Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated a multi-purpose indoor sports complex at the Government Degree College (GDC) Tangmarg and a Primary Health Centre (PHC) block in Gulmarg, signaling a push towards enhanced infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. The developments aim to bolster youth engagement and improve healthcare services in the region.
The sports complex at GDC Tangmarg, constructed at a cost of Rs 2.75 crore under the CAPEX budget, features modern facilities for badminton, table tennis, carrom, and billiards. The facility is intended to foster a vibrant sports culture and encourage youth participation in physical activities, especially during harsh weather conditions. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that the Chief Minister engaged with students at the inauguration and participated in several indoor games.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan signature campaign at the college, urging students to actively contribute to a drug-free society. Addressing the gathering, Omar Abdullah emphasized the role of youth in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir and reiterated the government’s commitment to securing a brighter future for them.
Highlighting challenges faced by students in accessing quality higher education, Omar Abdullah pointed out that the absence of private universities had compelled many families to send their children outside Jammu and Kashmir, incurring substantial financial burdens. He estimated that approximately Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200 crore is spent annually on tuition fees alone by students studying outside the region, excluding travel and living expenses. To address this issue, the government has decided to allow the establishment of private universities in Jammu and Kashmir, with legislation already passed and rules being finalized.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister underscored key initiatives 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 program. According to a statement, the government aims to provide 20,000 to 25,000 government jobs this year while facilitating access to loans for young entrepreneurs without the need for guarantees, with the government acting as a guarantor.
Later, the Chief Minister inaugurated a new block of the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Gulmarg, built at a cost of Rs 203.80 lakh under CAPEX. He inspected the OPD, Emergency Room, pharmacy, X-ray unit, and wards, reviewing the healthcare services provided to locals and tourists.
In a separate event, the Chief Minister chaired a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation at the Convention Center, Gulmarg. The Board deliberated on upgrading the Gulmarg Gondola Project to enhance its carrying capacity, operational efficiency, and safety standards through modernization. Omar Abdullah emphasized timely execution of projects, adoption of modern technology, and adherence to high safety standards to accommodate the growing tourist inflow. He also stressed the importance of strengthening tourism infrastructure to further boost the local economy.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani; Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta; Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Ashish Chandra Verma; Managing Director, J&K Tourism Development Corporation, Shreya Singhal; Director Tourism Kashmir/Managing Director, J&K Cable Car Corporation, Syed Sajad Qamar; Director Tourism Jammu, Vikas Gupta; Director General, Budget; Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg Development Authority, and other concerned officers.
The inauguration of the sports complex and PHC block, coupled with the advancement of private university legislation and the focus on tourism infrastructure, represents a multi-pronged approach to development in Jammu and Kashmir. These initiatives aim to empower the youth, improve healthcare, and boost the economy, addressing key challenges and creating opportunities for the region’s residents.
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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