* Requests Centre to allocate funds for tunnel initiatives
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 31: Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari has urged the Central Government to introduce a financial support package in the form of a monthly allowance for unemployed youth to alleviate their hardships until they find employment.
He highlighted that there are over seven lakh unemployed individuals, primarily graduates and postgraduates, who should receive monthly support of up to Rs 20,000 to help lighten their financial load. These remarks were made during a press briefing following an important party meeting in Jammu.
Bukhari also called upon the Central Government to increase J&K’s financial grants in consideration of the ongoing economic situation and the fiscal difficulties faced by the Union Territory (UT).
He pointed out that a substantial amount of hydropower is generated from the water resources of Jammu and Kashmir, yet the region sees only minimal returns.
“We are struggling with tough economic conditions and financial struggles. In these challenging times, the Union Government must recognize this and consider doubling J&K’s current grant of Rs 10,000 crore,” he added.
Bukhari emphasized the need for the Central Government to allocate funds for the proposed tunnels in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring reliable road connectivity in the region.
“The Centre should also commit finances to long-awaited infrastructure projects, including the tunnels at Sadhna Top and on the Gurez-Bandipora Road, as well as the planned Vailoo-Kishtwar tunnel and the Peer Ki Gali tunnel along the historic Mughal Road. The construction of these tunnels would guarantee dependable road access between areas and facilitate all-weather connectivity to remote regions throughout Jammu and Kashmir,” he stated.
In response to inquiries regarding the Government’s efficiency, Bukhari remarked, “We are not in a rush to evaluate this Government’s performance. Nonetheless, it is evident that the Government acknowledges its limitations in functioning. I disagree with the notion that the presence of two power centers is obstructing the Government’s effectiveness,” he added.
“It is common knowledge that the captain (the LG) possesses a role in the Union Territory. The election was to determine the vice-captainship (Chief Minister). Consequently, complaints about dual power centers are unwarranted; instead, the Government should collaborate with the captain to better serve the populace.”
