doda district. The rural and far off areas are observing black outs for days together which also hampers the functioning of essential services like health,” Saroori said.

While sorting explanation from the Deputy CM who also happens to be the Power Minister, Saroori asked as to why government has miserably failed in allotting work under RGGVY phase II project in Chenab Valley and the Rs. 100 crores project sanctioned for the electrification work by the efforts of Ghulam Nabi Azad are hanging in balance due to lackadaisical attitude of J&K government towards residents of Chenab Valley.

"As to why government has failed in starting work on prestigious Rattle Hydroelectric Project (HEP), work which was abandoned by the BJP goons two years back", Saroori asked DY CM and stated that if GVK is not willing to restart the work on the prestigious project then the company should be blacklisted and afresh tenders should be floated so that locals could be adjusted and more possibilities of generating electricity could be explored so that our economy will be improved.

Saroori was astonished to know about non-approval of Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) Plan of various power projects coming up in Chenab Valley basin which include Rattle, Karthai, Pakal Dool and other projects and demanded early approval of R&R plan so that the families which are going to be displaced could be rehabilitated properly besides this local development could take place.

Congress lawmaker said Power minister failed to do anything and said handover Power ministry to someone else so that other minister could be able to run better than you. He asked the Minister for early tendering and allotting the mini power projects 1 to 10 MW of district Kishtwar and Doda to contractors so that possibilities of taping the potential energy be generate and people living in far flung villages of Kishtwar and Doda districts could be able to see the power which is still a distant dream for them. He demanded early sanctioning of receiving stations at Chatroo, Bunjwah and Kahara areas of Inderwal constituency.

Saroori visits Bone & Joints Hospital, Barzulla

Enquires about well being of a patient from Kishtwar 

Srinagar, June 24: - Vice President JKPCC and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Inderwal G. M. Saroori today visited the Bone & Joints Hospital, Barzulla, Srinagar to enquire about the health of a patient include Jameela Banoo wife of Mushtaq Ahmed from Basha Kuchal, Khursha Begum from Thakrie and Syed Mohd from Palmar of district Kishtwar who fell down from the hill while working in the field.

MLA Inderwal interacted with the patient attended at Bone & Joints Hospital, Barzulla Srinagar and assured them all help. He asked the doctors about the status of the patients and instructed the Hospital authorities and Doctors to provide every required medical facility to the patients so that they do not feel any inconvenience. He also wished for early recovery of the patient.

Development of society incomplete without taking destitute, orphans, widows along: Saroori

Centre's decision to cut allocations in ICDS by more than half is nothing but open attack on poor 

Srinagar, June19: - Terming Social Welfare Department as a means to bring the destitute, infirm, aged, under privileged and deprived people in the mainstream of society, Senior Congress Legislator G. M Saroori appealed government to improve the functioning of the Department. 

Speaking on the grants of Social Welfare Department in Legislative Assembly, Saroori said all other development in the society makes sense only once the under privileged, under developed, orphans, widows and destitute are given due share in it. He said service to these sections is a divine duty where one is rewarded not only here but also in the life here after. 

Saroori said that the allocation of inadequate financial resources has spoiled the cause of Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) which is bound to hamper the implementation of child welfare schemes and over all functioning of the social welfare department in the state.

Due to stagnation the promotion prospects of supervisors, workers and helpers have been diminished, he said and stressed that it was necessary to bring them under the ambit of minimum wages act and uniform service rules. “Cutting the funds under ICDS is nothing but open attack on poor and most malnourished section of our population," he said. 

Saroori also demanded immediate steps to be taken to increase honorarium to Anganwadi workers and helpers at par with Haryana Government and covering them under pension, gratuity and other social security benefits. 

He also raised pubic related issues including increasing of pension cases to handicaps and NOAPS from Rs. 200 to Rs. 1000, sanctioning all pending pension cases, survey for marriage assistant in district Kishtwar and Doda, sanctioning of new Aganwari centres as 105 centres have already been submitted for sanctioning, enhancement of Aganwaries salary to Rs. 10, 000, renewable of NGO’s should be done once in life time not every year, promotion of Aganwari workers as supervisors, providing of cycle, ear machines and wheel chairs to handicaps through Director rehabilitation, fully equipment of Balniketan nariketan, bringing the crash centres at par with Anganwari centres in paying emoluments, women developmental corporation through self help group should be created so that they will provide loan to poor’s. SC & ST category peoples should provide cars on subsidy base.


