Union Minister Rijiju defends reduction of central grants to J&K

Srinagar, Feb 15: Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, remained elusive on the timeline for restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) while defending the reduction of central grants to J&K.

On the cut in grants, he stated, "The allocation is made as per the spending capacity of the UT."

He revealed that last year's allocation was Rs 42,000 crore, but this year's budget reflects adjustments based on the UT's fiscal capabilities.

When pressed for details on when J&K would regain statehood, Rijiju was evasive, emphasising that J&K currently functions as a Union Territory with a legislature. "Aaj ka din mein yeh Union Territory hai," he said, indicating that the administrative head remains the Lieutenant Governor (LG) despite having a recently elected UT government.

Rijiju avoided specifics on statehood restoration, noting, "I am confined to the budget press conference... Otherwise, the headline will be diluted."

He confirmed that both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister have previously indicated that statehood would be restored in due time, with clear demarcation of powers between the UT government and the LG.

Addressing recent allegations of corruption, particularly in the Smart City project, Rijiju highlighted the government's zero-tolerance policy for corruption.

He mentioned a recent case where two government employees were arrested, and several officers were transferred from the Anti-Corruption Bureau. "Any act of corruption if found out to be true, then strictest possible action will be taken," he asserted, promising that the central government's clean governance model would influence practices in J&K as well.

The press conference concluded with Rijiju reiterating the government's commitment to transparency and anti-corruption measures, aiming to bring about a more accountable and efficient administration in J&K.