Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Nov 26: Khidmat Centre owners across the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh today demanded an audit into centrally sponsored ‘Khidmat Centre Scheme’, saying that funds worth crores released under the scheme are ‘missing’ and ‘unaccounted for’.
Highlighting their long pending demands during a press conference, the representatives of J&K Khidmat Centre Association (JKKCA) alleged that they have been ‘cheated’ and ‘exploited’ by the administration so far.
They said that funds worth crores on account of monthly gap support and equipment due to Khidmat Centres are still ‘missing’ and ‘unaccounted’ for. “We seek complete investigation and audit of this centrally sponsored scheme as the matter demands immediate action and punishing the culprits involved,” they demanded.
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Saying that they were a part of the project since 2009 and have been only ‘victimized’ till date, the representatives said that they have been treated as mere ‘slaves.’
“We were business partners and front end delivery points in National e-Governance scheme, but we have been treated as mere slaves. We had set up our own Centres way back in 2009 and had preferred entrepreneurship over Government jobs,” they said.
Alleging that the scheme has turned out to be mere ‘hoax’ and a ‘joke’ for them, they rue that it seems that in J&K “there is no respect for entrepreneurs; we have time and again raised our long pending demands but our miseries are hardly heard,” they said.
They further alleged that since the inception of Khidmat Centre Scheme in J&K, including Ladakh, “various implementation agencies have only exploited the project for their own gains,” adding that their centres have been marred and sabotaged by the non-serious attitude of the officials.
While criticizing those responsible for the implementation of the scheme, the representatives said that while their careers stand ruined and no avenue left for them to make their ends meet, “we appeal the administration to look into our genuine demands and do justice; if our demands are not fulfilled, we will have to hit the roads along with their families,” they said.
The representatives requested Lieutenant Governor to look into the matter and provide relief to them by virtue of permanent rehabilitation of Khidmat Centres.
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