MLA Salman Sagar seeks return of public premier institutions to elected govt

Srinagar, Feb 11: National Conference leader and MLA Hazratbal, Salman Ali Sagar on Wednesday urged that the administration and control of premier public institutions in Jammu and Kashmir, including the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) and the University of Kashmir, be restored to the elected government, arguing that democratic accountability demands direct oversight by people’s representatives rather than continued management by the office of the Lieutenant Governor.

Speaking during the discussion on grants for the Health, Education and Social Welfare departments in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sagar said the present arrangement weakens public accountability and distances key institutions from the concerns of ordinary citizens. He described it as ironic that institutions central to the region’s healthcare delivery and higher education remain outside the direct administrative ambit of the popular government.

Sagar said elected representatives are answerable to the people for the growth, functioning, and welfare of such institutions. He maintained that democratic governance requires that decision making in critical public sectors reflect the will and needs of the population through their chosen representatives. According to him, restoring institutional control to the elected government would strengthen transparency, responsiveness, and long term planning in health and education.

The Hazratbal MLA also focused on the condition of social welfare infrastructure across the region. He said facilities such as old age homes and orphanages must move beyond being viewed as static government buildings and instead evolve into humane and responsive care spaces. He stressed that residents of these institutions require dignity, emotional support, and active engagement rather than minimal custodial arrangements.

He called for structural and administrative reforms that would make such welfare institutions more vibrant and sensitive to the daily needs of vulnerable populations. He added that improved staffing, better living conditions, recreational opportunities, and psychological care must become integral to the functioning of these centres.

Sagar further demanded enhancement of financial assistance schemes aimed at economically weaker sections. He said scholarships for poor students and pensions for senior citizens have not kept pace with inflation and rising living costs. Increasing monthly assistance, he argued, would provide immediate relief to struggling households and support educational continuity for disadvantaged youth.

Raising civic concerns specific to Srinagar, Sagar highlighted the shortage of burial space in the city. He said the only major graveyard serving large sections of the population is located in Malkhah and dates back more than six centuries. He noted that successive administrations have failed to establish additional burial grounds despite rapid urban expansion and population growth. He described the issue as both a humanitarian and urban planning concern that requires urgent government intervention.

On healthcare infrastructure in the old city areas of Srinagar, Sagar pointed to mounting patient loads in several hospitals that continue to function with limited facilities. He said JLNM Hospital, Sub District Hospital Habak, and the Maternity Hospital at Zakura face heavy daily inflow of patients and require immediate infrastructure strengthening, modern equipment, and expanded staffing.

He also called for the revival of the historic Maharaj Gunj Hospital, describing the 150 year old institution as an important part of Srinagar’s medical legacy that should be restored and made fully functional on priority. According to him, reopening and upgrading the hospital would ease pressure on existing health centres and improve access to treatment for densely populated neighbourhoods.

In addition, Sagar demanded the upgradation of Gausia Hospital in Khanyar, stating that the facility caters to a large number of residents from the old city and surrounding localities. Strengthening its infrastructure and services, he said, would significantly improve healthcare delivery in one of the most congested urban zones of Srinagar.

Turning to the education sector, Sagar stressed the urgent need to modernise infrastructure in government run schools. He said many institutions continue to lack adequate classrooms, laboratories, digital learning tools, and recreational facilities. Providing modern amenities to students in public schools, he added, is essential for ensuring equitable educational opportunities and preventing widening gaps between private and government education systems.