Srinagar, Feb 22: Chairman J&K  Civil Society Forum (JKCSF) Abdul Qayoom Wani Sunday appealed to the government to issue immediate instructions regarding reasonable relief in working hours for government and private sector employees during the ongoing holy month of Ramadhan. In a statement issued here, Wani said that despite being a Muslim-majority region, it is unfortunate that no formal decision has been announced in this regard.  "JKCSF believes that governance must reflect sensitivity towards the religious and cultural ethos of its people," Qayoom Wani said. He said the holy month of Ramadhan is a period of fasting, spiritual reflection, discipline, and devotion. "Adjusting duty hours during this sacred month is not merely a concession, but a humane and administrative necessity," Wani said. JKCSF has further urged the J&K Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take a proactive and compassionate decision without further delay. "Other states such as Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana have already taken commendable initiatives by rationalizing working hours for Muslim employees during Ramadan," Qayoom Wani said. He said that J&K, with its unique cultural and religious fabric, should ideally lead such inclusive initiatives rather than remain in a state of uncertainty. "JKCSF particularly draws attention to the plight of private sector employees who often face excessive work pressure without institutional safeguards," Wani said. He said that  many among them continue to work prolonged hours even while observing fasts, which raises concerns about workplace fairness and basic rights. "The forum emphasizes that private sector employees must not be treated merely as corporate instruments, but as dignified contributors to economic growth. Their rights and well-being deserve protection, especially during significant religious observances," Qayoom Wani said. JKCSF has called upon the government to issue clear, inclusive, and balanced guidelines ensuring modest reduction or rationalisation of duty hours for both government and private sector employees "Timing should be observed while aintaining administrative efficiency and public service delivery. Such a step will foster goodwill, promote social harmony, and demonstrate responsive governance," Wani said. JKCSF has reiterated its commitment to constructive dialogue and hopes the administration takes a considerate and timely decision in the larger interest of justice, inclusivity, and human dignity.

Jammu, Feb 20: The Jammu and Kashmir Government today ordered a major administrative reshuffle, transferring and posting 22 officers across the Union Territory. According to an order issued by the General Administration Department, among those transferred are 20 IAS and two JKAS officers. Ashwani Kumar, has been posted as Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Power Development Department. He will also hold the additional charge of Administrative Secretary, Mining Department. Dr. Ashish Chandra Verma, Financial Commissioner (ACS), Tourism Department, will also hold the charge of Administrative Secretary, Agriculture Production Department. Shailendra Kumar has been transferred and posted as Financial Commissioner (ACS), Finance Department. Raju Commissioner/Secretary, GAD, will also hold the additional charge of Administrative Secretary, Health & Medical Education Department. Alice Vaz, has been posted as Commissioner/Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department, and will additionally hold charge of Administrative Secretary, Information Department. Yasha Mudgal has been transferred as Commissioner/Secretary, Cooperatives Department. Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary has been posted as Commissioner/Secretary, Youth Services and Sports Department. Dr. Piyush Singla Secretary, IT Department, will also hold additional charge of Administrative Secretary, Public Grievances Department. Babila Rakwal has been posted as Commissioner/Secretary, Science and Technology Department. Anjali Sehrawat has been appointed as Mission Director, Jal Jeevan Mission. Nidhi Malik has been posted as Inspector General of Registration, J&K. Owais Ahmed has been posted as Director, Skill Development, J&K. Dr. Sagar D. Dattatray has been posted as Director, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Kashmir. Athar Aamir Ul Shafi Khan has been transferred as Deputy Commissioner, Budgam. Kumar Abhishek has been posted as Deputy Commissioner, Reasi. Akriti Sagar  has been appointed as Managing Director, National Health Mission, J&K, and will also hold additional charge as Special Secretary, Health & Medical Education Department. Dr. Bilal Mohiud Din Bhat has been transferred as Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag. Minga Sherpa has been posted as Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur. Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid has been transferred as Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla. Harvinder Singh has been posted as Director, Employment, J&K, and will also hold additional charge as CEO, Mission Youth and Mission Director, Mission YUVA. Shahzad Alam has been posted as Deputy Commissioner, Kulgam. Krishan Lal has been appointed as Deputy Commissioner, Doda.

