In Her Maiden Assembly Speech Devyani Rana Raises Concerns Over Disaster Fund Cuts, Civic Issues

Jammu: Nagrota MLA Devyani Rana on Saturday paid homage to her late father and senior political leader Devender Singh Rana while raising concerns over significant reductions in disaster management allocations and a range of civic issues affecting Jammu and Kashmir.

Participating in the Budget discussion during the ongoing session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Rana, in her maiden speech, termed the cut in disaster management funding “deeply concerning,” particularly in the context of increasing climate-related vulnerabilities in the Union Territory.

Speaking on the Budget presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, she stressed the need for stronger preparedness, resilient infrastructure and equitable relief mechanisms, cautioning that reduced allocations could undermine the region’s ability to respond to floods, landslides and extreme weather events.

Rana also drew the House’s attention to the working conditions of sanitation workers, urging the government to assume responsibility for those employed in cleaning public toilets and sanitation facilities. She called for ensuring regular and fair wages for the workers, describing their services as essential to public health and dignity.

Highlighting deficiencies in the power sector, the Nagrota legislator described the condition of the Power Development Department (PDD) as “disturbing,” particularly with regard to capital expenditure and infrastructure development. She noted that inadequate systems and frequent power shortages continue to inconvenience residents, including in the capital region.

Concluding her address, Rana reminded the government of its obligation towards the electorate, stating that elected representatives must address public grievances with sincerity and urgency.