JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla Sunday strongly criticized the BJP government's performance in Jammu and Kashmir over the past 11 years, highlighting its failures on various fronts. Addressing a huge gathering in Bhour Camp Ward-73, RS Pura constituency, Bhalla stated that the government has proved to be a failure in addressing key issues affecting the people of J&K.The programme was organized by Amrit Bali, former General Secretary JKPCC. Prominent among those present on the occasion include Pawan Bhagat, former Secretary JKPCC,S. Rajinder Singh, Senior Leader, S. Gurmeet Singh, Block President ,Sunil Salathia, Block Senior Vice President, S. Baldev Singh, S. Gurcharn Singh, Madam Santosh Sharma, Samandeep Singh, Jagmohan Sharma, Kapoor Lal, Romesh Kumar, Gurbaksh Singh.
Bhalla pointed out that the government has failed to address the issue of unemployment, leaving thousands of young people without job opportunities. He criticized the government's lack of investment in infrastructure development, including roads, transportation, and public facilities. Bhalla highlighted the government's failure to improve the healthcare sector, leaving people without access to quality medical care.He pointed out that the government has failed to increase power generation capacity, leading to frequent power outages and shortages.
Bhalla criticized Union government's failure to establish new industries, leading to a lack of economic growth and job opportunities. Bhalla slammed the government for trying to impose property tax on the people of J&K, adding to their financial burden. He criticized the government's decision to set up toll plazas, which he said has increased the financial burden on the people.Bhalla opposed the government's decision to introduce smart meters, which he said has led to increased electricity bills for the people.
Bhalla expressed concern over the revival of terrorist activities in the Jammu region, which was previously peaceful.He criticized the government's failure to maintain law and order, ensuring the safety and security of the people.Bhalla's remarks highlight the growing discontent among the people of J&K with the BJP government's performance. The Congress party is determined to highlight these issues and work towards bringing about positive change in the region .
Bhalla said people of Jammu and Kashmir, including POJK refugees, are bearing the brunt of misgovernance due to the government's failure to address their needs and provide effective governance. One of the major concerns is the deliberate delay in granting statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, which has left the people without a legitimate voice in the governance of their own state.The people of J&K are without proper representation in the governance of their state, leading to a lack of accountability and transparency.The delay in granting statehood has also led to economic stagnation, with a lack of investment and development in the region.The misgovernance has also led to social unrest, with people becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress and development in the region, added Bhalla.
Bhalla said Congress party demands that the government take immediate action to grant statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that the people of the region have a legitimate voice in the governance of their own state. This will help to address the issues of misgovernance and ensure that the people of J&K receive the benefits of good governance.The BJP government's handling of the PoJK refugee issue has been criticized for being deceptive and ineffective. The government has made promises to reclaim PoJK and provide citizenship and fiscal compensation to refugees, but these promises remain unfulfilled as it failed to implement Congress set and approved package of 9926 crores package for POJK Refugees ensuring nearly 30 lacs per refugee family.
Bhalla said despite claims of reclaiming PoJK, the government has not taken concrete steps to address the issue, leaving refugees in uncertainty.Some PoJK refugees have been excluded from relief packages, with 5,300 refugees reportedly left out of a Rs 2,000-crore package.While 20,523 PoJK refugees have received benefits under the Prime Minister's Development Package (PMDP), 561 cases are pending or have been rejected due to documentation issues or court cases.
Bhalla argued that the government's rhetoric on PoJK is aimed at garnering political mileage rather than addressing the genuine concerns of the refugees. The refugees continue to wait for justice and repatriation, with their plight seemingly forgotten in the political rhetoric. The BJP government should consider issuing a white paper highlighting the sections of society that have benefited from their policies and initiatives. The government should highlight the sectors that have seen significant economic growth, such as the IT industry or small and medium-sized enterprises.
The government should showcase its achievements in infrastructure development, including roads, highways, and public transportation. The government should highlight its social welfare schemes, such as healthcare initiatives, education programs, and poverty alleviation schemes, Bhalla fired several questions while addressing gathering.