Saroori further raised issues related to tribal affairs department which include more funding to this department to make this functional, ST students should be provided scholarship timely and it should be deposited directly into the beneficiary account, increase in number of bed to 100 at Gujjar hostel Chatroo and administrative power which are lying at Doda should be in Chatroo as it is hard run this hostel from Doda, increase in funds for nutrition, model higher secondary school Chatroo construction should be started at an earliest so that student community shall avail benefit and will be easier for them in studying, 1 bando kalian yojana scheme should be implemented in letter and spirit which will definitely benefit needy and poor families. He also said there is urgent need of framing rules for tribal affair ministry in J&K as department came into exist in 2007 but rules have been framed yet which is unfortunate.

Saroori for making Indus Water treaty beneficial for people

PHE department utilize daily wagers services but not ready to regularize or pay them monthly wages

Srinagar, June 17: Advocating to keep water resources out of the man- made territorial bindings for the overall benefit of the mankind, Senior Congress Legislator from Inderwal, Mr. G. M Saroori urged for comprehensive evaluation of the Indus water treaty (IWT) to make it more purposeful and beneficial to both neighboring countries via India and Pakistan.

Participating in the debate on demand for grants for the PHE, irrigation and Flood control departments in Legislative Assembly, Saroori said among many hostilities in different spheres between India and Pakistan, the IWT, is perhaps the only treaty, which functional adding that when PDP was in Opposition they keep on making rukus in the Assembly over Indua Water treaty but now when they are in government they even failed to raise this important issue in Assembly. He said there is need that some world renowned expert agency needs to be engaged to evaluate how this treaty is made mode purposeful and fruitful for the general people beyond the territorial prism and to see how to overcome the losses on account of this, if any.

Saying that irrigation is primarily important for harnessing the vast Agriculture and Horticulture potential of the State, Saroori called for long term and short term planning to give boost to the state’s economy which, he said is primarily agriculture based.

Saroori urged for mobilizing water resources to provide quality drinking water to the people. He also demanded to engage those in PHE Department who have donated land for construction of water reservoirs in different parts of the State.

He said that proposal for new water supply scheme for sanctioning have been submitted to Water resource ministry, he stressed for early sanctioning of water supply schemes including Kansoo, Dugroon, Jakyas-Bhatyas, Mori Balgran, Dori-Bhagran, Deller-Chatroo, lift water supply scheme Dadpeth-Kuriya, Keshwan-Jungna Balna, and Srawan-Thakrie of Inderwal constituency so that people living in far flung areas are provided with adequate drinking water supply facilities besides this installation of 30 no. of hand pumps in Inderwal constituency and reparation of installed hand pumps.

Saroori stressed for construction of new reservoirs at Tanta, Batogra, Kanoo, Drought, Batoli, Nagni, Bunjwa, Saroor, Chatroo, Sigdi, Kuchal, Durbeel and Keshwan areas. He urged government for early tendering and construction of Rs 1.50 cores of 27km long part I and II work on Kandi Canal from Kahara to Pernote Kandoth, Thathri scheme.

He asked the government to regularize all the daily wagers, casual labourers in the state. “Shrugging off from responsibilities by either sides was against the public interests,” he said while asking the Government to regularise all those daily wagers, HR workers, casual labourers, who have completed seven years of service as per the norms in vogue. He said that the PHE department is utilizing their (daily wagers) services but not ready to regularize or pay them monthly wages and this is grave injustice with them”. He demanded wages on patern to daily wagers given in Srinagar region that Rs.4500 per month where as in Jammu region daily wager are being paid twice that is on Eid and Diwali festivals.

Saroori further said that there is urgent need to submit the DPR for sanctioning of Protection work for Chatroo Nallah, Inderwal Nallah, Singpora Nalla, Mugalmaidan, Kuchal, Sigdi, Kwath Durbeel, Tagood, Keshwan, Srawan, Sarthal, Bunjwah, Kahara, Jakyas and Thathri nallahs besides this early restoration and remodeling of kools at Chingam, Parna, Passerkote, Kuchal, Malanoo, Bitola, Goila, Patnazi, Jawalapur, Kewa, Sheela Bhagran, Ghan Sarthal besides this filling of vacant posts in PHE department including Junior Engineers and others.

