Cutting across party lines, several legislators in the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly urged the government to increase the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and grant a one-time power amnesty for domestic consumers, particularly benefiting poor and marginalized sections.

Key Demands Raised by MLAs

• CDF Increase & Power Amnesty: Multiple MLAs, including those from BJP and National Conference, emphasized the need for higher CDF to address local issues effectively.
• Regularization of Daily Wagers & NHM Employees: MLAs, including BJP’s Rajiv Jasrotia and D.K. Manyal, criticized delays in the regularization of daily wagers and NHM employees, urging immediate action.
• Tourism Promotion & Infrastructure Development:
  • Sajjad Shaheen called for developing Ghoda Gali as a heritage site and Chenab for water rafting.
  • Sharifuddin Shariq highlighted the untapped hydroelectric and tourism potential of Doodh Pathri and Tosamaidan.
• Reforms in Administration & Governance:
  • Mohd Yousuf Tarigami demanded implementation of SRO-17 and minimum wages for daily wagers at par with central standards.
  • Riaz Ahmed sought reforms in the Public Service Commission (PSC) and Services Recruitment Board (SRB) to expedite recruitment.
  • Dr. Narinder Singh emphasized accountability in governance and called for a Refugee Board to address refugee concerns.
• Concerns Over Regional Discrimination:
  • Choudhary Akram and Ghulam Mohiddin Mir alleged development disparities in their constituencies, particularly in border areas like Poonch and Rajouri.
  • Shabbir Ahmed raised concerns over the lack of financial assistance for Muslim migrants.

The MLAs stressed that urgent action on these demands would ensure equitable development, efficient governance, and better living conditions for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.

Legislative Assembly Passes Grants Worth ₹85,430 Crore

Jammu, March 21 – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday announced the reintroduction of the Roshni Scheme in a new form, an increase in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for MLAs, and an extension of the amnesty scheme for domestic electricity consumers. He also proposed the formation of a House Committee to review a salary hike for MLAs, similar to the system followed in Parliament.

The announcements were made during the Chief Minister’s 70-minute reply on the debate for grants of his departments in the Legislative Assembly. The House passed grants worth ₹85,430 crore for 13 departments after all MLAs withdrew their cut motions.

Reviving the Roshni Scheme

Referring to the Roshni Scheme, Omar said that it was originally introduced in 2001 by the then Farooq Abdullah-led government. The law granted ownership rights of state land to unauthorized occupants upon payment, with the goal of generating revenue for power projects. Over the years, successive governments modified the scheme, ultimately leading to its repeal in 2018, followed by a CBI probe.

Omar acknowledged that the scheme could not be defended in court due to amendments made by the PDP-Congress government, which removed land ceiling restrictions. He emphasized the need to bring back the scheme in a new, legally sound form.

Increase in CDF and MLA Salaries

Highlighting concerns raised by legislators, Omar announced an increase in the CDF from ₹3 crore to ₹4 crore per annum.

Regarding MLAs’ salaries, he noted that they had remained unchanged since 2015-16. He proposed forming a House Committee with leaders from various political parties to examine the Parliament model, where MPs’ salaries are revised every five years based on inflation.

He also assured that pensions for former MLAs and honorariums for their personal assistants (PAs) would be increased.

Amnesty Scheme Extended for Domestic Electricity Consumers

As the Minister in charge of the Power Development Department, Omar announced a one-year extension of the amnesty scheme for domestic electricity consumers. However, he made it clear that this would be the final extension. Under the scheme, interest on outstanding dues will be waived, and consumers will need to pay only the principal amount along with monthly rent.

“This is the seventh amnesty scheme. Amnesty is essentially a punishment for those who pay their bills on time,” he remarked.

Article 370 Debate and Verbal Duels in the Assembly

During his address, Omar responded to remarks made by Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma, who had praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing J&K at par with the rest of India by abrogating Article 370.

Omar questioned whether the J&K Assembly was truly equal to other state assemblies in the country. He also criticized BJP’s rhetoric on historical matters, arguing that the party had itself altered the state’s original laws and map, including the removal of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC).

