Jammu, Feb 10 (KNS): Karnah MLA Javed Ahmed Marchal on Tuesday raised key developmental issues in the Legislative Assembly, highlighting the shortage of medical facilities, unemployment, and the need to promote tourism in the border constituency.
Marchal said Karnah, a mountainous and border area, lacks industries and factories, leading to high unemployment. He noted that the Army remains the main source of employment for local youth, with residents provided six-month work under the Brigade.
Appreciating the Army’s role in public safety, he cited a recent incident where around 170 residents were rescued during a crisis, with personnel remaining on the spot until 2 a.m.
On health infrastructure, Marchal said the existing 30-bed hospital is insufficient for a population of over one lakh. He demanded that the hospital be upgraded to at least 100 beds, citing shortages of doctors and emergency facilities.
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe also raised concerns about poor road connectivity, which forces patients to be carried to hospitals on charpoys or on shoulders.
Highlighting economic prospects, Marchal urged the government to promote tourism in Karnah to generate employment opportunities for local youth, pointing to the area’s natural beauty.
The MLA also flagged delays in compensation for residents whose properties were damaged during shelling in Operation Shindoor. He further said that posts under the National Health Mission (NHM), including Female Multi-Purpose Workers (FMPWs), remain vacant in some sub-centres, which could impact basic health services in this difficult and border region.
Marchal called on the government to take immediate measures to address these gaps, emphasizing that the Army not only protects borders but also assists citizens in emergencies.(KNS).