Tangmarg/Gulmarg, May 06 (KNO): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated a state-of-the-art multi-purpose indoor sports complex at Government Degree College (GDC) Tangmarg, developed at a cost of ₹2.75 crore under the CAPEX budget, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure and youth engagement across Jammu and Kashmir.
The newly established facility, located within the college premises, is equipped with modern indoor sports infrastructure, including arenas for badminton, table tennis, carrom, and billiards. The complex aims to promote a vibrant sports culture and encourage greater participation of youth in physical activities, particularly during harsh weather conditions in the region.
Minister for Education Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Gulmarg Pirzada Farooq Ahmed Shah, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, Commissioner Secretary Ram Niwas, Director Colleges, Principal GDC Tangmarg, and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
Following the inauguration, the Chief Minister toured the complex and interacted with students. In a lively engagement, he also participated in indoor games including billiards, table tennis, and badminton alongside students and colleagues, drawing enthusiastic applause and appreciation from the gathering.
Earlier, the Chief Minister launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan signature campaign from the college premises, urging students to actively contribute towards building a drug-free society.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasized the pivotal role of youth in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Our children are our future. We are making every possible effort to secure a brighter tomorrow for them, but it is equally important to prepare them for the responsibilities ahead. The development of Jammu and Kashmir in the coming years will largely depend on the role played by our youth,” he said.
Highlighting the challenges faced by students in accessing quality higher education within the region, Omar Abdullah noted that the lack of private universities had compelled many families to send their children outside Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in significant financial burden.
“We estimate that every year, nearly ₹1,000 to ₹1,200 crore is spent on tuition fees alone by students studying outside J&K, excluding travel and living expenses. This places immense pressure on families,” he said.
He said that the government has taken a landmark decision to allow the establishment of private universities in Jammu and Kashmir, with the necessary legislation already passed and rules being finalized.
“Once the framework is in place, we will invite reputed institutions to set up campuses here. With our unmatched natural beauty and climate, places like Tangmarg can emerge as ideal education hubs, attracting students from across the country,” he added.
Recalling his earlier tenure as Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah noted that the GDC Tangmarg project was conceptualized and approved in 2011, expressing satisfaction at witnessing its growth and the enthusiasm of students.
He also lauded the newly constructed indoor sports complex, stating that such facilities are essential in regions with prolonged winters and frequent rainfall.
“In a place like Tangmarg, where outdoor activities are often restricted due to weather, such indoor infrastructure ensures that our youth remain active and engaged throughout the year,” he said, adding in a lighter vein that he looks forward to returning and playing badminton with students.
The Chief Minister further highlighted key initiatives undertaken by the government for youth empowerment, including free bus travel for women in government buses, large-scale government recruitment, and self-employment support through the Mission Yuva programme.
“We aim to provide 20,000 to 25,000 government jobs this year. At the same time, we are enabling young entrepreneurs by facilitating easy access to loans without the need for guarantees, with the government acting as a guarantor,” he said.
He also spoke about the government’s focus on skill development in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and horticulture to make youth self-reliant and strengthen the region’s economy.
“Our goal is to build a self-sufficient Jammu and Kashmir where we rely on our own strengths and resources. The youth will be at the forefront of this transformation,” he added.
Later, the Chief Minister inaugurated a new block of the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Gulmarg, constructed at a cost of ₹203.80 lakh under CAPEX.
He inspected various sections of the facility, including the OPD, Emergency Room, pharmacy, X-ray unit, and wards, and reviewed the healthcare services being provided to locals and tourists.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Minister for Health & Medical Education Sakina Itoo, MLA Gulmarg Pirzada Farooq Ahmed Shah, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla S.F. Hamid, SSP Baramulla, and other concerned officers—(KNO)