Srinagar, Mar 5, MLA Hazratbal, Salman Sagar, on Tuesday raised two key public concerns in the Assembly, focusing on the need for better ambulance services in rural areas and the long-pending issue of contractor payments under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS).
Expressing concern over healthcare accessibility, Sagar questioned the government about the availability of ambulance services in Zakoora, Faqir Gujri, and Khimber. In response, the government assured that ambulances would soon be provided to Zakoora and Khimber under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), while Faqir Gujri already has one in service. Additionally, officials confirmed that a Critical Care 4×4 ambulance is expected to be deployed in Faqir Gujri soon, while a Critical Care (108) ambulance stationed at Darbagh Harwan will cater to emergencies in the region. The MLA welcomed these developments, emphasizing the importance of strengthening emergency medical infrastructure in remote areas.
Sagar also took up the issue of delayed payments to contractors under MPLADS, questioning why a portion of the funds had been withheld despite adherence to procedural formalities. He stressed that codal norms should be applied uniformly and urged the government to expedite the disbursement of pending payments. The matter, he said, would be revisited during the cut motion to ensure justice for the affected contractors.
Reiterating his commitment to public welfare, Sagar said he would continue to raise critical issues to ensure transparency and accountability in governance.
