JAMMU, Aug 9: A meeting of the Central Zone of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) was organised today under the chairmanship of former Minister and Zone President Babu Rampal, with senior functionaries and party workers participating in the deliberations.
The meeting focused on strengthening the organisational structure at the grassroots level and chalking out a comprehensive strategy for the forthcoming Local Body and Panchayat elections. The meeting was organised by Zonal Secretary and Coordinator, JKNC, Dr. Vikas Sharma.
Addressing the meeting, Babu Rampal emphasised the need for the organisation to remain closely connected with the people and give priority to their genuine concerns. He urged party workers to regularly visit their respective areas, listen patiently to public grievances and make sincere efforts to ensure that people’s issues are taken up through the appropriate forums.
During the meeting Rampaul reiterated his demand for restoration of Statehood to Jammu & Kashmir and urged the Hon’ble Prime Minister to fulfil his promise, which he made with the people of Jammu & Kashmir earnestly waiting for his constructive action sans further delay.
Full statehood will pave the way for a stronger governance structure, enabling better policy-making, economic planning, and job creation initiatives tailored to the unique needs of the region, he said. “A full-fledged state government will have greater autonomy to formulate policies aimed at boosting the local economy, creating employment, and ensuring the effective implementation of welfare schemes,” he added.
He stressed that public service, accountability and responsiveness should remain at the core of organisational activities. Rampal also called for greater coordination and unity among workers at the grassroots level. He said that the strength of any organisation lies in its dedicated workers and their continuous engagement with the people. He urged party functionaries to intensify public outreach, strengthen booth- and ward-level networks and remain accessible to the public.
He said the forthcoming Local Body and Panchayat elections provide an important opportunity to reconnect with the people, understand their aspirations and work collectively towards strengthening democratic institutions at the grassroots level.
Highlighting the achievements and initiatives of the government, Rampal said that important steps have been taken towards improving public services, strengthening infrastructure, promoting development and addressing the day-to-day concerns of the people.
He said the government’s focus on better connectivity, improved civic amenities, employment opportunities, social welfare and grassroots development reflects its commitment to inclusive growth. He urged party workers to take government initiatives and welfare measures to the people and ensure that eligible beneficiaries are fully aware of the schemes and programmes available to them.
Speaking on the issue of restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Vikas Sharma said that statehood is a legitimate democratic aspiration of the people and must remain a priority.
He emphasised that restoration of full statehood is essential for strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring greater accountability and empowering elected representatives to effectively address the aspirations and developmental needs of the people. Dr. Sharma said the organisation would continue to raise the demand for restoration of statehood through democratic and peaceful means and work towards creating greater public awareness and support on the issue.
The meeting also discussed various organisational matters, including strengthening coordination among different units, increasing the participation of youth and women, and ensuring greater representation and involvement of grassroots workers in organisational activities.
The meeting concluded with a resolve to further strengthen the organisation, expand its grassroots presence and work collectively towards addressing public issues while preparing effectively for the forthcoming Local Body and Panchayat elections.
Those who spoke on the occasion include Ankush Abrol Provincial Joint Secretary JKNC, Adv Rajinder Chanyal, Shamlal Mehra, Thoru Ram Mandi, Amrish Sharma, Rahul Mahajan, Bharat Bhushan, Bishan Dass (Retd SP), Shakeel Ahmed, T.R Mandi, S. Surjeet Singh Sasan, Navid Raja, Rajinder Kumar, Amarnath and others.