SRINAGAR: PDP leader and Pulwama MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra on Friday criticised the Union Territory Budget, saying it fails to address key public issues, particularly those affecting youth.
Speaking to Kashmir Life at the Assembly Complex in Jammu, Parra said the Budget does not respond to the concerns of Jammu and Kashmir’s population, noting that a majority of residents are young.
He said youth, farmers, daily wagers and the unemployed had expected the Budget to address long-pending issues related to jobs, agriculture and horticulture, but said the second Budget presented after 15 months shows no clear policy direction.
Parra also claimed that several announcements made in the previous Budget had not been implemented. He referred to the promise of free gas cylinders, saying beneficiaries have not received them, and alleged that ration cards under the AAY category were reduced despite fresh commitments.
On employment, Parra said the administration has outsourced about 24,000 posts while nearly 15,000 vacancies remain unfilled. He added that a large number of outside labourers are working in the region while local youth remain unemployed.
He further alleged that the government has not delivered on its promise of a new industrial policy.
