While addressing the media on the sidelines of a training session organized by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) at Bhagat Singh Park, Udhampur, MLA Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania, called upon the Omar Abdullah-led government to come clean on allegations of corruption and uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability in public life.
Pathania said that he has always held Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in high regard and acknowledged that his public image has largely remained untarnished over the years. However, he expressed concern over recent allegations of corruption and irregularities that have surfaced in the public domain, particularly in relation to alleged land and mining-related scams.
He said that reports and widespread public discussion regarding serious corruption charges against certain ministers, including Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, have raised legitimate concerns among the people and warrant a fair, transparent and time-bound inquiry.
Demanding immediate shunting of corrupt ministers from the government he sought a thorough probe into the alleged mining frauds, Pathania stated that continued mining operations on the basis of expired Letters of Intent (LoIs) and without proper renewals and fresh tendering have caused substantial losses to the government exchequer. Illegal and unregulated mining, he said, has not only deprived the state of valuable revenue but has also caused environmental degradation and damage to public infrastructure.
"The government must come clean on these allegations, take decisive action against the corrupt, and reassure the people that it stands for clean and accountable governance," Pathania said.
Later, while interacting with public deputations at his office at Jaganoo Morh, the MLA raised the issue of the stalled drainage culvert project on Dhar Road and called for immediate intervention by the BRO/GREF, Army authorities and the District Administration to resolve the impasse.
He said that the proposed culverts are crucial for restoring the natural drainage system and preventing flooding and waterlogging in areas adjoining Dhar Road. Recalling the extensive damage caused during last year's monsoon, Pathania stressed that public safety and protection of residential areas, agricultural land and public infrastructure must remain the foremost priority.
With the monsoon season approaching, he urged all stakeholders to evolve a practical and coordinated solution so that the sanctioned flood-mitigation works can proceed without further delay in the larger public interest.
Pathania also called for the immediate restoration of drinking water supply schemes damaged during last year's rains and floods. He urged the government to make adequate funds available under relevant schemes, including SASCI, to ensure timely repair and revival of water supply infrastructure across affected areas.
He further demanded restoration and maintenance of irrigation canals, pumping stations and electricity infrastructure, emphasizing that uninterrupted access to drinking water, irrigation and power remains essential for public welfare and economic activity.
The MLA assured the people that he would continue to vigorously pursue all issues concerning public welfare, infrastructure development and good governance before the concerned authorities.