Srinagar, Feb 20: Former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to safeguard the interests of Kashmiri horticulture by excluding apples from the proposed Indo-US trade deal. Expressing grave concern over reports of zero-duty American apple imports, Mehbooba warned that such a move would deliver a "death blow" to the orchard economy of Kashmir. She emphasized that horticulture is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, supporting over seven lakh families whose livelihoods, children’s education, and healthcare depend entirely on it. "The sector is already bleeding due to low-priced Iranian imports routed through SAFTA, which have depressed market prices and weakened demand for local produce. Flooding our markets with heavily subsidized American apples will trigger a price war we cannot win," she said. Mehbooba highlighted the structural disadvantages faced by local growers including climate uncertainty, weak supply chains, and high transportation costs contrasting it with the massive subsidies enjoyed by American farmers. "Protecting Kashmiri apples is not protectionism; it is about safeguarding livelihoods, heritage, and the dignity of farming," she asserted. She demanded that the government should exclude apples from the Indo-US trade list, Retain at least 50 percent import duty to ensure a level playing field, Strictly enforce Minimum Import Price (MIP) mechanisms, Provide targeted subsidies, easy credit, and infrastructure support to local growers. "If the Centre fails to act, lakhs of orchard families will be pushed into irreversible financial distress," Mehbooba warned.

Srinagar, Feb 19: The Jammu & Kashmir Government has revealed that its prized properties in New Delhi, Amritsar, and Chandigarh are not in its hands-but under occupation. The revelation has raised questions over how assets of such huge financial value slipped out of the state’s control. In a written reply to cut motion of Peoples Conference MLA Sajad Gani Lone, Minister in-charge Hospitality & Protocol Department said that 96 kanals of J&K are currently occupied by the Military Engineering Service under administrative control of Ministry of Defence. “The Jammu and Kashmir Government owns a property known as “Kashmir House” spanning 114 Kanals and 11.2 Marlas at Rajaji Marg. Of this, 96 Kanals are currently occupied by the Military Engineering Wing under the Ministry of Defence (Engineer‑in‑chief) and have persistently been taken up with Estates department as well as Ministry of Defence,” the Minister’s reply reads. The Minister said that one Kanal and 11. 2 Marlas of land were successfully retrieved on June 5, 2023. “Out of the remaining land, 1 Kanal and 11. 2 Marlas was under the unauthorized occupation and successfully retrieved on 05.06.2023. Resultantly, 18 Kanals of land is under possession of the Jammu & Kashmir Government at present and has staff quarters over it,” the minister said. The Minister also disclosed that eight Kanals and five Marals of land are under illegal occupation at Damai Ganj, Amritsar. “The Government owns land measuring approximately 32 Kanals and 9 Marlas at Daimganj, Tapai Road, Amritsar, which has been subject to unauthorized occupation," it reads. The minister said that through sustained legal action and orders passed by the Hon’ble District Court, Amritsar, the Government has successfully retrieved approximately 14 Kanals and 11 Marlas from Raminder Singh Buloria and 9 Kanals and 13 Marlas from Balbir Sharma, thereby recovering substantial portions of the land. The Minister said the remaining land measuring two Kanals and 15 Marlas under occupation of Kuldip and approximately five Kanals and 10 Marlas under occupation of Raminder Pal Singh. These two cases are presently under litigation before competent civil courts. “Execution proceedings are ongoing, and the remaining land measuring approximately 8 Kanals and 5 Marlas is expected to be retrieved upon final adjudication, with assistance from the Revenue Department and local authorities,” the Minister’s reply reads. The Minister said the J&K Government has initiated legal proceedings to recover 1251 Kanals of land leased out in 1960 at Haryana. “The Government of Jammu & Kashmir owns land measuring approximately 1251 Kanals and 4 Marlas at Mangla area, District Sirsa, Haryana, which was leased out in the late 1960s to Bajwa Brothers," the reply reads. It reads that due to violation of lease conditions, particularly non-payment of lease rent, the Government initiated legal proceedings before the Hon'ble Punjab and Haryana High Court to enforce its ownership rights and secure recovery of possession. "The matter is at the final argument stage,” reads the reply.

