Shadow Correspondent
Kishtwar, July 22:
As the Union Budget 2024-2025 is set to be presented on 23rd July, Vice President of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party and former Minister, Sh. Ghulam Mohammad Saroori, conducted a visit to various areas of the sub-division Chatroo in Kishtwar district. During his visit, he listened to public grievances and highlighted several critical issues that need to be addressed in the upcoming budget.
Saroori emphasized the urgent need for the government to increase the salaries of daily rated wagers and casual laborers working in departments such as Jal Shakti, R&B, JKPCC, RDD, and others, from the current ?9,000 to ?30,000. He argued that this increase is essential to ensure a decent standard of living for these workers.
Highlighting the lack of rural infrastructure development, Sh. Saroori called for the government to sanction roads with special provisions for land and structure compensations in villages with populations exceeding 250. He alleged that since 2014, the government has failed to construct even a single inch of rural roads, leaving many areas isolated and underdeveloped.
Saroori also urged the government to prioritize upgrading schools in remote areas that lack private educational institutions. He pointed out that while cities have numerous private schools; rural areas often rely solely on government schools, which need significant improvements to provide quality education.
In addition, Sh. Saroori demanded that the government allocate funds in the budget to extend the Jal Jeevan scheme to all remaining areas, ensuring that every household has access to drinking water. He also called for the abolition of the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and the reinstatement of the old pension scheme for all employees who joined after 2011.
Reflecting on the previous budget, Sh. Saroori reminded the government of its promise to make Jammu and Kashmir a model of development. However, he expressed disappointment that many people feel betrayed by the lack of progress and tangible results.
He urged the government to clear all outstanding liabilities, amounting to approximately ?300 crores, for completed projects under the R&B department’s city and town scheme.
Saroori concluded by stating that the upcoming budget should be public-friendly and address these critical issues to provide relief to the people.
He emphasized that the focus should be on effective and impactful allocations rather than the rumored ?1.18 lakh crores budget, with major attention on employment and rural development.
The demands and concerns raised by Saroori resonates with the hopes of many residents in Kishtwar and beyond, as they await the presentation of the Union Budget 2024-2025 with anticipation and optimism.