Concerns Over Economic Disparities and Urban Planning

Omar acknowledged economic disparities in J&K and highlighted the need for employment opportunities for local youth. Addressing urban planning issues, he pointed out the inefficiency in utilizing infrastructure such as footpaths, cycle tracks, and parking facilities.

“We need a collective shift in mindset to properly utilize our urban infrastructure,” he said. He also emphasized decongesting cities by developing planned residential townships while ensuring no displacement of locals.

Heritage Preservation and Governance Reforms

The CM announced restoration efforts for 33 heritage sites across J&K, with a budget of ₹65 crore, and plans for 73 more sites at a cost of ₹170 crore. He stressed that heritage defines identity and called for the expedited completion of projects like the Mubarak Mandi restoration.

Additionally, Omar proposed restoring the independent role of the Planning Department, which was merged with the Finance Department, to ensure better governance and policy execution.

Strict Action Against Unauthorized Occupation of Government Property

Highlighting the acute shortage of government accommodation, Omar advocated for vertical housing solutions, citing the Motibagh model in Delhi. However, he condemned unauthorized occupation, stating that action would be taken against those exceeding their entitlement or illegally occupying government property.

Assembly Passes Grants for Various Departments

The Legislative Assembly passed grants totaling ₹85,430 crore for 13 departments after three days of extensive discussion. The allocation included:

• ₹62,703.47 crore – Finance Department
• ₹4,061.30 crore – Housing & Urban Development
• ₹1,963.69 crore – Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction
• ₹810.73 crore – Revenue Department
• ₹762.84 crore – Law Department
• ₹612.80 crore – Tourism
• ₹466.83 crore – Hospitality, Protocol & Estates

Final Remarks and Political Jibes

Referring to BJP MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia’s remarks about his leadership style, Omar humorously compared his approach to cricket.

“I have not changed the game; I have only changed my tactics. Earlier, I was bowling fast because the Australian pitches support pace, but now I am bowling spin because BCCI pitches favor spin. The goal remains the same – to win,” he said, drawing applause from his party members.

He concluded his speech by urging legislators to avoid religiously sensitive comments and maintain decorum in political discourse.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the prestigious Viksit Bharat Samvad ‘EDGE 2025’ in Kanpur today, where he called upon civil society members, youth, and industry stakeholders to contribute towards achieving two major national goals—making India a $5 trillion economy by 2026 and realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

In his keynote address, Sinha emphasized the need for rapid reforms and collaborative efforts to enhance the global competitiveness of every economic sector. “Given the global economic upheaval, trade uncertainties, and geopolitical situations, we need to focus on transforming India into a global hub for design and manufacturing,” he stated.

Harnessing Demographic Dividend

The Lieutenant Governor stressed the importance of leveraging India’s demographic dividend. “While the world is ageing, young India is rising. This demographic advantage, combined with innovation, industries, and technology (IIT), will ensure India’s steady economic growth towards achieving the $5 trillion economy target by 2026,” he said.

He further underlined the need to skill, reskill, and upskill the youth to keep pace with technological advancements. “Our next resolution should be to equip our young workforce with cutting-edge skills to take advantage of global opportunities,” Sinha added.

Boosting Domestic Production & Foreign Investment

Addressing the industrial and business community, Sinha stressed reducing dependence on external markets by focusing on the domestic production of critical goods. “To become a manufacturing colossus by 2029, we must have a long-term strategy on foreign investment and develop strong domestic supply chains,” he remarked.

He urged business leaders to focus on creating rural enterprises connected to global markets. “I want to see a new partnership between Panchayats and Industry across the country. This will accelerate inclusive development and create a prosperous society where all sections enjoy the benefits of economic growth,” he said.

Infrastructure & Industrial Growth

Highlighting India’s development journey under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Sinha spoke about the revolutionary changes taking place across various sectors, especially in Jammu and Kashmir.