Cong takes exception to IAY name change

Empower panchayati raj institutions: Saroori

Srinagar, June 16: Senior Congress MLA from Inderwal, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori took exception to the change in the name of Indira Awas Yojna (IAY) to Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojana (PMAY), Government of India’s social welfare flagship programme for providing housing to the rural poor.

During the discussion on demand for grants of the Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayat Raj, Saroori surprised to know about changing the name of IAY scheme. He took objection to the change in the name of the programme. “It’s a shame,” Saroori said. “This is communal.”

The IAY scheme was launched by the UPA led union government and named after India’s first woman and Congress Prime Minister, Indira Ghandhi. “We can’t accept humiliation of late Indira Ghandhi. She sacrificed he life for Indian integrity and sovereignty,” Saroori said and stressing that the contributions of Indira Gandhi to India could not be ignored, he said not many leaders in India had given as many sacrifices to the country as Indira Gandhi had. “We will not allow changing the name of the programme that is named after Indira Gandhi,” Saroori said.

Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Abdul Haq Khan said Indira Gandhi was being respected across India and the change in names of programmes take place whenever governments change.

Saroori also said that government failed in sanctioning the PMGSY 194 Stage II projects under Phase VIII and IX as per new schedule. He said that the DPRs were prepared and submitted seeking sanctioned schedule of rates of 2008 but government failed to peruse to sanction the stage II work as per new rates. He said either MoRD needs to sanction these projects as per the revised costs or JK PMGSY has 500 crores saving from where they can sanction these projects to obviate the difficulty in execution of these schemes. When Minister failed to give proper answer Saroori walk out from the Assembly.

The Congress leader said the situation in the state would change only once the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments were incorporated into the J&K Panchayat Raj Act. The 73rd Amendment deals with empowering panchayati raj institutions.

Saroori said without three tiers panchayat elections in the state it will become irrelevant if government would not form Block Development Councils (BDCs) across the State. He said that the benefits of Panchayat elections if take place in future will not trickled to the grassroots level if the State Government failed to empower Panchayats. He said that holding Panchayat elections without the constitution of BDCs is equivalent to holding the Assembly elections without electing the Chief Minister and the other Ministers. He expressed his disappointment over the delay in panchayat election and demanded implementation of 73rd and 74th amendments to the Constitution giving more powers to the Panchayats.

He said that few miscreant people in Kishtwar want to change the plans for the current year and there is need to take up for execution as season for work is very less in far flung areas, to this Minister replied that no directions for change of the plan or guidelines have been issued as it stands sanctioned, nor can be issued as it is the prerogative of the concerned Union Ministry. He also said 400 crores have been released to which all liabilities created by RDD will be cleared and assured to Saroori that construction of cattle sheds will be taken up besides this more funds to release for the early completion of model village Singpora. Many other public related issues were also raised by Saroori including Sanctioning of more IAY’s for rural areas, filling of vacant posts in the department, early payment to work done to SBI, IHHL, completion of Panchayat Ghars, regularization MGREGA employees, sanctioning of Munsiff court for sub-division Chatroo, 

On Janipur incident, Saroori said that Muslim youth “are being selectively targeted in Jammu and are jailed without any involvement in any unlawful incident”. He said if any person from any community has tried to harm any community that person should be punished so that it will set examples in future time for others. He demanded proper investigation in this case and culprit should be booked as per law.

MLA Inderwal also demanded sharing of factual position in the House and enquiry in to illegal distribution of solar lights in Inderwal constituency. The Minister for Social Welfare, ARI, Trainings, Science and Technology, Mr. Sajjad Gani Lone assured Mr. Saroori that not a single illegal solar light would be distributed in any areas of Inderwal constituency and said government will direct DC Kishtwar and SP Kishtwar to put on hold till the beneficiary lists will be framed by the administration. He also assured that without proper beneficiary list not a single solar light or Solar Chulla’s would be distributed in Inderwal.

Education backbone of society needs focused attention: Saroori

'Demanded GDC for Bunjwah, Kahara and Padder' 'Kashmiri subject should be introduced at secondary level'

Srinagar, June 14: Senior Congress leader and MLA Inderwal G.M Saroori termed Education as the 'backbone of society'. He stressed the need for focused attention on education sector and then the fortune of poor people can change thereby ushering their lives with a new era prosperity and happiness.

While discussing on the grants for Education and Higher Education, Saroori recalled the urgency in undergoing a major overhaul in education sector and major revolutionary steps which are the need of hour in order to revive the lost glory of vital sector. Education sector can't be undermined as education is the only way through which poverty can be eradicated.

