'Don't snatch our livelihood': Locals say GMC expansion in Baramulla plan threatens hundreds of jobs

November 1, 2025 by News Desk

Shabir Khan

A major controversy has broken out in Baramulla following the government’s proposal to transfer 32 kanals of land belonging to the District Industries Centre (DIC) for the expansion of the Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla.

The move, which authorities describe as part of an effort to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in north Kashmir, has drawn sharp criticism from local traders and residents who fear large-scale displacement and job loss.

According to officials, the Industries & Commerce Department has proposed the transfer of 32 kanals of DIC land to the Health and Medical Education Department for GMC’s expansion.

However, locals claim that the area houses around 200 shops and dozens of small industrial units, and the acquisition would render hundreds jobless.

“There are around 200 shops in that area. This will result in complete worklessness,” said a local resident. “There are dozens working at DIC, what about them?” he added.

Local business owners argue that the decision disregards their livelihood concerns. “Every shop has around two to three salesmen. Where will they go now?” asked a shopkeeper.

“We are happy that the hospital is expanding, but what about the condition of the existing hospitals and the rising cases of medical negligence? Unemployment is increasing, and instead of creating jobs, the government is taking them away.”

The traders also point to the earlier relocation of GMC Baramulla to its new campus, saying that hundreds of shopkeepers near the old hospital are already struggling. “The government should have shifted some departments back to the old hospital building. Those structures are lying in ruins and could be put to good use,” said a young resident. “It would have revived business there instead of displacing more people.”

Political reactions have also begun pouring in. Congress leader Sheikh Amir condemned the decision, calling it highly unjustified.
“No doubt the road is congested, but there must be an alternative. We cannot provide development at the cost of snatching livelihoods,” Amir said.

While the administration maintains that the expansion of GMC Baramulla is essential to meet the region’s growing healthcare needs, locals demand that authorities first formulate a rehabilitation or relocation plan for affected traders before taking possession of the land.

“We are not against development,” said another trader, “but development should not mean destroying what little livelihood we have left.”

As tensions rise, locals have appealed to the Chief Minister of Jammu Kashmir, Omar Abdullah to revisit the decision and find a mutually beneficial solution that ensures both healthcare expansion and protection of local employment.