Karta, Feb 18: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the much-anticipated Sri Shankaracharya Temple. Perched on hillocks beside the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, this project takes root after decades, realizing a vision first envisioned in the 1960s. Total expenditure for the temple complex, amounting to Rs. 31.51 crore, will be fully borne by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. The Lieutenant Governor announced that the Shrine Board will construct 50 commercial shops within the Temple complex, which will be allotted to the landowners who donated it for sacred cause. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and the concerned landowners was executed in 2025, wherein the landowners have consented to donate 41 Kanals for sacred cause. “In the years ahead, the Sri Shankaracharya Temple will serve as a spiritual anchor for millions of devotees. It will be a living emblem of India's eternal culture, collective faith, resilience, and profound spiritual-cultural consciousness," LG said. He said that devotee visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi for darshan will also come to Sri Shankaracharya Temple, generating significant economic momentum across the region. "This influx will create employment opportunities, strengthen local enterprises, and inject fresh energy into overall regional development,” the Lieutenant Governor said. During his visit to the holy town of Katra, the Lieutenant Governor presided over the ‘Samridh Nari, Samridh Bharat’ program at the Spiritual Growth Centre, where he interacted with the women entrepreneurs of Self-Help Groups of Reasi and adjoining areas. The Lieutenant Governor reiterated the commitment of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board towards keeping spiritual hubs vibrant while prioritizing every devotee's comfort, safety, and dignity.  He said when sacred sites thrive with vitality, they spark renewed faith and unlock paths to progress. “Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has consistently prioritized welfare of local communities. It has not only generated large-scale local employment and supported extensive business activity, but has also contributed significantly to shaping a renewed social and cultural identity in the Union Territory,” the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said that Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in a recent meeting had approved key decisions to transform the Shrine and surrounding area into India's premier vibrant spiritual hub. He announced that the Shrine Board is enhancing the annual procurement of Puja Samagri and Prasad from SHGs from current procurement value of Rs.5 Crore to Rs. 12 Crore significantly strengthening livelihood generation in the region. “A standout measure was to prioritize purchases from local self-help groups, women, and young entrepreneurs to boost the regional economy.  This initiative will onboard 20 additional self-help groups into the supply chain, providing livelihood support to around 1,500 women from villages in Reasi, Udhampur, and Jammu. Total annual purchases from these groups will be scaled to Rs. 50 crore in coming years,” the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor stated that the soul of J&K UT is deeply rooted in India’s rich civilizational heritage, so we have decided to channel Vedic education's vast wisdom to the youth to nurture this legacy. He said, through the Gurukul initiative, SMVDSB will nurture youth who will uphold sacred traditions and perform religious practices with authenticity and understanding. The Lieutenant Governor also shared his vision for the future of the holy town. "I envision Katra carving a unique global identity in the coming years- drawing investments, superior infrastructure with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board support, booming business activity, and boundless opportunities for the youth,” he said. The Lieutenant Governor further highlighted that the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board envisions building a world-class cultural and spiritual center—one that provides society with a foundation of lasting stability. Suresh Kumar Sharma and Gunjan Rana Members of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Prof. Pragati Kumar Vice-Chancellor SMVDU, Ramesh Kumar Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Mohammadd Aijaz Asad Secretary Rural Development & PR, Sarah Rizvi DIG Udhampur and Reasi Range, Sachin Kumar Vaishya CEO SMVDSB, Nidhi Malik Deputy Commissioner Reasi, senior officers of Police and Civil Administration, members of women self-help groups from Reasi and adjoining districts attended the function.

