Modi Govt must table Statehood Bill in upcoming Parliament Session: Rattan Lal Gupta

• Says Omar-led Govt giving due focus on development in far-flung areas

JAMMU: Advocate Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC), expressed optimism that the Modi-led Central Government will bring the Statehood Bill for Jammu and Kashmir in the upcoming Parliament session.

Addressing the day-long convention of Zone, District, Block Presidents and party functionaries of Udhampur District  at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan here, the senior NC leader said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have full confidence that the Modi-led Central Government will bring the Statehood Bill for Jammu and Kashmir in the upcoming Parliament session.

Rattan Lal Gupta asserted that the present dual power structure is not in the interest of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and has only created administrative confusion and chaos. “This arrangement undermines democratic accountability and delays redressal of public issues,” he stated.

The senior NC leader further assured that once statehood is restored, Omar Abdullah-led Government will promptly implement all promises made in its manifesto. “Our roadmap for equitable development, safeguarding the rights of the people, and ensuring democratic empowerment will be activated without delay,” he said, reiterating the NC’s unwavering stand on the restoration of full statehood with dignity and the return of democratic rights to the people including right of Jobs and right of lands. He also asked the party cadre to strengthen the hands of Party’s President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in their ongoing mission to safeguard the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and to restore its democratic and constitutional rights.

The District Presidents (Organization Udhampur) Sunil Verma and Ramparshotam Sharma  threw light on the negligence of far-flung areas over the last ten years under BJP’s rule. They  said people are facing immense hardships due to the hollow policies of successive regime. They maintained that roads are in deplorable condition, health centres and educational institutions in far-flung areas of Udhampur are facing a dearth of manpower. They urged the present NC Government to fill vacant posts of doctors and teachers in these regions, stressing the need to focus on roads and health centres.

Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Provincial Secretary Jammu said that the Omar Abdullah Government is giving due focus to such areas which were neglected in the last 10 years. He mentioned that the present NC Government, in just 8 months, has fulfilled several poll promises like free travel for women in government buses, increase in marriage assistance for women from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000, 200 free power units for AAY beneficiaries, ration increased from 5 kg to 10 kg for AAY households, and increased pensions for widows, senior citizens, and the handicapped.

Mohd Shafi Advocate Zonal Vice President urged the party cadre to gear up and reach out proactively to the people at the grassroots level, listen to their grievances, understand their issues firsthand, and work collectively to address the problems being faced by the general public. He emphasized that the party workers must strengthen their connect with the masses and ensure that the message and policies of the National Conference reach every household, especially in neglected and remote areas.

Among those who were present included Vijay Khajuria Vice President Zonal Udhampur Reasi, Sheikh Tanveer, Mir Qasim, Vice President District Udhampur Rural, Naresh Anthal District Secretary Udhampur Rural, Capt Pavitar Singh District Secretary Udhampur Urban, Gurbachan Singh, Akash Verma Additional Spokesperson Jammu, Akash Kharka District President Udhampur Rural YNC, Vijay Kumar District President Udhampur Rural SC Cell, Terith Ram Block President Kulwanta, Jagdish Singh, Block President Ghordi, Master Khalid Hussain Block President Latti, Jai Chand Anthal Block President Chenani, Manmohan Verma Block President Tikri, Mohd Shakil Block President Jib Thathi, Mohan Lal Block President Jaganoo, Rattan Singh Block President Majalta, Om Parkash Bhagat Block President Udhampur,  Bishan Dass Block President Panchari, Anyatullah District President OBC Cell Udhampur , V.D Surishta Block President Sewna and Amar Nath.