He said that centrally sponsored schemes like RAMSA and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan could have been a boon for education field but government has failed to implement such schemes properly. Such innovative schemes could have changed the fortune of state but the poor implementation has led it to be a failure. There should be the provision of compensation in centrally sponsored schemes so that it could be utilized fully in fruitful way.

Saroori called for posting of Urdu teachers in educational institutions of Chenab Valley in general and Inderwal constituency in particular, besides introduction of Kashmiri subject up to secondary level. He also demanded that the vacant posts of teacher, junior assistants should be filled up on fast track basis.

On the floor of assembly Saroori raised many issues of public importance which include; completion of school buildings, regularization of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers, early release of pending salary of teachers and disposal of new ReT cases in time bound manner which is pending since long. He also demanded Government Degree College for Bunjwah, Kahara and Padder areas in order to mitigate the increasing demand and to lessen the dropouts, sorted the need for introduction of Kashmiri, Dogri and Persian subjects at elementary level, starting up of more subjects at GDC Kishtwar, Chatroo, Thathri and Kilhotran, early construction of KGBV, College buildings. Up gradation of 800 schools to the next level which were announced by previous government, cabinet orders should be implemented with letter and spirit.

Later, Saroori withdrawn the cut motions after Minister for Education Naeem Akhtar assured Saroori that he will address the issues on top priority that too at the earliest

State govt not well equipped to deal with disasters: Saroori

Implement Ganie Commission report; allege non-availability of electricity in Chenab Valley

Srinagar June 12: Senior Congress Leader and MLA from Inderwal Ghulam Mohammad Saroori during discussion on grants for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Department said that the state government is not fully prepared to tackle any disaster including earthquake and floods and demanded establishment of full flagged Disaster Management cell at Doda and Kishtwar District.

Showing his concern towards recent media reports on high magnitude earthquake predicted by an American scientist, Saroori laid stress that disaster management system should be strengthening. He said that lot of compensation cases are pending in the state added that there is need to hold district level meetings to be chaired by the Minister himself to clear compensation and other revenue related cases. He said that there is need to look into SRO 235 dated 11-8-2009 should be continue and laid stress that Section 6 and 7 should be continue as earlier like DC was disposing off final award at District level and not by Commissioner Secretary for which Powers was decentralized. He said that title verification should be given on time and should be without corruption. He said there is no RR plan policy and rued delay in sanctioning of RR Plan for Kalnai-2 power project which is yet to be sanctioned. He said that if authorities fail to come up with proper RR plan in 2 months, he will close the project.

Saroori said that Ganai commission report in which new administrative units were sanctioned including Thakrie as Tehsil, Sarthal as tehsil & block, Kontwara as block, Chilli as tehsil, Kilhotran as tehsil, Bella as tehsil and others were sanctioned, but the government has yet not given them administrative order.

"Why there is delay when cabinet has approved the increasing salary of Chowkidar and Lambardar" said Saroori and added that there should be one numberdar and Chowkidar in every panchayat so that system will become good. He said 9 Naib Tehsildar posts are vacant in his consideration including Sigdi, Kuchal, Lass Saroor, Tatani, Jakyas Chingam, Patnazi, Karool and others in Inderwal constituency. He said that Selections of Naib Tehsildar should be on urdu knowing base. He said that there is need to fill up vacant posts of Patwari and girdawar, demanded construction of Naiyabat building and tehsil buildings should be made at an earliest, people in Kashmir, Chenab Valley, Pir Pangal and Jammu should be given relief to house live stocks.

Demanded directions to DC to send relief file to GAD for Rs 1 lakh and 50 thousands to transport department of all accidents that took place during past two years in Chenab Valley, appointment of SRO 43 cases or compensation, vacation of 5990 Kanal Auqaf lands from army, no rights to anyone on custodian property, issuance of green card to land owners and lastly demanded that the revenue records should be online.

Saroori also created ruckus in the Legislative Assembly, alleging non-availability of electricity in Inderwal constituency. Before the Question Hour started in the Lower House, Saroori stood up at his seat and alleged that electricity has been suspended in many areas in Chenab valley in Jammu from the last over one week.

