Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 24: Initiating the discussion on the general budget in the House, Bashir Ahmad Magray said that the budget presented by Finance Minister, Dr Haseeb Drabu has generated hope among the people of the State.
He said in the budget, every section of the society has been taken care of particularly the poor and the destitute population. He said waiving off the farmer loan is a good gesture. He said little has been mentioned about tackling unemployment and suggested that Finance Minister should look into this aspect also.
Regarding the Power budget, Magray said that generation of power will promote our industries which can create jobs for educated youth. He said PDD infrastructure in villages is in dilapidated condition and needs to be improved by way of replacing of old poles and wires, damaged transformers besides providing adequate manpower to cater to the needs of the department in the field.
Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, while commenting on the budget said that at several places in the budget, the Finance Minister has thrown arrows in the air while certain schemes of previous Government have been replicated. He said, he doubts that Centre will release funds to the State as promised.
Mr Kichloo said neither the poor nor farmers have been taken care of in the budget but only rich people seem to have been benefitted. He said nothing has been done for rehabilitation of flood affected families despite tall promises by the Prime Minister on the release of Rs 44000 crore package prepared by the previous Government.
He said un-employment is a big problem in the State and presently five to six lakh educated youth are un-employed. He said no attention has been given towards Industries and said need is to look into this aspect seriously. He said there is no mention about the Singhpoura-Vailoo tunnel and the medical colleges sanctioned by UPA Government for the State.
Regarding the newly created administrative units, Mr Kichloo said that no mention has been made in the budget speech for creation of infrastructure in these units. He said survey for generating 10000 MW, electricity in Chenab Valley has been completed but the budget is silent about its future. He said these projects will provide jobs to thousands of persons. He said there is mention of Apple of Kashmir and Basmati of Jammu in the speech but saffron, pulses, peas, and nuts produced in Kishtwar also need to be given due consideration.
Sham Lal Bhagat while taking part in the discussion highlighted the involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions in the development process of the State. He said there should be a separate budget for Panchayats like done in case of the Power Budget introduced this year. He said Chenab Valley is a major producer of vegetables and suggested for its promotion like Basmati of Jammu and Apples of Kashmir.
Terming the budget anti people and anti poor, Ajay Sadhotra said that it will increase inflation. He said that it looks as arrows have been fired in the air. Regarding newly administrative units, Sadhotra said no mention has been made in the budget about this. He said increase in service tax on certain items will put extra burden on common people. He said Omar Abdullah led Government has recommended package of Rs 44000 crore for flood victims and 25 lakh as one time settlement of PoK refugees but these are missing in the budget. He said Finance Minister should answer these points while replying on the budget.
Charangeet Singh described the budget as people friendly. He said Finance Minister has for the first time presented such a comprehensive and people friendly budget in the State, where every section of the society has been well represented. He said the initiatives taken in the budget will benefit everyone. He appreciated Dr. Haseeb Drabu for presenting this people friendly budget.
Yasir Reshi while taking part in the discussion termed the budget as pro people. He said previous Government had put the State under heavy burden of debt. He said people suffered a lot due to floods last year and some villages in Tehsil Sonawari are still inundated. He asked the Government to take steps to prevent such things from happening in future.
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