Jammu, Feb 10 (KNO): Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kangan, Mian Mehar Ali on Tuesday said that while several positive measures have been announced in the budget, the government must address long-pending issues related to fund distribution, stalled projects, unpaid dues, and employment concerns in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking during the budget discussion in the Legislative Assembly, Ali, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the allocation and utilisation of funds should be balanced between urban and rural areas to ensure equitable development.
He raised concern over the non-release of General Provident Fund (GPF) dues, saying employees have been waiting for their own money for the last one to three years. “People are running from pillar to post to get their legitimate dues,” he said.
The legislator also flagged delays in payments under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP), stating that several projects have been stalled due to a lack of funds. He said ongoing projects have come to a halt because payments have not been released, and sought clarity on whether these schemes will be continued and adequately funded.
Mehar Ali further pointed to the issue of contractors’ payments, saying large amounts remain unpaid and the budget does not clearly mention when these liabilities will be cleared.
Referring to healthcare infrastructure, the MLA said the government had announced a cath lab for Rajouri hospital last year, but it was not implemented. He said the provision has been mentioned again in the current budget, adding that the hospital has been functioning since 2012 without a cath lab facility.
The MLA also raised the issue of around 2,200 seasonal teachers in Jammu and Kashmir, seeking clarity on whether the government has any policy or scheme to regularise their services. He described the matter as sensitive, saying the livelihood of these teachers is at stake.
On the PM Suryaghar scheme, Ali said while the Centre is providing a 60 per cent subsidy, the government should consider increasing it to 100 per cent and ensure free electricity for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), Below Poverty Line (BPL), and other economically weaker sections.
The MLA also highlighted the impact of the closure of tourist destinations, including Naranag in the Kangan constituency, saying a large section of the local population depends on tourism through homestays and related activities. He urged the government to reopen Naranag at the earliest to restore livelihoods.
Ali urged the government to address these concerns to ensure effective implementation of the budget and relief to the people—(KNO)