MLA Inderwal alleged that government has also failed to provide electricity in the holy month of Ramzan also. He said that people are facing huge problems due to non-availability in the month of Ramzan. He demanded that government should take immediate steps to restore electricity in Bunjwah, Kahara, Bhalessa, Thathri, Sarthal, Mugalmaidan, Chatroo, Chingam, Sigdi, Kuchal, Keshwan, Thakrie, Saroor, Drabshalla and ohers areas of Chenab Valley.

Saroori staged walkout over ignoring indoor stadium for Kishtwar

Restore SRTC bus between Srinagar to Kishtwar via Sinthan top;

Animal and sheep husbandry sector is very important and it needs focus of the Government

Srinagar, June 11: - Congress MLA Ghulam Mohammad Saroori staged walk out from the Assembly over ignoring the indoor stadium for district Kishtwar.

Saroori said he want to know from the minister who is also MLA Kishtwar that why Kishtwar is being ignored in terms of sanctioning of indoor stadium despite having an area of more than 7800 Sq KM and want assurances from the minister in this regard.

“When BJP was in opposition, they kept on ranting that Jammu has been discriminated. Now they are in power but they are not doing anything concerning development of the region, which makes it evident that they were making hollow slogans,” he said. “They have sold Jammu and aspiration of its people.” Congress MLA GM Saroori said that Chenab Valley has been ignored too in establishing sports stadia.

He also demanded restoration of SRTC bus between Srinagar to Kishtwar via Sinthan top and also shows his concern over theft of crash bearers on Kishtwar-Batote road. He said that crash bearers installed on approximately on 20 KM stretch on Batote-Kishtwar National Highway was stolen and sold to scrape dealers besides this release of 6th pay commissioner in favour of employees of JKSRTC.

Saroori also raised the issue of statement of VHP leader Sadhvi Prachi and demanded that the house should condemn the statement of the VHP leaders which according to Saroori is against the ethos and secularity of the country. Saroori was supported by the other Congress members, NC legislators, Independent MLAs including Er. Rashid, M Y Tarigami and Hakim Mohammad Yaseen.

He accused the BJP-led government at the Centre for “destroying secular fabric of the nation”. “These people, who spew venom on the name of religion, are hell bent of dividing the nation, besides destroying its social fabric,” said Saroori.

Saroori said that the statement of Sadhvi is aimed to create another Gujarat added that BJP is trying to terrorize the Muslims in the country. He said that the secular parties like Congress will act as a wall to prevent the communal forces from dividing the nation. He said that Congress party will not let the sacrifices of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawal Lal Nehru, Molana Abu Kalam Azad to go waste. He said that Congress will always withstand for the secularity and integrity of the nation.


On Animal and Husbandry sheep department grants; Saroori said this sector is very important and it needs focus of the Government. “This is a big sector and it has been ignored when it can tackle the unemployment problem”, he added. Saroori said that Government should use new technologies to improve Animal and Sheep Husbandry sector and should send teams in far flung areas for training. He also demanded improvement of fishery hatcheries in Inderwal constituency and demanded holding of awareness camps for breeders and opening of new animal husbandry centres in his constituency.

Kishtwar to get 1200 Meter Airstrip, 8-10 seater chopper service

In a written answer to Saroori question, Government stated funds for up-gradation of Airstrip will be organized by the Planning Development

Srinagar June 11: The government of Jammu and Kashmir in response to A.Q. No. 38 of MLA Inderwal Ghulam Mohammad Saroori today said that the up-gradation of existing Airstrip at Kishtwar up to the length of 1200 Meters has been approved by the government added that Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar has been instructed to start the land acquisition and developmental work, beside to expedite the completion of the work on said airstrip.

In a written answer to MLA Ghulam Mohammad Saroori question, Deputy Secretary Government stated that the funds for up-gradation of the existing Airstrip will be organized by the Planning Development and Monitoring Department.

In reply to a question whether government intended to operate Chopper Service from Jammu to Kishtwar, Marwah, Warwan, Dachhan and Kither areas during the ensuing winter for the convenience of the locals, the government reply stated that there is no chopper service which is operated from Jammu to Kishtwar, Marwah, Warwan, Dachhan areas of Kishtwar District on regular bases. 

However, during winters and otherwise also, IAF Aircrafts as well as state chopper are utilized to carry out causality evacuation from these far flung areas to either Kishtwar or Jammu hospitals.
In addition to this, in winters IAF MI-17 helicopters carry out airlift from Marwah, Warwan and Dachhan areas to Kishtwar on regular bases since the road communication remains snapped to these areas.


