Discussion on LG’s address resumes in LA

JAMMU, MAR 05: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly held its second day of discussions on the Motion of Thanks for the Lieutenant Governor’s address, delivered on the first day of the Budget session. The debate covered a wide range of topics, including the Indus Water Treaty, filling vacancies in government departments, rationalization of the reservation policy, and the return of power projects.
Initiating the debate, Surjit Singh Slathia emphasised the responsibility of elected representatives to solve the problems of the people and live up to their expectations. He praised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for holding district-level consultations regarding budget preparation, noting that the government is in its nascent stage, and expressed hope that the promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir would be fulfilled. He also mentioned that the abrogation of Article 370 had ushered in a new era of development for the region.
Dr. Basheer Ahmad Veeri, commenting on the Motion of Thanks, lauded the government’s unique initiative of holding meetings with various sections of society to ensure the budget addresses the needs of all regions. He highlighted the large voter turnout in the recent Assembly elections, acknowledging people’s participation in the democratic process. Veeri also raised concerns about the Indus Water Treaty, stating that it prevents Jammu and Kashmir from fully utilising its water resources for hydropower generation. He further discussed the need to fill vacancies in government departments and address other developmental issues.
Nizamuddin Bhat called for strong initiatives to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and proposed the formation of an all-party delegation to present the case to the Union Government. He emphasized that the Union Government is constitutionally obligated to restore statehood and honor the promises made in Parliament.
Ghulam Mohiuddin Mir addressed the issue of unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir, urging the government to take concrete steps to create employment opportunities for the youth. Rajeev Jasrotia praised the Omar Abdullah government for involving all stakeholders and elected representatives in pre-budget consultations, which he noted was a historic first. He also reminded the government of its manifesto promises and highlighted the absence of certain issues in the Lieutenant Governor’s address. Jasrotia underscored the initiatives taken by the BJP-led government and affirmed that the opposition would work constructively for the welfare of the people.
Waheed Para stressed the importance of good governance and urged the Chief Minister to raise the issue of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth at the appropriate forums. Javaid Riyaz, while participating in the debate, called for collective efforts to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Irfan Hafeez Lone welcomed the government’s commitment to the full restoration of statehood and expressed hope that Omar Abdullah would fulfill this expectation. He also touched upon the issues of casual laborers, free electricity, the return of power projects, sustainable development, and the protection of the fragile environment.
Ali Mohd Sagar, while participating in the debate, asserted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had given a strong mandate to the government, and he expressed confidence that all commitments made by the government would be fulfilled in the coming time.