Baramulla, Apr 25: MLA Baramulla Javid Hassan Baig on Saturday flagged infrastructural and civic deficits saying that he expects that “50 percent” of the development done by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to his own constituency must be given to Baramulla constituency.
MLA Javid Baig was addressing a gathering during the inauguration of a newly constructed Science Block at Government Degree College for Women Baramulla. He sought greater intervention from the government, particularly in addressing long-pending projects and educational infrastructure gaps. “People have reposed trust in CM Omar Abdullah and that must be reflected on the ground. The real test will be when Baramulla needs practical support and guidance,” Baig said. “I only desire half of what has been given to Ganderbal. I will not ask for more than that, but it should come.”
He urged the education minister Sakina Itoo, present at the function, to prioritise the district’s unresolved issues in the upcoming years. “I am a junior in the party but you (Sakina Itoo) being the senior can talk about the issue,” he said. He however acknowledged certain initiatives and he was “satisfied to some extent,” crediting the health and education minister for sanctioning key facilities including an MRI unit, a cath lab and a special school under the social welfare sector. “Many projects have come and more are expected,” he said. He however highlighted gaps in certain sector which he said continue to undermine development of his constituency. He flagged the delay in approval of a sewage treatment plant as a major concern and questioned how a district like Baramulla could function without such a critical facility. “If Baramulla does not have a sewage treatment plant, then what can be done?” he asked.
The MLA also raised concerns over inadequate infrastructure in educational institutions saying that many schools lack adequate facilities in the town. He proposed optimising existing land resources and strengthening school infrastructure to reduce pressure on colleges and improve access to higher education for girls. MLA Baramulla called for a long-term vision and urged authorities to upgrade the women’s college into a full-fledged university exclusively for women. “It will be a great favour that would significantly boost women’s education in the district,” he said. On the issue of higher education expansion, he questioned delays in the establishment of cluster university in the district. He recalled the earlier decisions to set up a Cluster University in Baramulla and also hinted at past political decisions that, according to him, altered original plans regarding the location of a cluster university. “That time it was decided that a cluster University will be established in Baramulla but the decision was hushed up later,” he said. He reiterated his political stance and said his priority remains public service over electoral politics.