The government reply further stated that chopper services from Jammu to Kishtwar is not planned as off now, but added that once the airstrip is operational, small 8-10 seater planes will be put in service.      

Government miserably failed in giving due impetus to the agriculture sector in Chenab Valley: Saroori

'Agriculture, allied sectors backbone of state's economy'

Srinagar, June 10: Senior Congress leader and MLA Inderwal Ghulam Muhammad Saroori has castigated the government for failing to give due 'impetus' to the agriculture and it's allied sectors in Chenab Valley wherein he termed agriculture sector to be the backbone of state's economy.

Saroori was speaking over the Agriculture department grant which is suffering alot because of 'ill planning', 'lack of coordination' and 'non-seriousness' of the government. He said that over 75 percent of people are dependent on agriculture in order feed themselves and their family.

He exhorted the need for chalking out a comprehensive plan in order to increase the productivity by three fold whether its horticulture, agriculture, apiculture, and sericulture every sector is in shambles, which speaks loud about the government's seriousness towards the vital sector.

Saroori sought focused attention of Government towards the Chenab valley which has been neglected. He demanded organizing of awareness camp about various Government schemes at block level so that the famers could avail the benefit of such schemes. He said that 90 percent area in his constituency is rain fed and it needs to be covered under lift irrigation schemes for which more funds are needed to be allocated.

He (Saroori) further added that Finance minister in his last year speech mentioned about waiving off of 50% KCC loans which finds mention at Serial No.48, added that an amount of Rs. 150 Crore promised by Finance Minister is yet to be credited into the accounts of KCC loan holders. He demanded waiver of KCC loans at an earliest, adding mushroom cultivation should be promoted in Kishtwar district.

While recalling the decisions taken during the last year district development board (DDB) meetings in agriculture department by the Late Mufti Muhammed Sayeed regarding establishment of Rajma Villages, Saffron Villages, Walnut Villages gathered dust only in papers which is highly unfortunate. He pressed the need for establishment of Rajma villages one at each block, Seed centres at Block level, plantation of High density fruit plants on the pattern of Srinagar in Chenab valley, Mushroom training centers at Chatroo, Sarthal, Bunjwah, Thathri, Bhalessa and others.

Saroori also demanded opening of cooperative society at Chatroo. Floriculture parks one each at Kishtwar and Chatroo, opening of Cooperative Bank at Chatroo, Keshwan and Bunjwah. He suggested that government should establish nursery each at block level over an area of 20-30 Kanals so that local need could be met easily. Later Saroori has withdrawn the cut motions after Minister assured that he will look into his demands on top priority.

2.75 crores spent for creation of tourism in Chatroo

Government assured Saroori to provide road connectivity for Famber Chatroo

Srinagar, June 08: In reply to question of Member of Legislative Assembly from Inderwal G. M. Saroori, the Minister of State for Tourism, Ms. Priya Sethi informed that Rs. 2.75 crore have been spent for creation of tourism related infrastructure in Chatroo area.

She informed that the Government is focusing on strengthening of tourism infrastructure at the existing destinations, adding that presently there is no proposal to develop Famber Meadow Marg in Chatroo tehsil.

However, she assured Saroori that Government would consider to provide road connectivity to the spot in near future and would encourage trekking campus in the area.

Saroori greets people on the auspicious occasion of Ramazan

Kishtwar, June 06: - Member of Legislative Assembly from Inderwal, Mr. G. M. Saroori on Monday greeted the Muslim community on the start of the holy month of Ramadan.

"My greeting to the Muslim community as the holy month of Ramadan begins. May this Ramadan month brings peace and happiness in everyone's lives," Saroori said in a greeting message.

"May this holy month also enhance the spirit of harmony and togetherness in Jammu and Kashmir," Saroori added. Ramadan is observed as a fasting period by Muslims, who abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset.

Saroori received Best Legislature Award 2014

Dedicated his award to the people of Inderwal

Srinagar, June 06: - In a greatest achievement, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori Member of Legislative Assembly from Inderwal today received the Best Legislature Award 2014 for his outstanding performance in the Assembly.

The Award was presented by Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Ms. Mehbooba Mufti in presence of Speaker J&K Legislative Assembly, Kavinder Gupta, Chairman Council Haji Anayat Ali, Dy CM Nirmal Singh, council of Ministers, legislators and other dignitaries here at Assembly complex Srinagar. 

