Srinagar, Mar 08: Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) State Secretary Sheikh Ashiq on Saturday termed the budget presented by the Omar Abdullah-led government as “anti-people” and “hollow”.
“The budget offers nothing substantial for the common masses, industries, commerce, traders or transporters,” Ashiq said while addressing a press conference here. He was joined by senior AIP leaders Peerzada Firdouse Ahmad and Showkat Pandit.
The veteran businessman warned that any move to increase petrol and diesel prices or impose a 5% hike in taxes on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) would be met with strong political resistance, saying it will have a cascading effect on all sectors and burden every citizen.
Ashiq said that despite tall claims, the budget fails to address key concerns. “There is no mention of welfare measures for industries and commerce. It is an empty budget. The promise of 200 free electricity units and 12 LPG cylinders has been completely ignored. Even the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries, who are very few in number will see the limited benefit that too with the condition,” he said.
Expressing disappointment over the government’s “apathy” towards struggling industrialists, the AIP leader said, “There is no word for those industrialists whose units have been sick for several years. The long-pending allocation of newly industrial estates, including Sempora, Pampore and Kulgam besides others, despite businesses paying hefty amounts for the last four years, remains unresolved. The much-touted ‘Mission Youth,’ which once touched great heights, finds no mention in the budget. This clearly shows the government’s disinterest in the youth of J&K.”
He also slammed the government for its silence on the regularisation of daily wagers, contractual employees, Anganwadi workers, Khidmat Centre and vocational trainers. “These workers have been serving for years in extremely difficult conditions, yet the budget offers no hope for their future,” he added.
Criticizing the “so-called” free travel for women, Sheikh Ashiq said, “Our state transport fleet is already insufficient. E-buses run only in Jammu and Srinagar. What about the majority of rural areas? How does this government expect women in far-flung regions to benefit from this scheme? This is nothing but an urban-centric gimmick.”
He added, “The government talks about relief but conveniently ignores businesses, traders and industries especially poor households struggling with high power tariffs. This budget offers no respite to them.”
Sheikh Ashiq urged the Government of India to ensure justice for the party chief Er Rashid, stating, “Just as cases were withdrawn against many individuals, including a former student leader and a sitting MLA, we welcome and appreciate this move. However, the same approach should be applied to Engineer Rashid, who should also be released. We will continue our political and legal battle for his freedom.”
