Kishtwar, July 02: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference senior leader Ajeet Bhagat on Sunday said the UT government headed by the Lt Governor has “completely failed” to protect the rights of Scheduled Caste as well as weaker sections of society in J&K.
Bhagat said the Scheduled Caste and other backward communities had voted overwhelmingly for the ruling government at the Centre in the previous elections but the BJP failed to protect their interest. He expressed great disappointment against the Jammu and Kashmir administration for its negative attitude towards the Scheduled Caste and alleged that the present administration is not showing the least concern for addressing the pressing issues of this section of society.
In a statement, the NC leader said the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989 has not been extended to Jammu and Kashmir State, where their population is 20 percent. He stressed the need for stepping up efforts to ensure economic empowerment, besides the emancipation of the weaker sections so that they can play their useful role in society.
Ajeet alleged that the funds sanctioned for Central-sponsored schemes with regard to the welfare of Scheduled Caste and other backward communities in Jammu and Kashmir have not been fully utilized due to poor monitoring mechanisms.
“The government is just wasting public money by conducting Back to Village programme 4 which has turned out to be a total eye wash. The administration has failed to resolve the burning issues likely unemployment, farmers, daily wagers and many more raised and registered during the first three phases,” he said.
Bhagat urged the administration to first review the result or outcome of the earlier three phases and only thereafter proceed further with the so-called mega outreach programme.
He said the National Conference has always remained committed to protecting the rights of Scheduled Caste communities in the past and shall continue to do the same in the future too. He asked the Scheduled Caste Communities to gear up for the upcoming assembly elections as these could be announced any time now.
Bhagat urged the party cadre to conduct outreach programmes in their respective areas and make them aware of “how the BJP has cheated them on the promises made by it in 2014 before going to elections”.
