Dear Editor, Time and again labeling regions of Jammu with names related to Kashmir and setting wrong narrative is ridiculous, negligence in education policies and Film Tourism Opportunities of Union Territory continues unfortunately. This is not the first time we witnessed such a biased narrative to label regions like Bhadarwah, Kishtwar, Banihal in Ramban District of Jammu division and now noticed Dessa Valley as Mini-Kashmir, Chotta Kashmir, Little Kashmir etc. It is a fact that we equally support Kashmir Tourism and administration development initiatives in UT of Jammu and Kashmir. The bigger question we must ask is how we promote development of Jammu region equitably? By promoting culture, music, languages of regions including those officially recognized? Projecting identity and heritage of regions of Jammu to the world outside and promote cultural, religious tourism? Bhadarwahi Qaida or script authored by Rajinder Singh, an Educationist by Profession from Tehsil Chiralla, publication orders by Joint Director, Chief Planning Officer Doda got implemented in schools? Moreover, biased and partisan behavior against Jammu Division is vehemently visible by recent neglects with Jammu as several destinations were identified in Kashmir division for development and places like Bhadarwah ignored all together. Neglecting promotion or development of tourism in Jammu division despite natural resources like mesmerizing valleys of Bhadarwah, locations like Jai Valley, Seoj Medows, Jantroon Top, Bhal Padri, Sarthal Bani Valley, Chattergala Pass, Lal Draman, Kellar Valley, Dessa Valley, Bhalessa Valley, Dudu Basantgarh in Udhampur and amazing beauty of Kishtwar. Further, only Rs 4 crore expenditure was done by Directorate of Jammu Tourism against Rs 30 crore budgets at their disposal? In education sector also, Jammu witnessed discrimination as for 4-year honours courses, as per media reports, only 27 colleges were selected across Kashmir Valley against 8 colleges of Jammu Division. Similarly for 5-year honours courses, 12 colleges were selected across Valley against just 5 colleges in Jammu Division. Pending Implementation and execution of Bhadarwahi Qaida or script in school curriculum- initiatives to preserve and promote Bhadarwahi Language that directly has influence on multiple local dialects including Sarazi, Padri, Pogli, Pahari, Gaddi and Bhalessi etc. Govt must make every effort to introduce in new education policy but its unfortunate that multiple efforts in past have gone unnoticed. Further, in Jammu and Kashmir UT official calendar, regions of erstwhile Doda couldn’t find space. So, we humbly request and question administration and District Development (PRI’s) representatives will anyone visit Mini Switzerland when you travel from India, or you will buy tickets for Switzerland? How will you attract tourists to such places labeled as Mini, Chotta, Little Kashmir? Won’t tourists from outside directly land or prefer to land in Kashmir hampering efforts for promoting Jammu region tourism? Why playing with original identity of such places of historical significance – with rich culture, traditions, music and great examples of brotherhood. How will we promote education and bring new opportunities? How will we generate various employment opportunities – with tourism being primary? As per reports, during the current financial year 2021-22, the budget of the Directorate of Tourism Jammu was reportedly kept at Rs 30 crore for upgradation and improvement of tourism infrastructure in different parts of Jammu division and to build the requisite infrastructure in newly identified areas in order to attract tourists there but failed to leverage it. Who is responsible for it and what actions are taken in that regard? The issues are of great concern and it’s our effort to bring to notice of administration to take cognizance of such events and kindly review administration websites information. Do we have a review process or board appointed? If not, we suggest creating such positions to leverage digital transformations leveraging technology, hiring right talent for such important roles in important government offices. So, we the responsible people of Jammu Division appeal to the concerned authorities to take corrective actions on negligence or engage right subject matter experts on tourism, policy making, promoting languages and set right narratives to support peace and harmony leading to plan for equitable development for Jammu region, following the Mantra ‘Sab Ka Saath Sab Ka Vikas’. We do appreciate all the efforts from administration & PRIs and understand our voices will not go unheard. We feel it’s the responsibility of citizens, social workers to bring to attention of administration to have checks and balances to verify correctness of information and narratives before publishing on official handles, Govt websites or other social networking websites. Jai Hind Jai Bharat.
