‘Many Muslim leaders lauded Waqf Amendment bill’
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Feb 15: While refusing to divulge details on any “timeline” set by the Government, Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, today reiterated the Centre’s commitment to restoring statehood to J&K.
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Addressing a press conference on detailing the Union Budget, Rijiju said that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have given “clear indications” in the past regarding the restoration of statehood.
“We can’t comment on the division of power and functions at this point, but the Prime Minister and Home Minister have made it clear that, in due course, statehood will be restored, and the powers and functions will be clearly demarcated,” he said.
When pressed for details on any specific timeline set by the Centre for J&K’s statehood restoration, he quipped, “This event is meant to brief people about the Budget. If I divert, the headlines would be quite different.”
He added that, at this stage, he would not comment on the structure of governance or the timeline for statehood and the division of powers, stating, “I am confined to discussing the Budget and would not like to venture into political or governance matters.”
The Union Minister noted that while J&K remains a Union Territory with a legislature and the LG as its administrative head, noting: “We have a very successful Government in the UT, elected recently.”
When asked about the transfer of ACB officials investigating an alleged corruption case in Srinagar Smart City Limited, Rijiju stated that any act of corruption, if proven, would result in strict action.
“This Government has zero tolerance for corruption. There are no loopholes when it comes to taking action against corrupt practices. I believe that clean and sound governance at the Centre will have a percolating effect on all states, including J&K,” he said.
Regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill, which was tabled in Parliament and faced stiff opposition, the Union Minister said that many Muslim Members of Parliament “have lauded the move.” However, he added, “Certain people have indulged in propaganda.”
He stated that the Bill aims to ensure transparent management of Waqf properties and their use for the welfare of marginalized sections among Muslims.
“There has been a narrative that has been peddled. When we brought the Bill, our intentions were clear. The objective is not to snatch property from Muslims-how can that even be done in a country governed by law and the Constitution?” he said.
While acknowledging the opposition to the Bill, he remarked, “There are thousands who have praised it. Even Muslim MPs have lauded the move, but due to their party affiliations, they had to protest.”
On the budget, he said that the middle class has been given benefits “never before seen in the country’s history.” He described the Budget as “beyond expectations for the people.”
“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this Budget empowers every citizen, drives economic growth, and strengthens the foundation of a prosperous future,” he stated.
Rijiju outlined the Government’s commitment to boosting agricultural exports from Kashmir, emphasizing that the new budget supports policies aimed at facilitating the export of Kashmiri farm and agricultural products to international markets.
He affirmed that efforts are underway to ease export regulations and develop the necessary infrastructure to enhance market access for Kashmiri produce.
Additionally, he announced the government’s plan to organize a mega exhibition in the coming months to showcase Kashmir’s rich artisan culture.
Emphasizing the BJP-led central government’s unwavering focus on Jammu and Kashmir’s development, the Union Minister stated that the Union Territory, particularly the Kashmir Valley, is poised to become one of the most prosperous regions in the country.
“Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a transformation in governance, infrastructure, and economic growth. This momentum will continue, ensuring that the Valley realizes its full potential,” he said.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to development, he said the Budget has been hailed as “pro-people,” designed to drive economic growth and promote inclusivity.
Later in the day, the Union Minister also met with stakeholders, including traders, business people, and those associated with tourism.
“The Budget has been hailed by all of them. They have also given certain suggestions regarding their sectors. The local issues they raised will be looked into,” he said after the meeting.
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