Omar govt fulfilling poll promises, empowering youth: Gupta

Jammu, Apr 13: The Omar Abdullah-led government has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and welfare through swift implementation of its electoral promises, National Conference (NC) Provincial President, Advocate Rattan Lal Gupta said on Sunday.
Addressing a meeting of the Youth National Conference (YNC) Jammu Urban at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan here, he accused the previous BJP-led regime of “grossly” neglecting youth welfare, which, he asserted, led to a sharp rise in unemployment and crime rates across the region. “The lack of a coherent vision and youth-oriented policies during the BJP’s tenure pushed the youth into a state of despair and disillusionment,” he said.
Gupta said the NC leadership has always prioritised youth welfare, skill development and employment generation. “Under Omar Abdullah’s visionary leadership, the government has initiated several schemes aimed at creating opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship among the youth. It has initiated the process to fill 1 lakh government jobs on a fast-track basis, aiming to address the pressing issue of joblessness among the youth,” he said.
In view of the rising criminal activities, the senior NC leader said the law and order authorities should adopt proactive approach in tackling such crimes and ensuring public safety. He said that about 2,900 individuals involved in drug peddling/drug abuse have been arrested. “This is a clear testament and alarming situation for the authorities to combating substance abuse with strong hands and safeguarding the community from harmful activities,” he said, adding that rehabilitation centers should be opened in each districts for reforming the drug addicts.
The NC Provincial President further said, “In just five months, the Omar Abdullah-led government has taken decisive steps to restore democratic ethos and address the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.” He enumerated several “pro-people” initiatives, including free travel for women in government-operated buses, enhanced marriage assistance for underprivileged girls (increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000 for AAY families), provision of 200 units of free electricity per month for AAY households, and an increase in the ration quota from 5 kg to 10 kg per person per month for AAY beneficiaries.
Addressing the gathering, former minister and Central Zone President, Babu Rampaul said the Omar Abdullah-led government is committed to focusing on resolving the problems of SC, ST and depressed sections of society.
MLA Banihal, Sajjad Shaheen in his address accused the previous government led by the BJP of ignoring the far-flung areas of district Ramban, especially Banihal constituency. “The people were facing great difficulties due to non-availability of basic civic amenities. The NC-led govt is focusing on developing these undeveloped areas,” he said.
The Provincial Secretary Sheikh Bashir Ahmad asked the party cadre to actively engage with the youth, understand their concerns and work collectively towards building a prosperous future.
Tejinder Pal Singh Aman in his address highlighted the active role of YNC in connecting with young people on the ground and conveying their aspirations to the party leadership.