31/12/2025
Ramban Cannot Be Ignored: Advocate Fairoz Khan Calls for Immediate Intervention from the Chief Minister and Lieutenant Governor on Power Crisis and Hospital Staff Shortage
PRESS RELEASE
Ramban | 31 December 2025
Advocate Fairoz Khan, Senior Congress Leader, today raised serious concern about the growing hardships faced by the people of Ramban district. Speaking to the press, he said the district is battling two major failures this winter: collapsing power services and a dangerous shortage of medical staff across key health institutions.
He said that even after the installation of smart meters, the Power Development Department has been unable to provide a basic and predictable electricity schedule. Residents in Ramban, Maitra, Balote Mahu, Mangit, Khari, Neel, Chaknarwah, Chamalwas, Shagan, Sumar, Harog, Bajmasta, Pogal, K***a, Maligam, Paristan, Chaka, Sarbagni, Thachi, Amkoot, Bankoot, Wagan, Krawa, Chapnari, Nachlana, Ramsoo, Ukharhal, Batroo, Dardahi, Gool, Dharam, Sanagaldan, Rajgarh, Gandhri and many other areas are facing outages that stretch beyond eight hours a day. Most of these cuts happen without prior notice, leaving families, students and traders struggling.
He pointed out that places like Thachi, Wagan, Amkoot, Chamalwas Lower B, Chamalwas Upper, Kralchial and Chaknarwah were left in total darkness for two consecutive days. Power was restored only after repeated calls to officials. He said this reflects a complete breakdown in planning, monitoring and accountability within the department.
The impact of erratic electricity supply has extended to essential services as well. Households dependent on electricity for heating and basic winter needs are being pushed into unsafe and uncomfortable conditions. Advocate Khan said the administration cannot expect people living in hilly, snow-prone belts to survive without a reliable power system.
Along with the power crisis, he highlighted the alarming condition of healthcare services in the district. He said Ramban’s health system is on the edge because of severe staff shortages even in major hospitals. Out of 134 sanctioned posts across District Hospital Ramban, Trauma Centre Ramban and other health units, only 65 are currently filled, leaving 69 posts vacant.
District Hospital Ramban
• Sanctioned posts: 35
• In position: 23
• Vacant: 12
Trauma Centre Ramban
• Sanctioned posts: 14
• In position: 4
• Vacant: 10
He said critical shortages exist in specialist doctors, medical officers, nursing staff, lab and X-ray technicians, paramedical staff and essential support services. This shortage becomes life-threatening during winter months when the Jammu–Srinagar highway remains blocked and emergencies rise sharply.
He added that the situation in other hospitals and health centres is no different. Banihal Hospital, PHC Ukhral, PHC Neel, PHC Ramsoo, PHC Rajgarh and several other units are operating with inadequate manpower. People are being forced to travel long distances for basic medical treatment, which defeats the purpose of having healthcare facilities at the block and tehsil levels.
Calling this a direct administrative failure, Advocate Fairoz Khan urged the Chief Minister to take immediate and decisive measures. He said the Chief Minister, as the elected head of the government, must act without delay to:
• Ensure stable and uninterrupted power supply during winter
• Stop unscheduled and prolonged power cuts, especially in remote belts
• Withdraw the proposed hike in electricity tariffs
• Honour the commitments made to the public regarding fair billing and relief in power charges
He also appealed to the Chief minister and Lieutenant Governor to intervene and restore order. He urged the LG to:
• Conduct a district-level review of PDD’s functioning
• Fix responsibility on officers who have failed to deliver basic services
• Direct the health department to fill all vacant posts in District Hospital Ramban and Trauma Centre
• Ensure steady power supply to all hospitals during winter months
Advocate Khan said electricity and healthcare are not luxuries but essential rights. He warned that if this continued negligence is not addressed immediately, people will have no option but to seek relief through democratic and legal avenues.
He said Ramban has always supported every government program, but the administration should not mistake the patience of the people for weakness. He said this is the time for the government to respond with seriousness, sensitivity and timely action.
