In a move to bolster sports infrastructure and encourage youth participation, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated a multi-purpose indoor sports complex at Government Degree College (GDC) Tangmarg. The facility, constructed at a cost of ₹2.75 crore under the CAPEX budget, signifies the government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant sports culture across Jammu and Kashmir.
The new complex, situated within the college premises, boasts modern indoor sports infrastructure, featuring arenas for badminton, table tennis, carrom, and billiards. It is designed to provide a space for physical activities, especially during the region’s harsh weather conditions. As per information available with TahirRihat.com, the inauguration was attended by Minister for Education Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Gulmarg Pirzada Farooq Ahmed Shah, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, Commissioner Secretary Ram Niwas, the Director of Colleges, the Principal of GDC Tangmarg, and other senior officers.
Following the inauguration, the Chief Minister toured the complex and interacted with students, even engaging in indoor games such as billiards, table tennis, and badminton alongside students and colleagues, which was met with enthusiastic support from those present. Earlier, the Chief Minister initiated the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan signature campaign from the college premises, urging students to contribute to a drug-free society.
Addressing the attendees, Chief Minister Abdullah emphasized the crucial role of youth in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir. He stated that the government is making every effort to secure a brighter future for the youth, while also preparing them for the responsibilities they will face. He added that the development of Jammu and Kashmir will largely depend on the role played by its youth.
Highlighting the challenges faced by students in accessing quality higher education within the region, Chief Minister Abdullah noted that the absence of private universities has forced many families to send their children outside Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in significant financial strain. He said that the government estimates that nearly ₹1,000 to ₹1,200 crore is spent annually on tuition fees alone by students studying outside J&K, excluding travel and living expenses, which places immense pressure on families. He further noted that the government has made a decision to allow the establishment of private universities in Jammu and Kashmir, with the necessary legislation already passed and rules being finalized.
According to Chief Minister Abdullah, once the framework is in place, the government will invite reputed institutions to set up campuses in the region and that with its natural beauty and climate, places like Tangmarg can emerge as ideal education hubs, attracting students from across the country. Reminiscing about his earlier tenure as Chief Minister, Abdullah noted that the GDC Tangmarg project was conceptualized and approved in 2011. He expressed satisfaction at witnessing its growth and the enthusiasm of students. He also commended the newly constructed indoor sports complex, emphasizing the importance of such facilities in regions with prolonged winters and frequent rainfall.
Chief Minister Abdullah added that indoor infrastructure ensures that youth remain active and engaged throughout the year. He also expressed his anticipation to return and play badminton with students. He further highlighted key initiatives undertaken by the government for youth empowerment, including free bus travel for women in government buses, large-scale government recruitment, and self-employment support through the Mission Yuva programme.
Chief Minister Abdullah stated that the government aims to provide 20,000 to 25,000 government jobs this year, while also enabling young entrepreneurs by facilitating easy access to loans without the need for guarantees, with the government acting as a guarantor. He also spoke about the government’s focus on skill development in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and horticulture to make youth self-reliant and strengthen the region’s economy.
Chief Minister Abdullah said that the government’s goal is to build a self-sufficient Jammu and Kashmir where they rely on their own strengths and resources and the youth will be at the forefront of this transformation. Later, the Chief Minister inaugurated a new block of the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Gulmarg, constructed at a cost of ₹203.80 lakh under CAPEX. He inspected various sections of the facility, including the OPD, Emergency Room, pharmacy, X-ray unit, and wards, reviewing the healthcare services being provided to locals and tourists. According to reports, the Chief Minister was accompanied by Minister for Health & Medical Education Sakina Itoo, MLA Gulmarg Pirzada Farooq Ahmed Shah, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, and Deputy Commissioner Baramulla S.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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