Jammu, Feb 18: National Conference Provincial President, Rattan Lal Gupta has strongly reacted to the statement made by Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, where he admitted that a lack of coordination between the J&K administration and the Ministry of Minority Affairs has resulted in insufficient funding for welfare schemes.
Interacting with the delegation of District Jammu Urban NC SC Cell headed by Ramesh Lal Motton District President, Gupta said, “The Union Minister’s remarks are a clear admission of lack of Coordination between J&K administration and the Ministry of Minority Affairs caused by the current dual power system in J&K, which has proven to be ineffective in addressing the real and burning issues faced by the people. The absence of a fully empowered elected government has led to administrative failures, where funds meant for the welfare of minorities and marginalized sections are either underutilized or wasted.”
Gupta further added that J&K cannot be run through a bureaucratic setup dictated by New Delhi and a fragmented local administration. “This dual power structure must end, and a full-fledged state government must be restored. Only a democratic setup can ensure that policies are implemented effectively and funds reach the people without bureaucratic hurdles,” he asserted.
Highlighting the ongoing struggles of the people, the senior NC leader pointed out that basic amenities remain a distant dream for many, unemployment is soaring, and security concerns persist. “On one hand, the Government at the Centre claims progress, but the ground reality tells a different story—where people facing severe problems due to dual power system in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The NC leader said the security situation in J&K remains grim, with innocent civilians still falling victim to terrorism. “On one hand, the administration claims normalcy, yet people continue to live in fear. The absence of a full-fledged State has left the region directionless,” he said.
Gupta said the NC government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has always been competent in handling the affairs of J&K and ensuring the welfare of its people. “The people of J&K have witnessed how NC has effectively governed in the past, addressing public grievances and ensuring holistic development. It is time to restore that governance model by reinstating full statehood,” he stated.
The Provincial President urged the Central government to immediately restore full-fledged statehood and allow the democratic process to function in J&K, ensuring that governance is by the people, of the people, and for the people. “J&K deserves leadership that understands its aspirations, not a system that operates remotely and inefficiently,” he added.
