People’s Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed Rehman Parra on Monday criticised the budget presented by the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference (NC)-Congress alliance government, saying it offered nothing to people, particularly the youth.
Speaking in the Assembly, Parra lamented the absence of employment guarantees and youth-oriented schemes in the budget, despite young people forming 65 per cent of the population.
He said that the government’s failure to address unemployment and provide meaningful opportunities for the youth could lead to widespread discontent.
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"There is not even a single mention of employment guarantees. If you cannot provide jobs, at least support startups and hand-holding initiatives. What will you do if you are not providing employment? What about daily wagers?" Parra asked.
He questioned the ruling alliance’s commitment to justice and urged them to fulfil their promises of setting up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address past grievances.
He called for the re-establishment of the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) in light of recent civilian killings in Kathua. He said such an institution was necessary to ensure accountability and justice in Jammu and Kashmir.
"The least this House can do is to re-establish the Human Rights Commission so that law and order can be maintained while also protecting human rights," he said.
Parra also criticised the lack of focus on education, particularly higher education and private institutions. He called for greater government support for private schools and universities and highlighted their role in providing education despite the challenges of conflict.
"Private schools have contributed significantly to education in Jammu and Kashmir despite the violence. The government should consider making them stakeholders in the education process, regulating them, and ensuring scholarships for poor students," he said.
He accused the ruling alliance of failing to address issues in agriculture and tourism, which he said could be key drivers of economic growth in the region.
The PDP legislator’s remarks reflect growing discontent over the government’s economic policies, particularly their impact on employment, education, and human rights in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the government can't shirk responsibility by reasoning it doesn't have the powers in a union territory.
