MLAs demand bifurcation of ration cards
Nishikant Khajuria
JAMMU, Feb 20: Alleging regional discrimination, BJP MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia today highlighted in the Legislative Assembly how the Jammu region has been treated unfairly compared to the Kashmir Division by the successive Governments in J&K.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
While participating in the discussion on Demand of Grants for the Food Civil Supplies & Consumers Affairs and other departments under Satish Sharma, Mankotia listed the data and disparities in the distribution of fair price shops being run by the Government for providing subsidised food grains to ration card holders under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
Click here to watch video
“We too want J&K as a unit and it should remain so, but the Jammu versus Kashmir has been played by the successive Governments here, not the people,” he said and produced data indicating unfair allotment of fair prize shops, which highlights discrimination with Jammu region.
The BJP MLA disclosed that Udhampur district has 177 fair price shops for catering to the population of 5.56 lakh while Pulwama district with a population of 5.7 lakh has 371 fair price shops. Similarly, he added, Kathua has 6.15 lakh population and 286 fair price shops while Kupwara with a population of 8.5 lakh has 499 fair price shops.
Inviting attention of NC MLA from Poonch, Aijaz Ahmad Jan, Mankotia pointed out that this district with 4.75 lakh population has only 187 fair price shops whereas Kulgam district with less population (4.24 lakh) has 296 fair price shops.
“And now when you (Government) are going to open more fair price shops, Jammu region deserves more outlets as it is almost double than Kashmir in respect of geographical area,” he said and sought complete transparency in the distribution process hoping that no discrimination will be done with Jammu region this time.
Mankotia and several other MLAs also demanded bifurcation of ration cards, which has been pending since long.
NC MLA Mir Saifullah, while participating in the discussion, demanded that deserving and left out people should be included in the AAY category besides extending the benefit of Government ration to the families under APL category. He suggested opening of new ration stores in Government owned structures instead of hiring private accommodations and demanded recruitment of more storekeepers. He also suggested the un-electrified and far flung areas should be given priority in distribution of solar lights.
NC MLA Hasnain Masoodi demanded that new fair price shops should be opened in uncovered areas and more number of solar lights should be provided, particularly to the remote areas where these are needed most. Describing sports as big tool in fight against drug abuse, he stressed the need for major boost to sports activities and infrastructure development for the same, particularly in rural areas.
Expressing concern over continued detention of J&K people in jails across the country, the NC MLA urged the Chief Minister to take up the matter with concerned authorities for relief to these detenues.
Congress MLA from Rajouri, Iftkhar Ahmad demanded bifurcation of ration cards and extending benefit of free LPG cylinders and 10 kg free ration to BPL families also. Expressing serious concern over sale of adulterated food items, he stressed for strict action against those found involved in such activities. He also demanded establishment of an IT Park in Rajouri, introducing Information Technology subject at primary level in all schools, regularization of Rehbar-e-Khel and release of honorarium to NYC volunteers, strengthening of sports infrastructure and RTC bus service to border areas.
NC MLA Abdul Majid Larmi accused the PDP and BJP of damaging interest of common people by extending National Food Safety Act, SARFESI and GST to J&K during their coalition rule. He suggested that instead of giving six free LPG cylinders to each AAY family, the Government should curtail this number to three LPG cylinders and provide the remaining three to BPL category families. He urged the Government to provide Laptops along with printers and other accessories to each MLA.
BJP MLA from Bishnah, Dr Rajiv Bhagat demanded long pending bifurcation of ration cards, Government bus service to left out areas of his constituency, providing facility of volleyball court and coach at village Allah near border, work on cricket stadium in Bajalta and implementation of equal pay for equal work policy for NHM employees till their regularization.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
