Jammu, Jan 31: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari has demanded that the Central government provide a financial package for a monthly allowance to unemployed youth in order to give them some relief until they secure employment.
“There are more than seven lakh jobless youth, mostly graduates and postgraduates, who should be given a monthly allowance of up to Rs 20,000 to ease their financial burden,” he said.
Bukhari made this and other demands while speaking to reporters after a crucial party meeting in Jammu. He also called on the Central government to double J&K’s grant in light of the prevailing economic conditions and the financial challenges that the Union Territory (UT) is facing.
“A significant amount of hydropower is being generated using the water resources of Jammu and Kashmir, yet the Union Territory derives only minimal benefits from it. Also, we are grappling with challenging economic conditions and financial hardships. In light of these circumstances, the Union government must take these factors into account and double J&K’s grant, which currently stands at Rs 10,000 crore,” he said.
The Apni Party president urged the Central government to allocate the funds for the proposed tunnels in Jammu and Kashmir so that reliable road connectivity is established here. “The Centre should also allocate funds for long-awaited projects, such as tunnels at Sadhna Top and on the Gurez-Bandipora Road, as well as the proposed Vailoo-Kishtwar tunnel and the Peer Ki Gali tunnel on the historic Mughal Road. The construction of these tunnels would ensure reliable road connectivity between regions and provide all-weather access to remote areas across Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Responding to questions about the performance of the government, Bukhari said, “We are not going to judge the performance of this government so soon. However, the fact remains that the government itself admits its inability to perform. That said, I do not agree with the argument that two power centers are hindering the government’s performance.”
He added, “Everyone was already aware that the captain (the LG) holds a position in the Union Territory. The election was for the vice-captainship (Chief Ministership). Therefore, no one should complain about the existence of dual power centers; rather, the government should collaborate with the captain to serve the people.”
Bukahri said the ruling party have “boasted” in its election manifesto and “allured” people to vote for it by claiming that it will provide 2 lakh government jobs, ensure the release of detainees, protect the mineral resources of J&K, regularise daily wagers, double the ration quota, and so on. “Now, they must deliver. They cannot shy away from their commitments,” he said.
When asked about the proposed Waqf amendment bill, which is about to be passed by the parliament in the upcoming budget session, he said, “This is a secular country. The preamble of the Constitution suggests that religious bodies should not be interfered with. As far as efforts to ensure the efficient management of Waqf properties are concerned, we support them, but religious bodies and institutions should remain under the authority of their respective communities, not the government.”
