JAMMU: Expressing concern over apathy shown by the BJP-PDP Government in restoring PDD and PHE supply besides its indifference towards damaged crop due to recent heavy rains and gale, Senior Vice President Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) and former Minister, Sham Lal Sharma said that the trend set by incumbent dispensation through neglecting the woes of people during recent natural calamity is worrisome and should be condemned at all levels.
He was addressing the monthly meeting of Block Congress Committee here at Akhnoor on Friday. He said the quantum of irresponsibleness shown by the Government is so large that despite passing of four days the power and water supply in Akhnoor is still out of gear and people have been forced to face the wrath of searing summer without water and electricity.
He demanded that Government should adopt proactive approach in restoring water and power supply and also assess the damages incurred to crops for fixing adequate ex-gratia.
He also lambasted BJP-PDP Government for amendment in Panchayati Raj Act-1989. He said that the amendment will allow the election of Sarpanchs by Panchs rather than being elected directly. He termed this amendment as ‘assassination of democracy’ which according to him will facilitate horse trading. He further said that this amendment will dilute the powers of Panchayats. “BJP due to lust of power has completely forgotten the promises made during elections and is depriving the people of their basic rights”, he maintained.
On the issue of Transfer of Property Bill, Sham said that this bill is against the people of Jammu and demanded its immediate withdrawal. “By approving the aforesaid Bill the BJP-PDP coalition has betrayed the people’s mandate because it is against the interests of people of Jammu region. This will severely affect the economy of the State and also deteriorate the situation as far as joblessness is concerned”, he stressed.
He said that bringing of this Bill in Assembly seems to be under the pressure of separatists. “If this Bill is passed it will snatch the rights of people to sell their property as per their interest”, he added.
He also decried BJP on weakening its stand over abrogation of Article 370, amnesty to stone-pelters, fate of those arrested in Amarnath Land Row, etc.
Kuldeep Verma, Ram Swaroop, Sushma Choudhary, Subash Langer, Naresh Dutt, Raj Rani, Vijay Jamwal, Aman Gupta, Askok, Tinu, Sarpanchs and Panchs were also present.