Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, Feb 16: Opposition BJP MLAs clashed with ruling alliance twice during the discussions on annual budget in the State Assembly in the second sitting today after the former advocated for the abrogation of Article 370 granting special status to the State.
The Assembly witnessed two clashes between the ruling alliance and Opposition BJP members first when BJP Legislative Party leader, Ashok Khajuria made a reference to Article 370 while speaking on the annual budget proposals for 2014-15 and it was followed by another clash between ruling alliance leaders and BJP MLA from Nagrota, Jugal Kishore Sharma when he too made a reference to Article 370 while participating in the debate on annual budget.
Khajuria in his remarks while targeting alliance said “you are talking of Article 370 which has nothing to do with the debate on budget”.
He accused the ruling alliance of being afraid of Modi and said “you have developed Modi phobia. You should come out of this phobia” and demanded that Article 370 be abrogated.
Retorting him, Minister of R&B, Abdul Majid Wani stood up from his seat and said that Article 370 abrogation would be on our dead bodies and no one can abrogate it.
He was supported by NC MLA, Nasir Aslam Wani and G M Saroori of his Party. Saroori said no power on earth can abrogate Article 370. He said “Jab Tak Suraj Chand Rahay Ga, Dafah 370 Rahay Ga”. (Till there is Sun and Moon, the Article 370 will be there).
Later when Jugal also stood up to speak on budget and said the State Government is blaming Centre for every problem when the Article 370 was the cause for it. He said “if the Article is abrogated the situation will be far better in the State”.
He was again retorted by alliance leaders including Minister of R&B, Abdul Majid Wani, MLA Nasir Aslam Wani, G M Saroori and others. However Congress MLA, M S Niaz stood up from his seat and said that no such issue be raised during the debate which is not linked to the budget. This pacified the members.
Jugal, while assailing the budget said it has not given any relief to common man. The expectations of daily wagers and casual laborers were belied. He also ridiculed the Government decision on creation of new administrative units saying where from the money will come.
Earlier Ashok Khajuria while criticizing the budget presented on “unlucky” February 13, said it is an indication that next Government will not be of present alliance. He said there is no mention of PoK refugees in the budget which was prepared keeping elections in view.
He said there was nothing for employees and the promises made with policemen regarding ration money were not fulfilled.
G M Saroori of Congress, while hailing the budget proposals however said many more steps needed to be taken to improve the State economy.
He demanded special railway line for Doda -Anantnag and implementation of Rangrajan Committee on NHPC power projects and handing over of Salal, Uri and Dul Hasti power projects to the State.
He said Dr Farooq Abdullah sanctioned 1000 solar lights to Kishtwar the constituency represented by NC MLA while his request was not conceded.
Saroori said that Government should earmark adequate funding for the development of bad pockets of Chenab Valley, particularly for strengthening the road connectivity, electricity and generating employment for rural youth.
NC’s Dr. Mustafa Kamaal described the budget as “pro-people” and useful for the common man. The Government has tried to do justice with all sections of the society and did not impose any new tax. He however, suggested certain measures to generate revenue for the State. He asked for speeding up efforts to get the power projects back from the NHPC, which would boost the economy.
He wanted to know if Government wants to impose tax on cross LoC trade then how much and if not then why?
Nasir Aslam Wani while hailing the budget suggested that more tax rebate be given to tourism trade as State is mainly dependent on this sector. He urged for provision for revival of sick industrial units and loan exemption to some Corporations besides financial assistance from the Government for their revival. He also urged for enhancement of financial assistance to orphan girls for their marriage.
Charanjeet Singh appreciated the budget and urged for proper utilization of funds on various developmental projects. He demanded speedy upgradation of tourism infrastructure at Lakhanpur being gateway of State. He also called for taking new hydro-electric projects in Kathua to meet the energy requirements. He demanded provision of funds for repairs of CRF roads in Lakhanpur area.
Bimla Luthra while speaking in favour of the budget appreciated Government efforts for keeping adequate provisions for the welfare of the women folk. She suggested enhancement in widow pension.
Balwant Singh Mankotia stressed for earmarking funds for new administrative units and strengthening the existing ones. He also urged for creation of posts in already upgraded schools. He suggested for a review to new recruitment policy, which he said is injustice with the youth. He said that provision for enhancement of ration money for police personnel besides Jammu migrants should also be kept in the budget.
Ashok Kumar welcomed the budget and hoped that the budget will fulfill the aspirations of common people. He appreciated the welfare measures taken for improving the conditions of women and scheduled castes/scheduled tribes. He called for enhancement of honorarium of Numberdars/Chowkidars and SPOs, besides regularization of daily wagers of various departments. He also emphasized the need for harnessing the power potential in the State to become self-reliant in energy sector.
Krishan Chander Bhagat said that Finance Minister has tried to do justice with all sections of the society and not imposed any new tax. He hailed the efforts of the Finance Minister, especially for introduction of new welfare schemes for the girls and destitute. He called for adequate funds for the development of bad pockets and hilly areas.
Irfan Shah hailed the budget and said that budget is people friendly and no new tax on any article has been imposed by the Government. The Government has tried to generate revenue from the existing system without burdening the common man. He called for special attention on the development of power sector and maintenance of power infrastructure to give relief to people.
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