Srinagar, Feb 17: J&K Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone on Tuesday made a sweeping case for transforming Jammu and Kashmir's economic future through horticulture. During his address in the Assembly, Sajad Lone took a sharp aim at policy gaps ranging from highway mismanagement to the corporate capture of post-harvest subsidies during his address in the J&K Legislative Assembly. Opening his remarks on the highway blockade crisis, Lone said the government was "unfortunately caught sleeping" when the roadblock struck and only moved after orchardists hit the streets. He rejected the government's claim that merely one percent of fruit worth 22,000 metric tons was ready at the time, calling it inaccurate.  He pointed out that the National Highway has always been a National Highway both before and after the abrogation of Article 370 and that the administration's sluggish response resulted in losses of crores with no accountability and no possibility of recovery. "It is a permanent damage which will never be recovered," he said. On the pending US trade deal, Lone urged the government to act proactively rather than wait for the agreement to be signed and then raise an outcry. He said the landed cost of American apples in duty-free markets like Dubai is publicly available and that even a basic desktop analysis could arm the administration with enough data to formally represent J&K's interests before the Government of India.  He said that India's Trade Minister may have little knowledge of walnuts, apples or pears and that it falls on the J&K government and the Chief Minister to make a pre-emptive representation before the deal is finalised. "The deal hasn't been signed yet," he said. He questioned why the concerned department was not already on this. Lone said that that J&K has no competitive advantage in growing rice and questioned why the region continues to cultivate it, attributing it primarily to food insecurity. He said that if all agricultural land were converted to horticultural use over the span of a decade, revenues could reach approximately two lakh crores, an amount he equated to three to four lakh jobs. He added that existing horticultural land alone has the potential to grow from generating ten thousand crores to seventy thousand crores. "If there is an economic revolution waiting to happen in J&K, it's through horticulture," he said. He said that besides tourism, horticulture was the only sector capable of genuinely transforming the region's economy.  Lone acknowledged that the government is doing a lot but stressed that the real change would only come when conversion efforts reach the village and Halqa level with officers physically present on the ground. He also flagged what he termed as monopolisation of post-harvest subsidies by the corporate sector, warning that the growers for whom these subsidies are intended are seeing little to none of the benefit. He called for direct government intervention to redirect these funds to the actual fruit growers. Turning to rural development, Lone made an unusually candid and pointed appeal to remove elected representatives including MLAs entirely from the rural development process. He argued that MGNREGA and Gram Sabha funds come from the Government of India for the poor and should remain with the poor, governed at the village level through the Gram Sabha without political interference.  He criticised the transfer of a Gram Rozgar Sahayak earning ten thousand rupees by ten or twenty kilometres, calling it an abuse of political power and asking pointedly whether MLAs were elected for this purpose. On MGNREGA administration, he said that the rest of India employs dedicated trained programme officers who develop expertise over time whereas in J&K the responsibility has been handed entirely to the BDO. While expressing full respect for the KAS cadre, Lone said that rural development was a specialist technical subject that cannot be effectively handled by generalist officers who need time to learn the rules before they can deliver results. Lone also proposed a fundamental reorientation of MGNREGA's core objective, suggesting that asset creation should be the primary goal with employment as its natural byproduct rather than the other way around as it currently stands. He acknowledged this may be difficult to change but said it would significantly improve outcomes on the ground. Closing his remarks, Lone once again urged the minister to keep elected representatives away from the Gram Sabha, framing it as a matter of integrity toward the rural poor.

Jammu, Feb 17: The government on Tuesday informed the House that 1,64,665 youths were trained under various skill development schemes during the last three years. Replying to a question by MLA Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, the government said the trainings were conducted through different programmes of the Department of Skill Development. As per official data, 32,537 youths were trained under the Craft Training Scheme, while 1,710 underwent training under the Apprenticeship Training Scheme. In Government Polytechnics, 9,901 candidates received training as well. It reads that the highest number, 1,18,677 youths, were trained under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana. In addition, 1,840 candidates were trained in Hotel Management and related courses at FCI Jammu. “The total number of beneficiaries under these schemes stands at 1,64,665. The government further stated that 1,34,677 skilled workers have been upskilled under the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana.” It also informed the House that the Employment Department is providing three-month skill development training under the Training to Build Entrepreneurship Capacities for Self Employment scheme.  “The programme is an approved component under the Capex Budget and aims to enhance employability and bridge skill gaps in line with scheme guidelines," the government informed the House.

