Waheed Para demands State Human Rights Commission following Kathua killings says budgets lacks hope and healing

JAMMU: People's Democratic Party (PDP) Legislative Party Leader and MLA from Pulwama, Waheed Ur Rehman Parra, on Monday delivered a scathing critique of the recently tabled Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory budget, arguing that it lacks originality and fails to address the pressing concerns of the region’s youth and marginalized communities. Speaking in the Assembly, Para accused the government of relying excessively on centrally sponsored schemes while neglecting state-specific initiatives that could uplift the people of J&K. He called the budget a missed opportunity that neither offers hope nor healing to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. 

Para further questioned the absence of a state-specific vision, arguing that the budget is merely an allocation of centrally sponsored schemes and programs, with no substantial local planning. “Can the government identify even a single line in the budget that is truly focused on Jammu and Kashmir’s unique needs?” he asked. 

He also raised concerns over the absence of relief measures for daily wagers, whose regularization had been a prominent electoral promise of the ruling party. Expressing disappointment over the government's failure to reinstate the free stamp duty provision for women—a measure introduced under former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s administration—Para stressed that this exemption is crucial for narrowing the gender divide in property ownership, which remains stark in J&K. He argued that granting a 100% exemption on stamp duty, as has been done in states like Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, would significantly boost property registration in women’s names.

Para pointed out that despite nearly 69% of J&K’s population being under the age of 35, the budget fails to address the pressing concerns of the youth. "The word 'youth' is entirely missing, and so are policies or programs aimed at their upliftment," he said, endorsing former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s assessment of the budget as "pessimistic."

He emphasized that in a region marred by conflict and displacement, women bear a disproportionate economic burden yet remain deprived of legal ownership of assets. Property ownership would grant them greater decision-making authority, provide a safeguard against domestic violence, and enhance their access to formal credit and welfare programs. By removing the financial barrier of stamp duty, the government could lay the foundation for genuine structural gender justice, ensuring that women are not just caretakers but rightful owners of their homes.

Expressing concern over the lack of attention to the region’s youth, Parra pointed out that while government narratives position them as the primary beneficiaries of state policies, the budget does little to address their real challenges. Instead of creating state-driven initiatives, the government continues to rely on centrally sponsored schemes, making J&K’s financial stability overly dependent on central grants. He warned that such reliance could come at a cost, given the central government’s tendency to favor BJP-ruled states in fund allocations.

Para criticized the government’s approach of repackaging existing central schemes rather than introducing fresh policies tailored to the unique needs of J&K. He cited several instances where the budget merely reinforced schemes like e-Abgari for liquor licensing, the expansion of the Kisan Credit Card scheme, the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and employment through MGNREGA—none of which are new or specific to J&K.

He pointed out that initiatives such as the SEHAT healthcare scheme, Khelo India training for sports, and PM-SHRI school upgradation programs are all central schemes with no additional provisions from the state government. Welfare programs for migrant workers, including Ayushman Bharat and PMJJBY, along with women’s schemes such as Sakhi Niwas and Shakti Sadan, remain solely dependent on central funds. The promotion of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana also follows the same trend of presenting central projects as state achievements.

Para also criticized the government's decision to discontinue key welfare measures. He demanded the reinstatement of the free stamp duty exemption for women, a crucial relief measure introduced by the previous Mehbooba Mufti-led government. He also highlighted the absence of the Youth Start-Up Loan (YSL) scheme under the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), which was supposed to support young entrepreneurs in the region.

Raising the issue of the recent civilian killings in Kathua, Para demanded a transparent and time-bound probe. He called for the revival of the State Human Rights Commission to ensure accountability and justice for victims of extrajudicial actions. "The absence of a dedicated human rights body leaves victims without recourse, and this must be corrected immediately," he asserted.

He also expressed serious concern over the controversial fashion show held in Gulmarg, calling it a blatant disregard for the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He questioned how such an event could take place without government approval, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. Para described it as an affront to cultural and religious values.

Expressing deep concern over these pressing matters, Parra urged the government to take immediate corrective measures to address the grievances of the people and uphold their rights and sentiments. He asserted that the budget should reflect the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir rather than serve as a mere extension of central government policies. He called on the administration to introduce genuine state-led reforms, prioritize youth employment, revive the stamp duty exemption for women, and ensure greater financial autonomy for the region. Without these measures, he warned, the budget would remain a missed opportunity, failing to address the real concerns of the people it claims to serve.