Vows to reduce J&K’s dependence on Delhi
UT with assembly worst formof govt in country
NAVNEET DUBEY
Jammu: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday shared that the government is working on a time frame for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. “We are working on a time frame, but that would not be inappropriate for me to talk about at this point of time, needless to say it’s a work in progress”, Omar said on Friday while replying to a query on time frame for restoration of statehood.
Earlier during his budget speech, Omar said that his government remains resolute in working towards restoration of statehood. He said the restoration of full statehood is a deeply cherished aspiration of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “The restoration of full statehood is a deeply cherished aspiration of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and our Government remains resolute in working towards its fulfilment,” he said.
Omar Abdullah has further pointed out that UT with a legislature is the worst form of government in the country.
“I still maintain that union territory with assembly is the worst form of government in the country. I have no hesitation in saying that and I will say it again that there can only two systems in the country, either UT without assembly or you have state”, Omar added, “Please remember UTs were envisaged as territories too small to be states and that criteria does not applies to Jammu and Kashmir”.
Omar said that his goal is to make Jammu and Kashmir economically self-reliant and reduce its dependence on Delhi for minor and meager issues. He acknowledged that achieving economic independence would require difficult decisions, which, though not painless, would ultimately serve the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
On the charge of opposition, Omar said “this budget is a love letter to people of J&K that includes people who voted for NC, Congress, BJP and others and for those who didn’t vote…I cannot expect the opposition to not criticize”.
On promoting Film shooting in Kashmir, Omar said, “Promoting Kashmir in Bollywood is easy. We will focus more on the Southern film industry. Most of tourists who visit Kashmir valley are from central India, Gujarat, MP and Maharashtra. It will boost revenue besides it will promote tourism in the southern areas, from where we don’t get a huge number of tourists,” Omar Abdullah.
Responding to opposition criticism about the non-fulfillment of manifesto promises, Omar asserted that the promises are being fulfilled one by one. “But I have repeatedly said that people did not give us a five-week or five-month government; they gave us a five-year government. Now, don’t ask me every day which promise has been fulfilled. Ask me after five years when the term is over. On that day, sit down and ask me what I have done in these five years. Then I will tell you. I don’t have to give you a daily checklist of promises fulfilled. After five years, I will present my checklist to you and say, these were my promises, and these are my achievements,” Omar said.
Asked why free electricity was provided only to the AAY (Antyodaya) category and not the entire populace, the Chief Minister said, “For now, we will focus on the areas that need the most attention first. Moreover, if you look at it, we are providing much more free electricity than what is given in other states. If you see how much electricity we generate and how much revenue we collect, it is much higher than in other states. Despite this, we are committed to providing 200 units of free electricity to the most deserving people. We have started with AAY households, and as our financial condition improves, we will expand this benefit further.”
On the issue of regularizing daily wagers in Jammu and Kashmir, Omar said the government would first ascertain their numbers in the initial phase before formulating a comprehensive policy for their regularization.
Regarding the return of migrant Kashmiri Pandits, Omar stated, “We have mentioned in the budget that we will improve their living conditions and complete the transit accommodation project for them. As for the issue of bringing them back, it depends on the budget and the situation. I have repeatedly said that Kashmiri Pandits did not leave Kashmir because of their financial condition; they left because their lives were in danger. Until we address this threat, we cannot expect them to return fully. Therefore, for now, it is our shared responsibility in the UT, along with the LG and the elected government, to create such conditions in Kashmir that Kashmiri Pandits who left can return voluntarily.”
Asked about his nomination as an ambassador by Prime Minister Modi to combat obesity, Omar said, “We can only talk and set examples. We want to set an example for others to follow. For instance, at my age, I can run 20 kilometers. So, what excuse do 20-22-year-olds have if they are medically fit but cannot maintain their weight? I am not trying to scare people or force them, but I am trying to set an example that most people can follow. That would be a good thing. First, I will ask my ministerial colleagues to start with me by running five kilometers, and then I will push the rest of Jammu and Kashmir to do the same.”
