Doda, Sept 29: Doda MLA Mehraj Malik has claimed that two private resolutions moved by him in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly—one seeking the creation of separate administrative divisions or Hill Development Councils for remote mountainous regions, and another seeking reforms in the Village and Block Development Advisory mechanism—were not admitted by the government for discussion.
Sharing copies of the proposed resolution on social media, Malik said he had submitted the measures in the Assembly but they were not taken up. The resolution argues that several hilly and geographically remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir continue to face developmental challenges due to difficult terrain, scattered populations, poor connectivity and limited access to essential public services.
According to the text of the resolution, regions such as Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal in the Jammu region, as well as North Kashmir and South Kashmir in the Kashmir region, possess distinct geographical and developmental characteristics that require focused administrative attention. The proposal notes that residents of remote districts often face inadequate road connectivity, limited healthcare facilities, shortages of educational institutions, weak communication networks, drinking water issues and restricted employment opportunities.
The resolution further states that the existing administrative arrangement sometimes results in geographically distant areas receiving delayed administrative attention and slower developmental interventions because of challenging terrain and long distances from divisional headquarters.
Proposal for Separate Divisions
One of the key recommendations in the resolution is the creation of separate administrative divisions, wherever legally and administratively feasible. Under this proposal, Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal would be carved out as separate divisions from the existing Jammu Division, while North Kashmir and South Kashmir could be considered for separate administrative divisions within the Kashmir region.
As an alternative, the resolution proposes the establishment of Hill Development Councils for eligible hilly and geographically difficult districts. Such councils would be provided with financial, administrative and planning powers aimed at accelerating development in remote areas.
The document also recommends dedicated development plans and funding mechanisms for roads, bridges, healthcare, education, drinking water, electricity, telecommunications, tourism, agriculture and employment generation. It further calls for special priority to remote and border villages suffering from poor connectivity and developmental disadvantages.
Additionally, the resolution seeks the constitution of a high-level committee to examine the feasibility, jurisdiction, financial implications and administrative structure of separate divisions or Hill Development Councils and submit recommendations within a prescribed timeframe.
Long-Standing Demand in Chenab Valley
The demand for a separate Chenab Valley Division, comprising the districts of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban, is not new. According to The Chenab Times, political parties, civil society groups and regional activists have periodically raised the issue, arguing that the mountainous region faces unique developmental and administrative challenges that require a dedicated divisional setup. Similar demands have also been raised for the Pir Panjal region consisting primarily of Rajouri and Poonch districts.
Supporters of the demand argue that a separate division could bring decision-making closer to the people, reduce administrative delays and ensure more focused planning for infrastructure, disaster management, education, healthcare and tourism. They contend that the vast geographical spread of the Jammu Division often makes it difficult for remote districts to receive timely administrative attention.
Over the years, alternative proposals such as a Chenab Valley Hill Development Council have also been put forward. In 2000, a proposal seeking a Hill Development Council for the region was raised in the Assembly, while successive governments have periodically discussed various mechanisms for addressing developmental imbalances in mountainous districts.
Political Context
The issue of regional administrative restructuring has remained part of Jammu and Kashmir’s political discourse for years. Various parties and leaders have at different times supported examining separate divisions or special development mechanisms for geographically isolated regions. The demand gained renewed attention after repeated calls for greater administrative decentralisation and equitable development in remote districts.
While Malik’s resolutions were not admitted for discussion, his latest move has once again brought the debate over administrative reforms, regional representation and balanced development in Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal and other remote regions of Jammu and Kashmir into the spotlight.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
