Asif Iqbal Naik
Jammu, Feb 10, 2026:
Former Minister and Ex-MLA Doda, Abdul Majid Wani, on Tuesday met the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir at Raj Bhavan, Jammu, and submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting ten major public demands concerning the Chenab Valley region, with special focus on Doda district.
During the meeting, Wani apprised the Lieutenant Governor about the long-pending developmental, educational, healthcare and employment-related issues faced by the people of Chenab Valley and sought urgent intervention for balanced and inclusive regional development.
The memorandum calls for the sanctioning of a Government Degree College for Women at Doda, with directions to the administration for fast-track identification and acquisition of land for the institution. It also seeks the establishment of a National Law University (NLU) and a Cluster University under the RUSA framework for the Chenab Valley region to expand higher education avenues for local youth.
Highlighting issues of social justice, Abdul Majid Wani urged the Lieutenant Governor to consider granting Pahadi (ST) status to the people of Chenab Valley, stating that the demand has remained unaddressed for decades.
On connectivity and infrastructure, the former minister stressed the need for sanctioning the Dessa–Kapran tunnel to provide all-weather connectivity between Chenab Valley and Kashmir Valley, which would boost economic activity and improve accessibility during emergencies.
The memorandum also emphasizes reservation in employment for local residents in power projects on River Chenab, aimed at preventing migration of local labour to other states and Union Territories. In the health sector, Wani demanded posting of more specialized doctors at Government Medical College (GMC) Doda to strengthen tertiary healthcare services.
Further, he called for development and promotion of tourism destinations in Doda district and Chenab Valley, regularization of casual labourers and daily wagers across Jammu and Kashmir, and focused efforts for promotion of horticulture and agriculture to improve rural livelihoods.
Abdul Majid Wani expressed hope that under the leadership of the Lieutenant Governor, the genuine and pressing demands of the people of Chenab Valley would receive due consideration and timely action, paving the way for sustainable development and employment generation in the region.
