Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Member of the Parliament from Anantnag, Hasnain Masoodi, on Monday said J&K Interim Budget 2024-25 besides steering clear of the thrust areas of the government has drastically cut down on expenditures related to welfare schemes as well as on capital expenditure.
Speaking on the interim budget in Lok Sabha, Masoodi said that the measures announced like Lakhpati Didi, Cervical cancer vaccination and rooftop solar scheme– Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana are commendable and pathbreaking, putting the spotlight on women’s development and transition to renewable energy. He however lamented the squeezed expenditures on several items like Agriculture & Allied Activities, Education, Health, and Social Welfare. “Schemes like the PM Krishi Sinchai Yojna and Umbrella Schemes for SCs, STs and other groups have been kept below budgeted levels,” he said.
With regards to J&K, Masoodi said that the interim budget steers clear of the thrust areas. “The budget is mute on the focus areas. As far as strengthening democracy is concerned, there is no semblance of democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. The entire region continues to remain without ULB, Panchayats and a duly elected legislature for years now. As far as promoting holistic and sustainable agriculture is concerned the ground situation is no different. There has been a tremendous decrease in saffron production. No new tourism destinations and circuits have come up. Our healthcare sector is working under strain due to the severe staff deficit. No budgetary allocation has been made to enhance electricity generation,” he added.
He further said that the budget is devoid of any roadmap to deal with the soaring unemployment, skyrocketing inflation, and widespread administration inertia.
