JAMMU, Jun 19: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President Jammu Rattan Lal Gupta on Friday said that the BJP leadership in Jammu and Kashmir is frustrated and confused as the Omar Abdullah-led Government has started delivering on its election promises despite operating within the limitations of a Union Territory.
Gupta made these remarks while interacting with a delegation of Sarpanches and Panches from Bhalwal Block, led by District President Jammu Rural-A Subash Chander Bhagat and Block President Bhalwal Sukhdev Singh, at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan, Jammu.
He said that since assuming office in October 2024, the Omar Abdullah-led Government has launched several initiatives focused on employment generation, social welfare, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, tourism and rural development. He maintained that the government’s first budget reflected its commitment to inclusive growth and welfare-oriented governance.
Highlighting employment initiatives, Gupta said that under Mission YUVA, the Government has set a target of generating 4.25 lakh employment opportunities and establishing 1.37 lakh enterprises over the next five years. He added that special emphasis has been laid on entrepreneurship and skill development programmes to empower the youth.
Referring to welfare measures, Gupta said the Government has introduced free travel for women in government-owned public transport, including e-buses. He also said that enhanced free ration support has been extended to Antyodaya families to strengthen social security for economically weaker sections.
Gupta further highlighted the allocations made in various sectors, stating that Rs 3,773.93 crore has been earmarked for rural development, Rs 4,062.93 crore for roads and bridges, Rs 2,662.71 crore for irrigation and water supply, Rs 1,750.50 crore for health, Rs 1,388.97 crore for education, Rs 602.85 crore for industries and Rs 379.14 crore for employment and skill development.
He said the Government has paid special attention to the long-neglected Kandi areas of Jammu, Samba and Kathua by accelerating irrigation and drinking water projects. He also noted that tourism has witnessed significant growth, with Jammu and Kashmir recording over 2.36 crore tourist visits, generating livelihood opportunities for thousands of families.
Criticising the previous BJP-backed administration, Gupta alleged that unemployment remained a major challenge during that period, recruitment processes were delayed and democratic institutions weakened. He said the Omar Abdullah Government inherited numerous pending issues but has begun addressing them systematically.
The National Conference leader reiterated his party’s commitment to fulfilling manifesto promises related to employment, relief in power and water sectors, social justice and balanced regional development.
On the issue of statehood, Gupta said it was unfortunate that the Central Government continues to delay the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir despite repeated assurances. He asserted that statehood is a democratic and constitutional right of the people and not a favour.
He further said that the continued denial of statehood weakens the federal structure of the country and creates unnecessary hurdles in the functioning of the elected government. Gupta expressed confidence that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have placed their trust in the Omar Abdullah-led Government and can distinguish between governance and political rhetoric.
“The National Conference Government is determined to complete its full five-year term and continue working for peace, prosperity, development and the restoration of democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
Among those present on the occasion were Sheikh Bashir Ahmad, Provincial Secretary Jammu; Vijay Lochan, Chairman SC Cell; Rakesh Singh Raka, Vice President Central Zone; Rajesh Kumar, Goutam Singh, Pinto Singh, Vijay Singh, Supinder Singh, Parveen Singh, Sohan Singh and Garo Singh.