* Urges Centre to allocate funds for tunnel projects
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 31: Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari has demanded that the Central Government provide a financial package for a monthly allowance to unemployed youth in order to give them some relief until they secure employment.
He said that there are more than seven lakh jobless youth, mostly graduates and postgraduates, who should be given a monthly allowance of up to Rs 20,000 to ease their financial burden. He made these demands while speaking to reporters after a crucial party meeting in Jammu.
Apni Party president also called on the Central Government to double J&K’s grants in light of the prevailing economic conditions and the financial challenges that the Union Territory (UT) is facing.
He said, a significant amount of hydropower is being generated using the water resources of Jammu and Kashmir, yet the Union Territory derives only minimal benefits from it.
“We are grappling with challenging economic conditions and financial hardships. In light of these circumstances, the Union Government must take these factors into account and double J&K’s grant, which currently stands at Rs 10,000 crore,” he added.
Bukhari urged the Central Government to allocate the funds for the proposed tunnels in Jammu and Kashmir so that reliable road connectivity is established here.
“The Centre should also allocate funds for long-awaited projects, such as tunnels at Sadhna Top and on the Gurez-Bandipora Road, as well as the proposed Vailoo-Kishtwar tunnel and the Peer Ki Gali tunnel on the historic Mughal Road. The construction of these tunnels would ensure reliable road connectivity between regions and provide all-weather access to remote areas across Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
Responding to questions about the performance of the Government, Bukhari said that “We are not going to judge the performance of this Government so soon. However, the fact remains that the Government itself admits its inability to perform. “ I don’t agree with the argument that two power centers are hindering the Government’s performance,” he added.
“Everyone was already aware that the captain (the LG) holds a position in the Union Territory. The election was for the vice-captainship (Chief Ministership). Therefore, no one should complain about the existance of dual power centers; rather, the Government should collaborate with the captain to serve the people.”
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