Jammu, Feb 16: In a remarkable milestone for Jammu and Kashmir's sports ecosystem, Pawandeep, a highly skilled Physical Education Teacher (PET) with the Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) J&K—currently deputed as Senior Athletics Coach to the J&K Sports Council—has qualified as a World Athletics Race Walking Judge at the prestigious Bronze Level.  This certification, awarded following a rigorous evaluation conducted by World Athletics, underscores her exceptional expertise in the technical nuances of race walking, a discipline demanding precision, endurance, and unwavering adherence to international standards. As per the reports over 70 candidates appeared in the examination, out of which 11 have successfully qualified the same A National Institute of Sports (NIS) diploma holder in athletics, Pawandeep's achievement now positions her to officiate at elite global events, including World Championships, Asian Championships, and other prestigious international competitions. Her journey reflects not just personal excellence but a profound commitment to elevating athletics in the Union Territory. Pawandeep has earned widespread acclaim for her pivotal role in nurturing national-level talent from Jammu and Kashmir. Under her guidance, several promising athletes from the region have risen to compete at the highest levels, producing a legacy of "national stuff" that inspires the next generation. Director General of Youth Services and Sports J&K, Anuradha Gupta, felicitated Pawandeep today in the presence of Joint Director (Jammu), Vinakshi Koul. Describing her as an invaluable asset to the department, Gupta said that such dedicated officials are a great boost for any organization. "On behalf of the Department, I extend my best wishes for her future endeavours," she said. She said that this accomplishment not only bolsters J&K's standing in international athletics but also highlights the department's focus on capacity-building for its coaches and officials.

Srinagar, Feb 12: The government has demolished 1,425 residential and commercial structures across Jammu and Kashmir since October 2024, with Srinagar accounting for the highest share. The government ruled out any proposal to provide compensation or free land to the affected families for reconstruction of their houses. It also said that no construction is permitted without proper approval. The government further said demolitions were carried out under the provisions of the J&K Public Premises Act, 1988 and other relevant laws. Authorities served notices under the relevant sections before taking action and followed due procedure, including verification from revenue authorities. The figures revealed in response to queries of MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz's query, the minister in-charge said that, 1,194 residential and 231 commercial structures were demolished in different districts. “The demolitions were ordered by development authorities, municipal bodies, revenue officials and, in some cases, under court directions.” Srinagar recorded the highest number of demolitions at 1,133 structures. This includes 615 residential structures demolished by the J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority, 394 by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation and five by the Srinagar Development Authority. In the commercial category, 100 structures were demolished by SMC, 17 by LCMA and two by SDA. Similarly, Jammu district reported 237 demolitions. Of these, 162 residential and 75 commercial structures were demolished by the Jammu Development Authority. The Jammu Municipal Corporation demolished six residential and 12 commercial structures, while revenue authorities removed three structures. Ramban saw 19 demolitions, including 15 commercial structures, carried out by the National Highways Authority of India. Kathua reported seven demolitions, Udhampur three and Ganderbal three. Anantnag recorded 10 commercial demolitions by the Pahalgam Development Authority. Baramulla reported one demolition under directions from the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir. Budgam reported two, Kupwara one and Bandipora two demolitions, largely by Urban Local Bodies and revenue officials. Shopian reported four demolitions and Kulgam three. Responding to a specific query on the demolition of a house linked to journalist Arfaz Ahmad Daing, the government said due procedure was followed. It said notices were issued under the relevant Act and that the demolition was carried out after verification from the concerned revenue authorities. The reply also stated that Daing, in a written submission had claimed no connection with the land or property in question. The government also informed the house that legal intervention, ‘lack of timely police assistance, deviation from approved plans and delays as factors that sometimes allow unauthorized construction to progress before action is taken.'

