02/09/2026
Sajad Lone Slams J&K Government Over GMC Delay, Governance and Unemployment during press conference at Dak Banglow Kupwara
People’s Conference President and Handwara MLA Sajad Gani Lone concluded his 3 day to Kupwara district and has launched a sharp attack on the Jammu and Kashmir government, accusing it of failing to deliver on development and governance.
Lone raised concerns over the delay in the Government Medical College in Handwara, saying the government had failed to finalise land for the hostel and administrative buildings. He said the delay had resulted in massive cost escalation, with around Rs 115 crore now required, and questioned who would bear the additional cost.
He said identifying the location was the government's responsibility and claimed that the issue could have been resolved quickly if authorities had acted.
Lone also highlighted severe staff shortages and vacant positions in government institutions in the district. Referring to Vilgam Model College, he said the college had impressive infrastructure but lacked adequate academic streams.
Accusing the government of poor governance, Lone said it was focused on transferring officials rather than ensuring development work was completed. He alleged that some officials posted in Handwara were not interested in working and wanted transfers back to cities.
He also raised concerns over low wages for doctors interns, drinking water shortages and what he described as restrictions on MLAs in carrying out development works.
Lone dismissed the National Conference and BJP's Wednesday protests as “complete theatre”, saying such political exercises did not help ordinary people.
He also questioned the National Conference over its promises on Article 370 during the 2024 Assembly elections, accusing it of creating unrealistic expectations among voters.
Calling the government “failed and inefficient”, Lone said unemployment remained Jammu and Kashmir's biggest problem. He strongly criticised the outsourcing of jobs, describing it as a system that converts government jobs into private employment.
