Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 21: Lower House of the State Legislature today debated grants of the departments under the charge of Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti although she was not present in the House on health grounds.
When the debate started, the Opposition members sought presence of Chief Minister and Minister for Law, Abdul Haq Khan replied “I am representing Chief Minister”. “The Chief Minister is not feeling well today”, Khan told the House.
It is pertinent to mention here that under the laid down procedure, the ministers are required to remain present whenever grants of the departments under their charge are discussed in the House. However, in emergency cases, the minister can nominate his/her representative who will listen to suggestions and criticism of the lawmakers.
The Chief Minister is holding charge of Home, Tourism, Ladakh Affairs, Hospitality and Protocol, Planning & Development Department and GAD.
Initiating the discussion, Nawang Rigzin Jora raised the issues of public importance pertaining to overall development of Ladakh division and demanded adequate provision of funds for completion of ongoing projects taken up under district plan. He demanded police range for Ladakh, traffic DSP, more funds in district sector.
Sheikh Ishfaq Jabbar called for exploring tourism potential of Lal Marg in his constituency. He also urged for revival of water transport facility from Srinagar to Ganderbal. He also demanded modernization of Police workshops and raised the issue of stagnation in Police Department.
Ranbir Singh Pathania suggested empowerment of legislators so that they can expedite developmental works in their constituencies. He pleaded for streamlining the working of Accountability Commission besides rationalizing KPS cadre.
Mohammad Abass Wani urged the Government to take steps for welfare of Ponywallas in Gulmarg while as Ajaz Ahmad Khan said that Reasi and Ramban districts are playing important role in boosting State economy due to huge revenue generated by Baglihar Project and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. He demanded that Government should ensure provision of adequate funds for overall development of these twin districts. He also demanded that Aqua Transport in Salal Lake be introduced for promoting tourism activities in the area.
Raja Manzoor Ahmad pleaded for development of border tourism in his constituency for the benefit of local population while as Mubarak Gul urged the Chief Minister to approach the Centre for release of 2nd installment of Prime Minister’s Package for flood victims.
Usman Abdul Majid demanded early implementation of Police Reforms. He also expressed concern over rising number of road accidents and demanded stringent measures to be taken to curb the trend. Rajeev Jasrotia urged for strict implementation of transfer policy of Government employees by different departments.
Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi demanded free and fair investigation into incidents like Handwara killings. He sought enhanced security for politicians as they face threat perception. He said the PDP laid foundation of its Government by raising AFSPA saying it will remove the Act. He said till yesterday PDP was crying over AFSPA but today it is doing nothing.
However, Sat Sharma interrupted Ruhullah and said the legislators have to talk over grants. “This is not part of the grants,” he said and was supported by other BJP members. Deputy Speaker, Nazir Gurezi, however, said Ruhullah can talk as these issues are related to Chief Minister’s department.
Bashir Ahmad Dar appreciated the police as well as the State Government for defusing situation in Handwara in the month of April when five civilians were killed. He called for bringing Bangus Valley on tourism map as a heritage and pilgrim tourism site.
Praising the State Government for raising infrastructure around Manasbal Lake, Akbar Lone said a fresh impetus should be given to promote the lake as a tourism destination. Neelum Kumar Langeh urged the Government to explore the possibility of starting a cable car from Peerah to Gajpatkilla Kali Mata temple in Ramban constituency.
Shah Mohammad Tantray urged the Government to build road connectivity to Nadichour waterfall and Jabi in his constituency which are potential tourism places. Asgar Ali Karbalaie urged the Government to chalk out a transfer policy for Police Department. Daleep Singh Parihar urged the State Government to explore the rich landscape of Bhaderwah for promoting tourism while seeking expansion of road connectivity in his constituency.
Abdul Rahim Rather sought better accommodation for legislators in both the capital cities of Jammu and Kashmir while as Jeewan Lal complimented the Government on taking a hard stand against corruption by terminating services of 33 officials. G M Saroori appreciated the Government for announcing establishment of model hospitals in each constituency of the State. He also demanded removal of disparities in KPS and KAS cadre. Javid Rana stressed on the early implementation of Finance Commission report in the State.
Abdul Majid Padder pleaded for release of sufficient funds to Aharbal Development Authority for ensuring upgradation of tourist related infrastructure at the scenic spot. He also urged for face-lifting of pilgrimage sites besides adequate facilities for pilgrims in his constituency.
Choudhary Mohammad Akram called for promotion of tourism activities in his constituency besides providing financial assistance under Chief Minister’s Fund to the patients suffering from cancer. Ali Mohammad Sagar said that efforts should be made to initiate dialogue with all shades of opinion to bring peace and prosperity in the state.
Rajiv Jasrotia said certain transfers are done immaturely in Education Department and demanded that “transfer industry” should be shut. He said the SAC lacks accountability, power and manpower. He said Vigilance Commission has become a tool of harassing officials. Rajiv Sharma said the PSOs of legislators must also be provided special allowances and a waiting hall in the Assembly.
Yawar Ahmad Mir called for revisiting SRO 43 to include surrendered militants under the ambit of the policy while as Aijaz Ahmad Mir said the decisions taken by DDB meetings should be implemented in toto by making DDB an autonomous body.
Kishen Lal said the Government must focus on promoting border tourism in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir while as Anjum Fazili praised late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed for his vision in exploring the tourism potential of Jammu and Kashmir.
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