Srinagar, Feb 12: Jammu and Kashmir recorded over 15.48 lakh traffic violation cases in 2025, with authorities collecting more than Rs 34.17 crore as penalty under the Motor Vehicles Act, the Centre informed Parliament on Thursday. The information was shared in the Lok Sabha in response to a question raised by MP Janardan Singh Sigriwal. According to the official data, 15,48,525 challans were issued across the Union Territory in 2025, while the penalty amount recovered stood at Rs 34,17,36,740. The figures further show that in 2024, a total of 15,44,105 violations were registered with a penalty collection of around Rs 43.40 crore, while in 2023, 12,38,584 challans were issued and Rs 34.56 crore was collected. For the current year, till February 8, 2026, Jammu and Kashmir has recorded 1,63,531 traffic violation cases, with revenue collection of about Rs 2.11 crore. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways stated that stricter penalties under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 are aimed at ensuring better compliance and deterrence. It also said that traffic enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of States and Union Territories. The government has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for electronic monitoring and is promoting technology-driven enforcement through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras integrated with the VAHAN database. Awareness campaigns under the Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan are also being carried out to improve road safety.

Srinagar, Feb 12: North Kashmir MP Engineer Rashid Thursday made a strong and emotional appeal to the Union Government, urging it not to strangle the livelihoods of daily wagers, contractual and consolidated employees and warning that development built on their suffering would amount to grave injustice. During his address in the House, Engineer Rashid said that irrespective of who owns the wealth or who builds grand structures, every palace is ultimately constructed on the sweat and blood of workers. “If we fail to respect their labour and sacrifice, it will be a great injustice,” he said. Drawing attention to the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the MP said the House would be shocked to learn that thousands of daily wagers, contractual and consolidated employees, working in factories, workshops and government departments have remained unregularised for decades. He pointed out that many of them were engaged in their youth, their children are now in their twenties and the employees themselves have crossed fifty years of age, yet continue to be denied regular status. Sharing a personal example, Engineer Rashid said he himself worked in the public sector in 2008 and even after leaving the job fourteen years ago, dues in his area remain unpaid till date, reflecting the harsh realities faced by daily wagers and contractual staff. Citing the saying of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), he reminded the House that wages must be paid before the sweat dries and questioned why even the right to strike is being taken away from such employees. Er Rashid urged the government to bring, if not immediately, then at least in the near future, a national policy for the regularisation of daily wagers, contractual and consolidated employees working in factories, semi government organisation and government departments, so that families forced to survive on uncertainty can earn dignified livelihoods. Engineer Rashid also raised serious concern over the condition of porters working along border areas, from Karnah to Kanyakumari, who serve alongside the Army and BSF but whose rights remain completely unprotected. He cited cases from Baramulla where porters lost their lives while on duty and received only token compensation with no proper rehabilitation and demanded statutory protection of their rights. Highlighting the plight of employees in the unorganised sector, he questioned the adequacy of the minimum wage, asking what could possibly be managed in Rs 350 per day. He pointed out that even inside Parliament, sanitation staff who repeatedly greet MPs are themselves denied dignified wages, despite being an essential but unorganised workforce. The MP further criticised the functioning of labour courts and labour administration stating that accident victims are forced to wander for justice when daily wagers or contractual employees lose limbs or suffer serious injuries at workplaces. He said labour courts and designated officials often treat such postings casually, resulting in denial of timely relief. Engineer Rashid also warned that economic growth figures and trillion-dollar dreams are meaningless if achieved by crushing daily wagers, contractual and consolidated employees. “Do not choke them,” he appealed. “Whether the palace is yours or the wealth belongs to someone else, it is built on their blood and sweat. Ignoring their rights will be a grave injustice.”