Bhalla asked Govt to acknowledge the criticisms and challenges faced by certain sections of society, such as concerns of marginalized communities, including Dalits, Adivasis, and other minority groups, discuss its efforts to address economic inequality and promote inclusive growth and should highlight its initiatives to promote social justice and protect human rights.By presenting a balanced view, the government should demonstrate its commitment.
Bhalla said Congress party has been actively highlighting public grievances in Jammu and Kashmir through various programs and protests. However, the current government seems to be more focused on maintaining its hold on power rather than addressing the concerns of the people.The lack of economic growth and development in Jammu and Kashmir has led to widespread unemployment and poverty.The region's infrastructure, including roads, healthcare, and education, requires significant improvement.
The Congress party has been highlighting the social injustices faced by marginalized communities in Jammu and Kashmir.The government's response to these issues has been inadequate, leading to growing frustration among the people. The Congress party's efforts to raise awareness and mobilize public opinion are crucial in holding the government accountable and pushing for positive change in Jammu and Kashmir, added Bhalla.
Claiming that Kashmir Division has been allotted Rs 1000 crores more than Jammu division in the School Education sector, Bhalla said that Jammu region was still facing huge discrimination.He said that Jammu Division has been allocated Rs 4474 crore while Kashmir Rs 5439 crore in School Education sector. There is difference of nearly Rs 1000 crores. During previous budget, Jammu division was allotted Rs 4563 crores which indicates that Rs 89 crores less were allotted to Jammu this year while Kashmir division was provided Rs 4931 crores. The funds of Kashmir division were increased by Rs 508 crores and Jammu’s reduced by Rs 98 crores.
Again, in the Higher Education sector, Rs 260 crores were provided for Universities/ Colleges in Jammu while Rs 343 crores in Kashmir Division. It has been observed that while Government colleges are being provided funds at the rate of Rs 7-8 crores while the private Colleges/ Universities @ Rs 30 to 44 crores. He asked what was the criteria for providing funds to the Government and privates institutions.Referring to Health sector, Bhalla said Rs 8800 crores are the budgetary allocations for this sector while Rs 1536 crore have been allocated to Jammu division and Rs 2402 crores to the Kashmir division. It is interesting that Rs 4800 crore have has been kept at the disposal of Commissioner /Secretary concerned.
Bhalla said government has drastically curtailed public spending, pushing large sections of society to the brink. Contractors have lost interest in taking up new projects because their bills remain unpaid and are gathering dust in government offices,” he said. “Retired employees are yet to receive their gratuities, and the government treasuries are virtually empty. Even the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) meant for legislators have not been released, further eroding public trust in the political system’s ability to deliver development, ”Bhalla.
Bhalla further noted that tourism, a vital sector of the region’s economy, has come to a standstill in the aftermath of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. “Instead of offering relief packages to taxi drivers and tour operators, the government has reduced its own spending. This is clearly impacting the private sector—real estate is in a slump, construction activity is largely on hold, roads are deserted, and markets remain empty. Businesses are collapsing, entrepreneurs are going bankrupt, and small traders are unable to service their debts,” he said.
Bhalla resented slashing funds for Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRI), a move that has stirred resentment among the District Development Council (DDC) members, who argue it will hit grassroots development in the union territory (UT).The DDC members, who frame work plans under District Capital Expenditure (Capex), as per the Panchayati Raj Act, said the cut in PRI is “injustice” with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the rural areas of the UT, where these funds are spent for the construction of lanes and drains.
In Jammu and Kashmir, which has 4291 panchayats, each panchayat is allocated Rs 23 lakh for carrying out basic development in rural areas. Jammu and Kashmir has cut the funds by around 7 lakh and allocated plans worth Rs 16.66 lakh to each panchayat. In the absence of the elected panchayat members in Jammu and Kashmir, the work plan is framed by DDCs at the Gram Sabha level and approved for execution by the rural development department, added Bhalla.
