NAVNEET DUBEY
Jammu: The MLAs cutting across party lines demanded raising their constituency development fund (CDF) besides amnesty in power dues to domestic consumers.
Speaking during grants pertaining to General Administration Department, Finance, Housing, Power Development, Tourism, Revenue, Law, Disaster Management, Hospitality & Protocol, Civil Aviation, Culture, Estates Information and Planning departments and the charge of these departments held by the Chief Minister, the most of the MLAs especially from BJP demand raising CDF, salary of MLAs PA and providing amnesty to domestic power consumers in Jammu and Kashmir.
MLA Sham Lal Sharma emphasized the need for increased accountability among government employees and officials during the Chief Minister’s budget grant discussions. He highlighted that government officers are ultimately accountable to the people and their elected representatives, stressing that legislative authority should take precedence in decision-making processes.
He underscored the importance of streamlining administrative processes across major departments such as the General Administration Department (GAD), Finance and Planning, Revenue, Housing and Urban Development, and the Power Department. Speaking about the plight of underprivileged citizens, Sharma pointed out the burden faced by many families receiving inflated electricity bills, some as high as Rs 3,00,000. He urged the Chief Minister to address this pressing issue to provide relief to economically weaker sections.
In addition to governance reforms, Sharma raised concerns about the ‘Gair Mumkin Khad’ (Non-cultivable land) issue, highlighting delays in implementing an order issued in August. He claimed that a nexus within the system was responsible for obstructing its enforcement. Sharma emphasized the sanctity of the Assembly, describing it as the “greatest temple of democracy.” He reiterated that officers are accountable to the people, and as elected representatives, legislators must ensure public concerns are addressed effectively.
NC MLAs Nazir Gurezi pointed out that 3 Crore CDF is too less and it should be raised. “We do not want our salary to be hiked but we should DA revision and increments as being given to IAS officers. Another NC MLA Qaiseer Jamsheed Lone also demanded hiking CDF to Rs 5 Crore and hiking the salaries of MLAs PA from Rs 12000 to Rs 25000.
Another NC MLA Nizamudin Bhat also demanded providing amnesty in power dues to domestic consumers beyond March 31.
MLA Shakti Raj Parihar, emphasized the urgent need for improvements in Jammu and Kashmir’s power sector and tourism potential. Parihar raised concerns over the slow pace of infrastructure development in his constituency, particularly in the power and tourism sectors. Parihar highlighted the untapped hydroelectric potential in the region, pointing out that Jammu and Kashmir holds the capacity to generate 20,000 MW of hydroelectric power, with over 16,000 MW already identified. However, he stressed that in the last 70 years, only 3,000-3,400 MW of power had been generated due to insufficient focus. He called for increased attention to this sector, as enhanced power generation could also help tackle the region’s unemployment problem.
BJP MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia raised the issue of Patnitop, one of the most renowned tourist destinations in Jammu & Kashmir and across India. He criticized the government for failing to take concrete steps toward its development, despite its immense tourism potential. Furthermore, Mankotia pointed out the rigid policies of the Patnitop Development Authority (PDA), which have made it extremely difficult for local residents to undertake even minor construction projects. He stated that people are forced to go through extensive bureaucratic procedures, causing unnecessary delays and frustration.
