Sunil Sharma, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the J&K Legislative Assembly, met with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today to discuss key issues concerning the upcoming Budget Session. The session is set to commence tomorrow, marking an important phase for legislative discussions in the Union Territory.

Focus on Budget Priorities
During the meeting, Sharma emphasized the need for addressing critical public concerns, including economic development, employment generation, and infrastructural growth in Jammu & Kashmir. He urged the administration to ensure that the budget reflects the aspirations and needs of the people.

Legislative Agenda & Public Welfare
Sharma also stressed the importance of a transparent and accountable governance system, highlighting key areas that require urgent government attention. He reiterated the opposition’s commitment to voicing public grievances and ensuring a fair and balanced budget debate in the Assembly.

LG’s Assurance for Inclusive Development
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assured that the upcoming Budget Session will focus on holistic development, welfare programs, and economic reforms aimed at boosting J&K’s progress. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring a people-centric approach in policymaking.

Political Significance of the Meeting
The discussion comes at a crucial juncture, as political leaders prepare to engage in intense deliberations over financial allocations and policy initiatives. The opposition is expected to play a vital role in scrutinizing the budget proposals and advocating for measures that benefit the common people.

JKPCC president Tariq Hameed Karra strongly criticized the BJP for failing to fulfill its commitment to restore Jammu & Kashmir’s statehood. Addressing a massive gathering of Congress workers in Bishnah, he accused the BJP of punishing the people of J&K simply because they did not receive the mandate to rule in the recent Assembly elections.

BJP Ruling by Proxy
Karra alleged that the BJP, despite not securing a mandate, now seeks to govern through the LG administration. He termed this move as a “betrayal” and a clear violation of repeated commitments made to the people, as well as a defiance of the Supreme Court’s directive for early restoration of statehood.

Congress Demands Full Statehood
Reaffirming the Congress party’s commitment, Karra emphasized the mission of “Jai Bapu Jai Bhim Jai Samvidhan,” advocating for full statehood and constitutional rights. The rally, organized in Salerh, Bishnah by AICC secretary Neeraj Kundan, was attended by senior party leaders and supporters.

Historical Betrayal & Dogra Legacy
Karra criticized the ruling party for erasing historical contributions, stating that those in power today had no role in India’s freedom struggle. He recalled the legacy of Dogra warriors who expanded the boundaries of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh up to Gilgit-Baltistan. He accused the BJP of dismantling the historical Dogra state and forcing the people, especially Dogras, to take to the streets to demand justice.

People’s Issues Raised
Neeraj Kundan expressed gratitude to the people of Bishnah for their support in the elections and pledged to continue serving them. He highlighted the pressing issues of smart meters, unjust electricity disconnections, and the eviction of poor farmers from lands they have cultivated for decades.

Massive Support for Congress
Working president Raman Bhalla thanked the people for their overwhelming support, citing over 40,000 votes in the Lok Sabha elections and continued backing in the Assembly polls. He highlighted the suffering of border residents due to BJP policies.

Dogra Struggle & Call for Constitutional Safeguards
Senior leaders, including Tara Chand and ex-MP Ch. Lal Singh, denounced BJP’s actions, accusing them of snatching away the Dogra state against the will of the people. They condemned the exploitation of J&K’s resources, land, and job opportunities post the abrogation of special status. The leaders called for strong constitutional safeguards to protect future generations.

Congress Leadership Stands United
The event witnessed the presence of prominent Congress leaders, including Yogesh Sawhney, Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma, Hari Singh Chib, Indu Pawar, MLA Iftikhar Ahmed, Manmohan Singh, M.K. Bhardwaj, Narinder Sharma, Vijay Sharma, Dwarka Chaudhary, and Ajay Lakhotra.

Working President of JKPCC and former Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand, today strongly criticized political parties for failing to fulfill their promises made during elections. He said that after securing power, these parties abandon their commitments, leaving the public to suffer hardships.

Tara Chand particularly lashed out at the BJP, accusing it of betraying the people of Jammu and Kashmir by delaying the restoration of Statehood and withholding Constitutional Rights for jobs and land ownership. He demanded that individuals cultivating land for a long time be granted ownership rights.

Burning Public Issues Raised

Addressing a gathering, the former Deputy CM highlighted multiple challenges faced by the people, especially the unemployed youth. He strongly advocated for:

• Regularization of daily wagers, need-based workers, and contractual employees who have been working for years on meager wages.
• Consideration of genuine demands of employees, pensioners, farmers, traders, and transporters.
• Reduction in multiple taxes affecting people amidst skyrocketing inflation and record unemployment rates.

Employment Crisis in J&K

Tara Chand criticized the government for its failure in recruitment drives, stating that nearly one lakh government posts remain vacant across various departments. He urged the administration to launch a time-bound recruitment drive with preference to local youth.

He further demanded one-time age relaxation for overaged candidates who suffered due to mismanaged recruitment processes over the past ten years.

Welfare Demands for People

Calling for urgent relief measures, Tara Chand proposed:

• Enhancement of old-age pensions, widow pensions, and disability pensions to help the most vulnerable cope with rising costs of living.
• Restoration of 11 kg ration per head, similar to what people received a decade ago.
• Abolition of water tax in both urban and rural areas.
• 200 units of free electricity for households consuming 200 units or less per month.

Government Must Act

Tara Chand emphasized that the government should immediately address these pressing concerns to bring relief to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He warned that continued neglect could lead to widespread unrest and dissatisfaction among the masses.

The people of J&K, he asserted, deserve dignity, economic stability, and justice—not unfulfilled promises and political deception.

Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, held a mega public outreach camp at Mendhar, engaging with delegations and individuals to address their pressing issues and developmental concerns.

Local Concerns and Government’s Commitment

The public grievances camp focused on multiple issues, including:

• Water Supply: Ensuring safe drinking water for every household.
• Healthcare Services: Strengthening medical facilities in the region.
• Forest Rights Act Implementation: Addressing tribal concerns and land rights.
• PMAY-G & Tribal Welfare: Reviewing housing schemes and tribal development projects.
• Road Connectivity: Improving infrastructure for better accessibility.
• Eklavya Model Residential Schools: Demand for quality education facilities for tribal students.

The Minister assured the people that their concerns would be addressed in a time-bound manner and emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring good governance and effective public service delivery.

Key Government Initiatives

Rana highlighted major initiatives undertaken by the administration:

• Strengthening the water supply network under the Jal Shakti Department.
• Effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act to empower tribals.
• Development of better healthcare infrastructure.
• Expansion of road connectivity projects.
• Enhanced focus on rainwater harvesting and conservation efforts through check dams.

Directives for Swift Action

The Minister directed line departments to expedite the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) to ensure timely execution of developmental works. He also instructed the Irrigation, Flood Control, and Forest Departments to prioritize water and soil conservation efforts, highlighting the significance of rainwater harvesting projects.

A Step Towards Development

The outreach camp marked a significant step towards bridging the gap between the government and the people, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to resolving grassroots-level issues efficiently.