Posted by admin_kas on 2025-03-08 18:50:06 |
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Warns of ripple effect on all sectors
KS News Desk
Srinagar, March 8: Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the newly presented budget by the Omar Abdullah-led government saying that budget has nothing substantial to offer for common masses.
Addressing media persons, State Secretary AIP Sheikh Ashiq termed the budget an anti-people and hollow budget, offering nothing substantial for the common masses, industries, commerce, traders or transporters.
Sheikh Ashiq warned that any move to increase petrol, diesel prices, or impose a five percent hike in taxes on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) would be met with strong political resistance, as it will have a cascading effect on all sectors and burden every citizen.
Sheikh Ashiq highlighted that despite tall claims, the budget fails to address key concerns.
"There is no mention of welfare measures for industries and commerce. It is an empty budget," he said.
He said the promise of 200 free electricity units and 12 LPG cylinders has been completely ignored.
"Even the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries, who are very few in number, will see limited benefit that too with the condition," he said.
Expressing disappointment over the government's apathy towards struggling industrialists, Ashiq said there was no word for those industrialists whose units have been sick for several years.
"The long-pending allocation of newly industrial estates, including Sempora, Pampore and Kulgam besides others, despite businesses paying hefty amounts for the last four years, remains unresolved," he said.
He said the much-touted 'Mission Youth,' which once touched great heights, finds no mention in the budget.
"This clearly shows the government’s disinterest in the youth of J&K," he said.
The AIP leader also slammed the government for its silence on the regularisation of daily wagers, contractual employees, Anganwadi workers, Khidmat Centre and vocational trainers.
"These workers have been serving for years in extremely difficult conditions, yet the budget offers no hope for their future," he added.
Criticizing the so-called free travel for women, Sheikh Ashiq said the state transport fleet was already insufficient.
"E-buses run only in Jammu and Srinagar. What about the majority of rural areas. How does this government expect women in far-flung regions to benefit from this scheme. This is nothing but an urban-centric gimmick," he said.
He warned the government against any move to increase petrol, diesel prices or impose a five percent hike in taxes on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).
"We have pursued extensively to ensure a decrease in ATF taxes. It was the Lieutenant Governor of J&K who, on our request, slashed ATF tax in 2021. Now, the Omar-led government is set to increase it substantially. This is unacceptable," he said .
He said such moves will not only burden the people but will also trigger a hike in the prices of essential goods and services, affecting every household and business.
"AIP will fight tooth and nail against any such hikes," he said.
He pointed out another "glaring omission" in the budget saying there was no relief for the commercial and industrial sector besides residential sectors especially poor households in the electricity amnesty scheme.
"The government talks about relief but conveniently ignores businesses, traders and industries especially poor households struggling with high power tariffs. This budget offers no respite to them," he added.
Sheikh Ashiq also urged the Government of India to ensure justice for member Parliament north Kashmir, Engineer Rashid.
"Cases were withdrawn against many individuals, including a former student leader and a sitting MLA. We welcome and appreciate this move. However, the same approach should be applied to Engineer Rashid, who should also be released. We will continue our political and legal battle for his freedom," he said.
Sheikh Ashiq reaffirmed AIP’s commitment to standing by the people against this anti-people budget.
"There is no reason for people to get excited about this budget. Instead of relief, they will suffer more due to increased taxes," he said.
He said AIP will oppose every move that adds to the burden of the common masses and fight politically to ensure their voices are heard.
"AIP has made it clear that it will not allow the government to burden the people with unfair policies. The fight against fuel tax hikes and economic injustice has just begun," he said.