The award was given upon G. M Saroori for his outstanding performance and discipline shown in the Assembly during the year 2014. On the occasion Rs. 1 lakh which was presented to Saroori by the CM J&K, has given that for former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed relief fund.

In his message to the people, Saroori said he feel honoured to receive this award, which recognises my achievements over the last 20 years. This wouldn't have been possible without the support and commitment of people of Inderwal who have dedicated hours and hours of their time.”

Saroori said I will dedicate my entire life for the service of people of Inderwal, Chenab Valley and for the state and will continue to fight for the rights of the common man. He also dedicated his award to the people of Inderwal constituency in particular and people of J&K in general.

Govt says they are committed to Construct Singpora-Vailooo Tunnel

Demanded proper identification of BPL families in the state to ensure full coverage of NFSA: Saroori

Srinagar, June 05: The government of Jammu and Kashmir said that it supports the demand for providing alternative connectivity to Chenab valley with Kashmir province by way of construction of Singpora-Vailoo tunnel.

In reply to A.Q No. 22 of Congress MLA G M Saroori, Under Secretary to Government Public Works (R&B) Department said that the proposal of construction of Sinpora-Vailoo tunnel still exists and government has not backtracked from it added that Finance Department Vide Govt Order No. 238-F of 2015 dated 8-12-2015 has initiated to undertake various projects under Public Private Partnership mode.

He stated that the department is in the process of recommending a few selected projects to Finance Department in the matter which includes the tunnel project on Singpora-Vailoo road. Saroori said the tunnel will provide alternative route to Kishtwar District of Jammu province with Kashmir throughout the year, besides, it will also increase trading facility as well as socio-economy of the areas which are considered as one of the most backward areas of the state.

Saroori also slams the government for fixing of 60:40 ratio added that BPL means BPL and there is no need to fix any criteria with regard to fixing of ratio. He said that some of the areas in Inderwal constituency are 100% BPL and demanded BPL ration cards to each deserving family without fixing any criteria. He also slammed the government for carrying out BPL survey through different departments added that on scrutiny of the lists prepared by the different departments, the lists has no uniformity as the list prepared by various departments are different to each. 

Congress MLA from Inderwal demanded the steps taken for proper identification of BPL families in the state for issuance of new ration cards to them to ensure full coverage of this poor population under the schemes in vogue.

He also demanded macadamization of roads in his constituency, funds for clearing the contractor’s liabilities, early completion of work on the hospital building to be completed besides this sanctioning of various roads for Inderwal constituency.

Saroori has also showed his strong concern over the misuse and ‘non-utilization’ of funds by the State’s Sport’s council. He said state council failed to utilize funds for the development of Sports Infrastructure in the state despite availability of additional funds to the tune of Rs 30 Crores, majority of which is lying unspent at JK State Sports Council accounts and some has been converted into fixed deposits.

RTI Act promoting blackmailing, need amendment: Saroori

Budget has lot of room for perfection; government should include the suggestions from legislators to making it as an inclusive one

Srinagar June 03: - Former Congress Minister and MLA from Inderwal Ghulam Mohammad Saroori while debating on the state budget today in Legislative Assembly said that the Right to Information (RTI) Act has become the tool of blackmailing added that instead of using it for the good and welfare of the society and people, it is being used as the tool for blackmailing the officers and laid stress for making amendment in the law.

Accepting that RTI has become the tool of blackmailing, Deputy Speaker who was presiding the proceedings of the house in absence of Speaker Kavinder Gupta said that what Congress MLA says is true added that a person belongs to non concern areas are filling RTI’s in his constituency Gurez.

Saroori while questioning the budget termed it anti people added that aspirations of the people of Doda and Kishtwar Districts has been completely ignored in the budget in terms of non providing of additionality funds added that Chenab valley is being victimized due to infighting between PDP and BJP. He said that the budget has no mention of losses caused due to Indus Water Treaty and about the construction of Mughal road tunnel and Singpora-Vailoo tunnel for which Saroori claims that he was removed from the ministry while Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu lost his Chairmanship as he propose to construct Singpora-Vailoo tunnel through J&K bank. He said that there was also no mention of working groups recommendations added that same has been thrown into dustbin by the state government.

He said that late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had taken some bold decisions during last year District Development Board meetings added that among those decisions only about 10 % decisions were implemented by the Finance Minister as well as by the government added that his soul too would have been wondering the way his Finance Minister fails to honor his decisions.

