Jammu, Feb 03: National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra on Monday strongly advocated for a special economic and employment package for Jammu and Kashmir in light of the rising unemployment and the deteriorating economic situation, particularly in Jammu.
Addressing party workers at Akalpur in Marh Assembly Constituency in a meeting organized by Randhir Singh Chib Senior Vice President Block Marh and Raghubir Singh Manhas District President Jammu Rural A, Mr Sadhotra said that the past ten years have witnessed a sharp increase in joblessness, with youth struggling to find employment opportunities, while businesses and industries are facing an unprecedented economic downturn.
Mr Sadhotra highlighted that Jammu’s economy has been severely affected by multiple factors, including lack of industrial growth, slow infrastructural development, and declining trade activities. Small and medium businesses, as well as traditional sectors like tourism, handicrafts, and agriculture, have suffered immensely, leading to a significant rise in economic distress among the people, he said, adding that the popular government under Jenab Omar Abdullah has rekindled hope among them for ending the decade long miseries.
“Jammu and Kashmir needs a comprehensive economic and employment revival plan that includes incentives for industries, promotion of self-employment schemes, and government-backed job opportunities to absorb the growing number of unemployed educated youth,” Sadhotra asserted, adding that this will not be a charity but matter of right for the people who have been subjected to enormous suffering during the past ten years mis-governance.
Mr Sadhotra stressed that the restoration of statehood is crucial in addressing these pressing issues. Full statehood will pave the way for a stronger governance structure, enabling better policy-making, economic planning, and job creationinitiatives tailored to the unique needs of the region, he said.
“A full-fledged state government will have greater autonomy to formulate policies aimed at boosting the local economy, creating employment, and ensuring the
effective implementation of welfare schemes,” he added.
Mr Sadhotra reiterated the National Conference’s commitment to fighting for the restoration of statehood and ensuring that Jammu and Kashmir receives its due share of economic assistance and employment opportunities. He urged the Central Government to take immediate steps in this regard. In the meeting, Randhir Singh Chib was upgraded and appointed as Secretary of District Jammu Rural A.
