Shadow Correspondent
JAMMU, FEB 04:
JKPCC working president Raman Bhalla has taken a proactive stance on the water crisis in Jammu by engaging in discussions with key officials. He spoke with Minister Javed Rana and Divisional Commissioner Jammu to address the pressing issue of water scarcity in the region.Bhalla has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and have been vocal about various issues affecting the region, including development, dignity, and peace. By reaching out to the Divisional Commissioner and the Minister, Bhalla said will continue to find solutions to the water crisis and ensure that the people of Jammu have access to this basic necessity. He said congress is committed to addressing the concerns of the common people and working towards their betterment. Later Bhalla also addressed aggrieved people of Bahu Fort area to listen to their grievances. Prominent among those present on the occasion include Kamal Singh, Billa,Harvinder Kaur ,Abdul Qyuoom ,Rakesh Verma ,Fazsal Husain ,Parvez Mohammad, Manzoor Ahmed, besides others.
Speaking on the occasion, Bhalla expressed disappointment that the Union Budget 2025 doesn’t have any significant allocations or announcements for Jammu and Kashmir which needed more specific and targeted measures are needed to address the region’s unique challenges.He said Union Budget has failed to address pressing issues in Jammu and Kashmir, including unemployment, ad-hock and casual workers’ concerns, and infrastructure development. This oversight has significant implications for the region’s economic growth and social welfare.He said Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with an alarming unemployment rate, which has reached 21% according to the International Labour Organization’s Employment Report 2024.
The region’s complex political climate and lack of a robust private sector have contributed to this crisis. The budget’s failure to provide concrete solutions to address unemployment has left many young individuals feeling desperate and hopeless.
Bhalla further said that Infrastructure development is crucial for Jammu and Kashmir’s economic growth, but the budget has not allocated sufficient funds for this purpose. The region’s infrastructure needs, including roads, bridges, and public transportation, remain unaddressed. Adock and casual workers in Jammu and Kashmir face significant challenges, including low wages, lack of job security, and limited access to social benefits. The budget’s failure to provide relief to these workers has exacerbated their struggles.
Bhalla said Union Budget has failed to address several critical issues in Jammu and Kashmir, including the growing drugs menace, mining, and other concerns. He slammed the budget, stating that it offers no solutions to the rampant unemployment, rising inflation, and growing inequality between the rich and the poor.Overall, the Union Budget has been a disappointment for Jammu and Kashmir, as it has failed to address the critical issues facing the region, added Bhalla.
Bhalla claimed that nothing reflect in budgetary allocation for regularization of Daily wagers, Casual labours, contractual and adhoc employees. There is nothing in Budget for the enhancement of honorarium of Anganwadi workers and helpers, Asha workers,Mid day meal workers and helpers. Nothing said about agriculture like subsidy on fertilizer, seed, pesticides and occupants. He said that no relief to middle class except small taxes relaxation for taxpayers, no relaxation on GST rate and cess on daily consumables items. Nothing said about local entrepreneurs and small scale industries of JK UT.Bhalla said that there was a dire need of strengthening the health and education sector, both of them are in shambles. We had a lot of hope from Union Budget that reflects the commitment of Modi’s government made with the people of Jammu and Kashmir during 2024 Assembly election but all hopes dashes to ground after seeing the highlights of Budget.
Speaking on the occasion, Bhalla also highlighted water crisis in Jammu district has worsened, with the poor struggling to access water despite the launch of a new app for seeking water tanker services. The app, meant to facilitate easy access to water tankers, has failed to benefit the underprivileged, who cannot afford the services.Residents in areas like Bhatindi, Chowadi, Channi, Narwal, and others face severe water scarcity, receiving water only once every 3 days, and even then, only for a brief 30-minute period with low pressure. This has led to widespread protests, with citizens demanding uninterrupted water supply and an end to the tanker mafia’s exploitation.
Bhalla observed that to address this crisis, the government must intervene to ensure equitable access to water, particularly for the poor. This can be achieved by upgrading pipelines, reducing leakages, and increasing water storage capacity, ensuring affordable and transparent pricing, and preventing the exploitation of citizens by the tanker mafia.The government must prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable populations and take immediate action to address the water crisis in Jammu district.The Jal Shakti Mission’s efforts to address the water crisis in Jammu region have fallen short, with residents still facing irregular water supply. Despite being a flagship program aimed at providing safe and adequate drinking water to all households by 2024, the mission has struggled to meet its objectives in Jammu region, added Bhalla.Bhalla said residents are forced to rely on private tankers, which charge exorbitant rates, making it difficult for low-income households to access water.By addressing these challenges and implementing effective solutions, the Jal Shakti Mission can help alleviate the water crisis in Jammu region and provide safe and adequate drinking water to all households.