He also noted Kanpur’s revival, which was once known as the “Manchester of the East” for its leather and textile industry. “The groundwork for Kanpur’s accelerated industrial development has been laid, and soon, the city will reclaim its lost glory,” he asserted.

He pointed out that exports from Kanpur have significantly increased, and the region is attracting major investments in textiles, leather, and defense manufacturing. “This old industrial hub will power the journey of Viksit Bharat,” he remarked.

A Platform for Growth & Collaboration

The Lieutenant Governor commended the collective initiative of the Rotary Club of Kanpur Gaurav, Confederation of Indian Industries, and Prout Solicitors LLP for providing a meaningful platform for impactful discussions and strategic collaborations.

“Events like these help in shaping India’s all-round progress and contribute towards a prosperous and self-reliant nation,” he concluded

The deaths of 17 civilians in the remote village of Badhaal, Budhal area of Rajouri district, between December and January, have sparked intense debate in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Lawmakers, led by NC legislator Javed Choudhary, have demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter, citing possible links to similar deaths in Billawar (Kathua) and Kulgam.

The discussion unfolded during the Question Hour, as Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo informed the House that clinical reports and laboratory investigations indicated the deaths were not due to bacterial or viral diseases. Instead, toxic elements such as aluminium, cadmium, and various chemical compounds were found in food and environmental samples.

Scientific Findings Raise Alarming Questions

Reports from esteemed institutions revealed:

• PGIMER Chandigarh detected the presence of aluminium and cadmium.
• CSIR-IITS Lucknow found Aldicarb sulphate and Acetamipride Dlethyil dithiocarbamate.
• DRDI-DRDO Gwalior discovered Chlorphenapyr and Abrin in food samples.
• NFL, FSSAI Ghaziabad identified Chlorphenapyr and Chlorpyrophos.
• CFSL Chandigarh confirmed Chlorphenapyr, an insecticide, in the viscera samples of all 17 deceased.

While authorities continue to investigate the source of contamination, forensic and toxicological analyses are underway. Health and police departments are collaborating to trace the origin of the poisoning and prevent further casualties.

Legislators Demand Higher-Level Probe

Javed Choudhary questioned, “The scientific findings confirm poisoning, but who administered the toxins and why?” He emphasized the need for an impartial inquiry, stating that the deaths should not be viewed in isolation but as part of a possible larger conspiracy.

Supporting the demand for a CBI probe, Independent MLA Choudhary Akram expressed frustration over the lack of answers. CPIM leader M Y Tarigami echoed similar concerns, suggesting potential external threats beyond Badhaal village.

“We must ascertain if there are invisible hands behind this tragedy that could pose risks to other regions. We need to reach the root cause of the case,” said Tarigami.

Minister Urges Patience, Assures Ongoing Inquiry

In response, Minister Sakina Itoo requested lawmakers to await the outcome of the ongoing investigation. She assured that if further actions are required, the government will take appropriate steps.

Government’s Response and Measures Taken

The minister outlined key measures taken to address the crisis:

• Deployment of expert clinical teams from PGIMER Chandigarh and AIIMS New Delhi.
• Admission of 64 patients to GMC Rajouri, of whom 41 have been discharged.
• Referral of 17 critical patients to GMC Jammu and one patient to PGIMER Chandigarh.
• Implementation of a standardized treatment policy devised by AIIMS and PGI Chandigarh.
• Establishment of an isolation ward at SMGS Hospital, Jammu, with specialist doctors deployed.

Timeline of the Crisis

• December 7, 2024 – The first cluster of deaths was reported, initially suspected to be food poisoning.
• December 12, 2024 – A second wave of cases intensified concerns.
• January 14, 2025 – A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to probe the mysterious deaths.

Additionally, the Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri has provided financial assistance to the bereaved families from the Red Cross fund.

Public Outcry Grows

As the mystery deepens, calls for a transparent and independent investigation are growing louder. With legislators and citizens demanding justice, all eyes are now on the government’s next move. The findings of the ongoing probe are expected to determine whether this was a case of accidental contamination or something far more sinister.