Budget has nothing for J&K: MP Mian Altaf

Srinagar, July 25: National Conference leader and Member of Parliament (MP) from Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency Mian Altaf Ahmad on Thursday raised several issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir during the ongoing Parliament budget session 2024-25.

While speaking on the discussion on the budget session presented by the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, Mian Altaf Ahmad expressed disappointment over the budget and alleged it has nothing for the Jammu and Kashmir. Participating in the debate on the Union Budget, he said before presenting the budget for Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman should have consulted the people. “Finance Minister being a senior leader and presenting the budget for several years now should have consulted the stakeholders including traders, Members of Parliaments from J&K besides other people before the budget presentation,” Mian Altaf said.

He said that there is rising unemployment and inflation in Jammu and Kashmir besides the pensioners are not getting pension and bills of contractors are pending over a year causing hardships to them. Mian Altaf said that the Delhi-Srinagar airfare is skyrocketing impacting tourism here. He said that air tickets between Srinagar and Delhi are very expensive it is getting difficult for the common people of Jammu and Kashmir to travel during emergencies. " Various projects are languishing, people are facing hardships due to non completion of these road, health projects, adding that a house committe should be formed who will visit jammu and Kashmir to get the ground reality" Mian Altaf said.