Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Mar 8: Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) today termed the J&K budget “anti-people,” stressing that it failed to reflect the promises made to the public ahead of elections.
Addressing a press conference, AIP State Secretary Sheikh Ashiq said the budget should have included measures for industries and the business sector, but that did not happen.
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“There are a few welfare measures, but they are limited to only a certain section of society. Before the elections, they promised 200 free power units for everyone, but now it has been restricted to a particular group with conditions,” he said.
Ashiq described the promises made before the elections as “hollow” and called the budget presented by the Omar-led Government the same.
“They used promises of free power units, ration, and gas cylinders to lure voters. Earlier, they said free power units would be given to BPL families, but now it is only for the AAY section-and even then, only if they install solar panels under a Government scheme,” he said, terming the budget a “cruel joke.”
The AIP leader pointed out that industrial units have been in a state of “sickness” for years and that the Government should have addressed the issue and presented a roadmap for their revival.
“For job creation and tackling unemployment in J&K, there should have been a roadmap-but it is missing”, he said.
He further stated that the budget lacked significant measures for agriculture, horticulture, and daily wagers, adding that while the Government highlighted a few initiatives, it overlooked major issues.
Sheikh Ashiq also questioned CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, who has previously raised concerns about daily wagers and casual labourers.
“Why didn’t Omar Abdullah’s Government take any steps for them?” he asked, challenging Tarigami to respond.
“The budget does not mention the regularization of daily wagers. There are many unresolved issues, and instead, they have proposed increasing fuel prices and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) taxes by 5%,” he said.
Ashiq said efforts were made in 2021 to reduce ATF tax, but now, “the Government has proposed a substantial increase. In the name of freebies, people will face a price hike in return.”
Warning that the situation for common people “will deteriorate further,” he noted that the budget did not include power amnesty for commercial establishments.
Commenting on the Government’s promise of free bus travel, Sheikh Ashiq questioned its feasibility, citing the lack of State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) vehicles and warning that the cost burden would ultimately fall on the general public.
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