Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Feb 02 : Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday urged the Centre to provide a “special, state-like package” for Jammu and Kashmir in the upcoming Union Budget, asserting that the Union Territory’s developmental requirements are far greater than those of a typical UT and must be addressed on priority.
Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly complex, Choudhary said although J&K currently holds Union Territory status, its developmental requirements are comparable to that of a full-fledged state.
“The needs of Jammu and Kashmir are similar to those of a state. Even though we are a UT, the Union Budget should provide a special package keeping in view our specific requirements,” he said as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
He said the last decade has witnessed a sharp rise in unemployment and setbacks to several sectors due to floods and disturbances that hit tourism hard.
“In the past 11 years, unemployment has grown significantly, floods caused heavy losses, leaving a adverse affect on tourism. A substantial special package is the need of the hour,” Choudhary said.
Responding to a query about the Chief Minister’s recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Deputy CM said such discussions are confidential.
“Whatever is discussed inside remains confidential. We take an oath of secrecy and such matters are limited to the room only,” he said.
The Dy CM also reminded the BJP of its earlier promise to restore statehood to J&K after the 2024 elections. “This demand is not ours alone. The BJP itself had promised during the 2024 elections that statehood would be restored once polls were over. Their MLAs should be asked what happened to that commitment,” he said.
He said that once the Budget is presented, “everything will be clear before the people.”—(KNO)
