Shagun slams budget, terms it a joke with women, youth
Vikas Sharma
JAMMU, Mar 11: BJP MLA from Kishtwar, Shagun Parihar, today lambasted the recently tabled J&K budget, calling it a “joke” to the people, particularly the women in her constituency.
Speaking during debate on the budget in the Assembly, Parihar criticized the Omar Abdullah-led Government’s budget for failing to address pressing issues, including those affecting women, the youth and other sections of society.
She specifically took aim at the Government’s announcement of free transportation for women on all Government-operated transport, including e-buses, calling it a “joke” given the lack of infrastructure in her constituency.
“There are only a few e-buses running in my constituency. How will the Government accommodate women in these buses?” she questioned.
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“The fleet of buses run by JKRTC is outdated, resulting in frequent accidents, leading to loss of lives. The drivers and conductors have been fighting for their salaries for a long time. How can they ensure safe travel for women and others in the constituency?”
Parihar also criticized the Government’s announcement of 200 units of free electricity for families under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY).
She compared the move to the “gimmicks” of the AAP Government in New Delhi and said, “The freebies announced by the NC Government are nothing but a cruel joke. The AAP Government’s freebies led to the loss of faith and support among the people of New Delhi. Now, the same approach is being used here.”
The BJP leader further questioned the absence of a state-specific vision in the budget, arguing that it is limited to one region and ignores the needs of Jammu.
“Can the Government identify even a single line in the budget that is truly focused on Jammu region?” she asked, expressing concern over the lack of attention given to the youth in her constituency.
She pointed out the scarcity of higher secondary schools and colleges in her constituency, forcing students to travel long distances to access higher education.
“The Government has failed to address this issue, which is affecting thousands of youth in my constituency,” she added.
Parihar also expressed dissatisfaction with the state of healthcare facilities in the Kishtwar constituency, noting that the sector received no attention in the budget.
She urged the Government to take immediate corrective measures to address these pressing concerns.
“If these issues are not addressed, this budget will remain a missed opportunity, failing to meet the real needs of the people it claims to serve,” Parihar asserted.
In response, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured the BJP MLA that he would ask the concerned department to introduce more e-buses to ensure more women could benefit from the free transportation initiative.
“This is just the beginning of the scheme. Everyone should appreciate this announcement, which has been made for the benefit of women who rely on buses for their daily commute. We will increase the number of these buses to accommodate more women,” he said, while addressing the Assembly.
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