Srinagar, Feb 12: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone on Thursday raised critical concerns about governance in the J&K Assembly while paying tribute to the institutional dignity that must be preserved. Commenting on the Roads and Buildings Department, he said that the Deputy Chief Minister now holds a portfolio once led by distinguished leaders such as Mirza Afzal Beg, Devidas Thakur, Mangat Ram Sharma, Muzaffar Baig and Nirmal Singh. He expressed hope that the current minister would uphold its dignity. "Currently, it does not look like it. I pray that the dignity of this chair remains intact," he said. In his address, Lone drew attention to a fundamental issue where the Assembly represents a Union Territory that was downgraded from what was once the strongest House in India. "The strongest House in India was downgraded to a Union Territory," he said. He said this reduction in status means that votes cast in Jammu and Kashmir are considered less powerful than those in states like Gujarat or Haryana. "They belittle us. But when a sitting minister belittles an MLA, they assist Delhi in this demeaning," Lone added. He stressed that such behavior makes officials complicit in undermining the Assembly's stature. He emphasised that the Assembly is accountable to the people of Jammu and Kashmir who elected its members. "We are accountable to the people of J&K who elected this Assembly and I must answer them tomorrow. When the minister acts according to his own whims, who answers the people?" he asked. Lone appealed for respect toward the House and its MLAs. "MLA has their constitutional role and a minister has theirs. You are also an MLA—why not stand for the dignity of the House?" Drawing from personal experience, he added, "I speak from experience. The same could happen to you tomorrow." Reflecting on his time on the ministerial benches, Lone recalled, "I was once on that bench and I say with my hand on my heart that when ruling party MLAs claimed certain things were happening, I refused to accept it. The existing MLA decides, not outsiders. They left in anger, but this is the reality we must all face." On technical matters, Lone raised concerns about macadamization, expressing bewilderment at official claims. "I do not understand what they mean when they say, 'Sir, macadamization has happened.' It is as if they are living on another planet," he said. He said that the reality on the ground tells a starkly different story. "Look at the state of the roads. The macadam is not even finished before it begins coming off the next day," he added. He insisted that the minister must be held responsible for this failure. "When decisions involving thousands of crores of rupees are made, there must be accountability. Why does the macadam lift after a few days?" Lone further criticized the biased allocation of funds saying that the minister, especially the Deputy Chief Minister, cannot say, "I will give less here and more there. That is not appropriate." Turning to institutional matters, he made a strong appeal for the revival of the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation, describing it as the region's own corporation and a source of pride that was unfortunately shut down. On the issue of undervaluation in tendering processes, Lone highlighted a systemic problem. "If our engineers set a tender at 100 rupees and someone bids 50, either the engineer erred—in which case accountability is needed—or it is impossible." He proposed implementing a 10 percent band system suggesting for setting a 10 percent band. "If a tender is 100 rupees, reject bids below 90 and above 120." He emphasized the long-term consequences of this problem. "For the past 70 years, undervaluation has caused contracts to fail. We cannot allow unqualified contractors to undercut our educated engineers." When questioned about the constitutional viability of rejecting the lowest tender by the Speaker, Lone firmly responded, "Yes, we can. The Constitution does not force us to close our eyes." He pointed out that global practices are evolving. "Globally, lowest bidding is no longer the norm. It is questioned in medicine and other sectors because it can produce substandard outcomes. Even the GeM portal faces such issues. Billions of rupees have been lost due to unviable low bids." On infrastructure development, Lone requested the construction of a major highway to Kupwara in North Kashmir comparable to those in South Kashmir. "Big highways are the true paths to development and this has not been done." Addressing industrial policy, he highlighted a troubling disparity under the NCSS 2021-22 package. "A package of 28,400 crore rupees was released. 26,000 crore went to Jammu and only 2,000 crore to Kashmir. This is deeply unfair."  He criticized changes to laws such as the requirement of four kanals to build a hotel. "Most hotels in India occupy less than one kanal, but here the poor cannot participate. Land and capital requirements exclude them. Industrial packages including tourism and service sectors have largely failed to benefit Kashmir." On mining administration, Lone revealed concerning findings. "Inquiries show that nine out of 20 District Mining Officers have pending inquiries yet were appointed to these posts." He documented a dramatic escalation in costs, stating the cost of a sand truck has risen from 2,500–3,000 rupees before 2019 to 15,000–20,000 now. "The additional amount mostly benefits corporate interests while laborers receive only a fraction." He raised ecological concerns and argued that allowing outsiders to mine destroys local environments whereas local villagers would self-regulate. "This House is responsible not only for current governance but also for future generations." Lone also raised the issue about the rising unemployment crisis, noting that sand mining once provided employment to many people, supplied affordable construction materials and supported local livelihoods.  "Corporate dominance since 2019 has disrupted this," he said. He urged for a return to traditional manual methods that historically balanced employment needs with ecological sustainability and community welfare.