Praising Ghulam Nabi Azad role as Chief Minister and as Union Health Minister, Saroori said that state of Jammu and Kashmir witness massive development during Azad and UPA government which include sanctioning of 5 Medical Colleges, cancer hospitals, 650 sub-centres, roads under PMGSY added that despite getting Rs. 885 crores under CRF, the present government ignore the Chenab valley added that no land compensation was paid to land owners whose land comes under PMGSY.

Saroori said that government makes backdoor appointments of SPO’s, accountability commission is toothless, no policy for regularization of daily wagers, HR workers, ReT teachers, casual labours, NYC’s, no scholarship for poor students, unfulfilled dream of establishment off Rice and Rajmah villages, no head way in enhancing of pension from Rs. 200 to 1000 in favour of old age, there is no provision for enhancing honorarium of Sarpanches, Panches, Aganwari workers, ASHA workers, Numbardars in the budget. Moreover there are no funds for animal husbandry, Handloom, Handicraft, Tribal affairs and roads sector besides early allotment of RGGVY phase II tender and termed the budget as visionless. He said that there are 14 lakhs unemployed youths in the state and government has not made any concrete plan to solve the problems of unemployment in the state and urged the upon the state Finance Minister to implement 7th pay commission in the state in the similar way the way their previous government implemented the 6th pay commission in the state despite all odds. He said that the Rangarajan Committee and the Round Table Committee Reports recommendations should be implemented for moving towards making J&K self-reliant in the power sector and sought speedy completion of under-construction power projects in Chenab Valley. He has also urged government to sanction two more Tourism development authorities one for Inderwal Chatroo and another one for Bhalessa Doda.

Congress lawmaker said that this year budget Rs. 135 and 167 crores allocated for Kishtwar and Doda districts, only 21 crores is for districts plan allocation while 40 crores are NABARD & LIC loans and 200 crores are Central Share for MGNREGA, SSA and IAY which according to Saroori has no concern with District budget allocation. He said that the budget has a lot of room for perfection and Government should include the suggestions from legislators to making it as an inclusive one. He said there is no mention of banning liquor or Gutka in the state. He said that FM minister in last year speech at Serial No. 48 mentioned about exemption of 50% KCC loans added that an amount of Rs. 150 Crore promised by FM is yet to be credited into the accounts of KCC loan holders. He said that FM also fails on Assist disclosure; fail to present Economic Survey Report which will unmask the government failure.

Allegations of mass copying at IGNOU center Chatroo

Can't become mute spectator; Saroori demanded immediate shifting of IGNOU examination Chatroo centre

Srinagar, June 02: - Member of Legislative Assembly from inderwal, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori on the floor of the Assembly demanded shifting of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Chatroo examination centre to prevent mass copying.

Congress lawmaker from Inderwal said that the Minister for Higher Education is known to issue of the said examination centre having only two rooms, added that Director IGNOU Jammu have allocated more than 900 students for the said centre instead of Kishtwar examination centre having more accommodation available, while at the same time Kishtwar IGNOU center run by College authorities allocated less than 300 students for this year examination.

Saroori said like every examination conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education, the examination conducted at Chatroo examination centre of internally reputed open university i.e IGNOU Chatroo falls in Jammu region are no different when the issue of growing menace of mass copying in examination is concerned. He said every year people raises eyebrows and questioned the process, the way examination is being conducted at IGNOU examination center Chatroo which is glorifying the menace of mass copying.

"It has been reported that examination conducted at IGNOU center Chatroo is often not conducted in free and fair manner and the candidates are often allowed in the centers with incriminating study material without check either before commencement of the examination or during the examination, Saroori said and added that there is likely hood of nuisance in view of the fact that such malpractice create obstruction to the candidate who intended to take examination in free and fair manner.

Saroori asked Minister for Higher Education that he cannot be a mute spectator. He demanded immediate shifting of IGNOU examination Chatroo centre so that hard working students will get justice.
He said that several students from Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur, different Districts of Kashmir and also from outside state choose to appear in examination at IGNOU Chatroo despite the fact that IGNOU Center Drabshala or Kishtwar is nearest to them as compared to Chatroo which itself raise the question on the integrity of the examination.

Later Education minister Naeem Akhtar assured MLA Inderwal that action to be taken soon in this case. Saroori said he is hopeful that Education Minister and the government will act so that hard working students could be saved.