J&K Legislative Council passes resolution that Govt opposed

JAMMU:
In an embarrassment for the PDP-BJP Government, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council today passed a resolution moved by opposition National Conference for transfering of two power projects from NHPC to the State despite the ruling combine opposing it.
NC member Qaiser Jamshed Lone moved a resolution in the Council that “this House resolves that all the power projects be returned by NHPC to State Government”, days after the House witnessed an uproar over the Centre’s refusal to hand over Uri and Dul Hasti.
Leader of the House and Education Minister Naeem Akhter said the opposition should not press for the resolution and reminded how a resolution on ‘Greater Autonomy’ passed by the Legislative Assembly during National Conference rule in 2000 was thrown into a “dustbin” by the Centre.
Contending that it had lowered the prestige of the Assembly, he said, “Please do not repeat that mistake again by passing a resolution and lowering the prestige of the House.”
Amid verbal exchanges and noisy scenes, the resolution was put to vote and passed as opposition members were more in strength and the ruling side had just 10 members.
Earlier, Rural Development Minister Abdul Haq Khan, on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh who holds Power portfolio, said Budget mentions that the Government would actively pursue transfer of power projects from NHPC.
The budget also provides for funds for meeting the operation and maintenance cost of such power projects to be transferred from NHPC, Khan said. (AGENCIES)