‘Will hold probe into all scams of past 10 yrs’
*Modi Govt compromised nation’s security
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Sept 26: Senior All India Congress Committee(AICC) leader and Member Congress Working Committee (CWC), Nasir Hussain (MP) has said that Congress Party will scrape Agniveer Scheme, revive Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and regularize all the daily wagers in the Jammu and Kashmir, after it comes to power.
In an exclusive interview to the `Excelsior’, Nasir Hussain, who is also Incharge of the office of Congress President, Mallikarjun Kharge said that with the implementation of the Agniveer Scheme by BJP Government, the youths of many States, particularly from the hilly region of J&K, Himachal and Ladakh have suffered a lot. They are feeling dejected as after four years’ of Army service, they will hardly be absorbed anywhere. The Modi Government has compromised with the security/defence of the country by introducing this scheme, AICC leader alleged.
“ We have decided to abolish this Scheme after our party comes to power at the Centre. The Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has also declared it. Congress will provide a big relief to the youths of the country by scrapping this anti-youth scheme, which is also vulnerable for the defence/security of the country,” the Rajya Sabha MP said.
Responding to a question with regard to revival of `Old Pension Scheme’ by Congress Party as done in Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, senior AICC leader hailing from Karnataka said, “ We did it in Karnataka, Rajasthan and even in Himachal Pradesh, and we are committed to bring back `Old Pension Scheme’ in J&K also, as soon as Congress-National Conference Alliance government comes to power here. A citizen after giving 30-40 years of prime life in Government service, must come home after retirement with some social security for him and his spouse,” the senior AICC leader said.
To a question on some plan or agenda of the Congress party, about uncertain fate of over 60,000 daily wagers, contractuals and other temporary workers serving in various Government departments in Jammu and Kashmir, the CWC Member said, this issue has already been included in the Manifesto of the Congress Party. The National Conference has also kept it in its top priority. The Congress-NC Alliance Government in J&K will certainly decide the fate of these workers who are facing exploitation since long.
“ All the daily wage workers will be regularized and adequate wages as per Central norms will be provided to the workers under Minimum Wages Act in J&K. Many of them are working for the last over 15-20 years and waging struggle, including dharnas and protests. They will get their much awaited dues,” the Congress MP said.
“ Not only this, Congress-National Conference alliance Government will fill up about one lakh vacancies lying vacant in various Government departments. This will be the top priority of our government. The Education system has been collapsed in J&K. I have been told that no teachers/ lecturers have been posted for the last over ten years in J&K. The education system is running on crutches. There is urgent need to bring this system on the track,” Hussain said.
Replying to a question on the allegations raised by the then J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik about Pulwama attack and huge offer allegedly given to him by a top BJP leader for allotting contract of a Hydel Power Project in Chenab Valley and J&K Bank Scam, AICC leader said, “ Satya Pal Malik was appointed by BJP and not Congress Party. And if he raised such serious allegations, the BJP Government should have taken serious note of it. He said on Pulwama issue, it is in public domain that Governor Malik alleged that aircraft was not provided despite his request and he was asked by the PMO and the Home Ministry to `remain silent over the issue’. But on the issue of corruption/graft, BJP Government should have taken cognizance. Even the Governor himself should have taken cognizance of it. In J&K Bank issue also no inquiry was held,” he added.
Hussain also referred to the infamous recruitment scams in J&K during the period of Lt Governor Manoj Sinha. He said in Police SI, Junior Engineers and Accounts Assistant recruitment, the papers were leaked and career of thousands of educated youth was jeopardized. He also referred to the money spent on the personal function of a top Government functionary from J&K in New Delhi. He said in Jal Jeevan Mission Scam in J&K, a top IAS officer made startling revelations but the LG Administration and BJP Government in Delhi did not move even `an inch’.
“Congress Party will hold probe into all these scandals which took place during past ten years in J&K and carry the investigations into the logical conclusion,” the Congress Working Committee member said.
When asked how many seats Congress and NC are expecting, Nasir Hussain said the alliance will win with comfortable majority to form next Government in Jammu and Kashmir.
On the issue of rotational Chief Minister, AICC leader said these issues will be decided while framing Common Minimum Programme by both the parties. When asked whether restoration of Article 370 will be included in the CMC, Hussain said,” It is hypothetical question. Such decisions will be taken by the party high command, moreover, Congress has already cleared its stand on Article 370 during a resolution passed by CWC some time back.”
When asked that Brahman, Mahajan and women candidates are feeling ignored in some segments while offering seats by Congress and even on open seat of Chhamb reserved category candidate has been fielded, Nasir said, “ While allotting seats, that too while in alliance, many things are to be considered. Sometimes some sections feel ignored. But over all decision is taken for the welfare of the people. In future, party will take care of these things,” AICC leader added.
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