Government Must Disclose Investment, Income Growth and Employment Data: Sahni
JAMMU, Jun 16: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) Jammu & Kashmir unit has demanded that the Central Government and the J&K Administration release a comprehensive White Paper on the actual achievements of the much-publicized Purple Revolution (Lavender Mission). The party said that since the project has been projected as a model for enhancing farmers’ incomes and transforming the rural economy, its real outcomes should now be placed before the public.
State President Manish Sahni said that crores of rupees have been spent on promoting lavender cultivation in Bhaderwah, Doda, Kishtwar and other parts of Jammu division through subsidies, training programmes, distillation units and other support mechanisms. While official claims suggest that thousands of farmers have benefited and new employment opportunities have been created, the actual impact remains unclear.
Sahni demanded that the government disclose the total expenditure incurred on the mission, the number of farmers who adopted lavender cultivation, the actual increase in their income, the number of jobs and self-employment opportunities generated, and the overall economic benefits accrued to Jammu & Kashmir.
He said that the funds spent on the project come from taxpayers’ money and, therefore, the government is accountable to the public for every rupee invested and the results achieved. Transparency and public accountability are essential for assessing the success of any development initiative.
Sahni further stated that many farmers continue to face challenges related to marketing, procurement, fair pricing and sustained demand for lavender products. He emphasized that the success of any agricultural scheme should be measured not by publicity campaigns but by its tangible impact on farmers’ incomes, employment generation and the local economy.
He warned that if the government fails to ensure transparency and release a White Paper on the Purple Revolution, Shiv Sena will consider launching a democratic agitation in support of farmers and unemployed youth. On this occasion Vikas Bakshi, Sanjeev Kohli, Sanjay Bhatt were present.