Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 30: Provincial president of National Conference (NC), Advocate Rattan Lal Gupta, has expressed deep concern over the under-utilization of central funds meant for development and safety infrastructure in border areas.
Citing data obtained through a recent RTI, Gupta revealed that only 53% of the allocated central funds over the past five years have been spent under the current LG administration. In a strongly worded statement issued today, Gupta termed the poor fund utilization as “criminal neglect” of border residents who live under constant threat due to frequent cross-border shelling.
“Despite receiving generous financial support from the Centre, the LG-led dispensation has failed to construct even the most critical safety measures like underground bunkers for border civilians,” he said.
Highlighting what he called the broader failure of governance, the senior NC leader alleged that no meaningful development has taken place in Jammu and Kashmir during the BJP’s ten-year rule. “Most funds under vital social welfare schemes have either lapsed or remained unutilized,” he added.
Gupta also criticized the LG administration for continuing to act as a “parallel power centre” even after the formation of the elected Government led by Omar Abdullah. “This undermines democratic principles. If the Centre claims normalcy has been restored, then elected representatives must be allowed to govern without interference,” he said.
Reiterating his party’s long-standing demand, Gupta called for the immediate restoration of full Statehood to J&K. He asserted that Statehood is a constitutional right that must no longer be denied.
He also referred to a recent open letter addressed to Chief Justice of India B R Gavai by five eminent citizens – including former Union Home Secretary Gopal Pillai and Air Vice Marshal (retired) Kapil Kak – urging the Supreme Court to form a constitutional bench to examine the legality of the revocation of J&K’s Statehood.
“This plea echoes the sentiments of every citizen in the region. The Centre must act now and restore Statehood to ensure fair and effective governance,” Gupta concluded.
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