| Birth date | 20 February 1927 |
|---|---|
| Birth place | Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, British India |
| Death date | 12 February 1995 (aged 67) |
| Death place | New Delhi, India |
| Party | Indian National Congress |
| Other party | Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (before 1964) |
| Alma mater | Prince of Wales College, Jammu |
| Office | Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs |
| Term start | 30 June 1970 |
| Term end | 24 March 1977 |
| Prime minister | Indira Gandhi |
| Minister |
|
| Office 1 | Union Minister of State for Home Affairs (Personnel and Administrative Reforms) |
| Term start 1 | 10 October 1974 |
| Term end 1 | 24 March 1977 |
| Prime minister 1 | Indira Gandhi |
| Minister 1 | Kasu Brahmananda Reddy |
| Office 2 | Union Minister of State for Works and Housing |
| Term start 2 | 5 February 1973 |
| Term end 2 | 10 October 1974 |
| Minister 2 | Bhola Paswan Shastri |
| Prime minister 2 | Indira Gandhi |
| Office 3 | Union Minister of State for Shipping and Transport |
| Term start 3 | 2 May 1971 |
| Term end 3 | 5 February 1973 |
| Prime minister 3 | Indira Gandhi |
| Minister 3 | Raj Bahadur |
| Office 4 | Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha |
| Term start 4 | 3 June 1964 |
| Term end 4 | 2 April 1982 |
| Constituency 4 | Jammu and Kashmir |
Om Mehta (20 February 1927 – 12 February 1995) was an Indian politician who served as the Minister of State for Home, Personnel, and Parliamentary Affairs with independent charge during the Indian Emergency under Indira Gandhi's government. Mehta played a notable role within the Indian National Congress, contributing to various development initiatives, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir.
Early life and education
Om Mehta was born on 20 February 1927 in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, then part of British India. He attended Prince of Wales College, now known as Gandhi Memorial Science College, in Jammu. Mehta initially joined the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference in 1947 and later moved to the Indian National Congress in 1964.[1]
Political career
Mehta began his political journey as a member of the National Conference, serving on the Legislative Council of Jammu and Kashmir in 1957 and 1959. He advocated for development initiatives in Kishtwar and played a role in creating employment opportunities for the region. In 1962, he was appointed Director General of the J&K Cooperative Bank and was an active member of various committees, including the Bharat Sewak Sangh, the Panchayati Raj Committee, the Red Industries Board, and the Constitution Club in New Delhi.[2]
In 1964, he joined the Indian National Congress and was elected to the Rajya Sabha (upper house of Parliament) as a representative from Jammu and Kashmir. He served on the Public Accounts Committee from 1966 to 1968. During his tenure, Mehta was appointed to various ministerial roles, including the Union Minister of Aviation and Transport in 1971 and, later, the Minister of State for Home Affairs from 1974 to 1977, where he held independent charge.[2]
Contributions
Mehta was instrumental in various development projects in Jammu and Kashmir. Some of his notable contributions include:[2]
- Initiating the Dul Hasti Hydroelectric Plant.
- Developing the Batote-Kishtwar National Highway.
- Improving infrastructure through projects like the Kishtwar-Manali border road and the Bhadarwah-Chamba road.
- Enhancing the water supply systems in Kishtwar.
His work in the Congress and his close association with Indira Gandhi allowed him to advocate effectively for Jammu and Kashmir's development at the national level.[1]
Later life and legacy
Om Mehta's career reflected a dedication to the welfare of Jammu and Kashmir. His contributions to the region's infrastructure and public projects earned him significant respect. He died on 12 February 1995 in New Delhi, remembered for his efforts in both regional and national politics.[2]
A road in Kishtwar town has been named in Om Mehta’s honor as "Om Mehta Road," recognizing his contributions to the region's development and his service to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.[3]
References
- ^ "Om Mehta, a beacon light from Kishtwar, Jammu remembered by NPP on his 22nd Death Anniversary - The News Now". The News Now. Retrieved 2020-12-21.
- ^ "Political Personalities of Kishtwar". MyKishtwar. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ "Jammu and Kashmir State Dashboard - District Kishtwar". Ujala Government Website. Archived from the original on 18 September 2021. Retrieved 2024-11-02.
External links
- from the publishers of THE HINDU 27 March 2005 at the Wayback Machine(Inactive as of 14 April 2008)
- Biography of Om Mehta[dead link]
- [1]