Srinagar, Mar 04: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed Para on Tuesday criticised Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s address, calling it a “routine document that failed to address key issues” facing Jammu and Kashmir, including unemployment and the Job Guarantee Act.
Speaking to the media in Jammu, Para said that LG’s first address should have reflected the vision of the Jammu and Kashmir government. “After a long time, a government has been formed in Jammu and Kashmir. We had hoped that, in line with the people’s aspirations, the promises made by the National Conference (NC) in its manifesto would be reflected in the vision document,” he said.
Unfortunately, this appears to be the same routine document presented over the last five years, he said, adding that issues like unemployment, the Job Guarantee Act and political prisoners were completely ignored.
“This was a very disappointing document that the LG read yesterday. We had expected political issues concerning J&K to be addressed,” he added.
Earlier on Monday, LG Manoj Sinha delivered his address during the inaugural session of the J&K Legislative Assembly’s Budget Session.
Sinha expressed his government’s commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, saying they are actively engaging with all stakeholders to facilitate the process. He said the budget marks a new era of participatory governance, ensuring that the needs and aspirations of the common people remain central to policy-making.