SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Member of Parliament from Anantnag, Hasnain Masoodi, stated on Monday that the Jammu and Kashmir Interim Budget 2024-25, besides neglecting the government’s focal points, has significantly reduced expenditures on welfare schemes and capital projects.
Speaking on the interim budget in Lok Sabha, Masoodi said that the measures announced like Lakhpati Didi, Cervical cancer vaccination and rooftop solar scheme– Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana are commendable and pathbreaking, putting spotlight on women development and transition to renewable energy.
He, however, lamented the reduced expenditures on several items like Agriculture and Allied Activities, Education, Health, Social Welfare. “Schemes like the PM Krishi Sinchai Yojna and Umbrella Schemes for SCs, STs and other groups have been kept below budgeted levels,” he said.
With regards to JK, Masoodi said that the interim budget steers clear of the thrust areas. “The budget is mute on the focus areas. As far as strengthening democracy is concerned, there is no semblance of democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. The entire region continues to remain without ULB, Panchayats and a duly elected legislature for years now. As far as promoting holistic and sustainable agriculture is concerned the ground situation is no different. There has been a tremendous decrease in saffron production. No new tourism destinations and circuits have come up. Our health care sector is working under strain due to the severe staff deficit. No budgetary allocation has been made to enhance electricity generation,” he added.
He further said that the budget is devoid of any roadmap to deal with the soaring unemployment, skyrocketing inflation, and widespread administration inertia.
