Early Times Report JAMMU, Feb 18: Adv. Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President, J&K National Conference, has strongly reacted to the statement made by Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, where he admitted that a lack of coordination between the J&K Administration and the Ministry of Minority Affairs has resulted in insufficient funding for welfare schemes. Interacting with the delegation of District Jammu Urban JKNC SC Cell headed by Mr Ramesh Lal Motton District President, the senior NC leader said the Union Minister's remarks are a clear admission of lack of Coordination between J&K administration and the ministry of minority affairs caused by the current dual power system in J&K, which has proven to be ineffective in addressing the real and burning issues faced by the people. "The absence of a fully empowered elected government has led to administrative failures, where funds meant for the welfare of minorities and marginalized sections are either underutilized or wasted," he stated. Rattan Lal Gupta further added that J&K cannot be run through a bureaucratic setup dictated by New Delhi and a fragmented local administration. "This dual power structure must end, and a full-fledged state government must be restored. Only a democratic setup can ensure that policies are implemented effectively and funds reach the people without bureaucratic hurdles," he asserted. Highlighting the ongoing struggles of the people, the senior NC leader pointed out that basic amenities remain a distant dream for many, unemployment is soaring, and security concerns persist. "On one hand, the Government at the Centre claims progress, but the ground reality tells a different story-where people facing severe problems due to dual power system in Jammu and Kashmir," he said. He further added that the security situation in J&K remains grim, with innocent civilians still falling victim to terrorism. "On one hand, the administration claims normalcy, yet people continue to live in fear. The absence of a full-fledged State has left the region directionless," he said. Rattan Lal Gupta further emphasized that the National Conference (NC) Government headed by the dynamic Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has always been competent in handling the affairs of J&K and ensuring the welfare of its people. "The people of J&K have witnessed how NC has effectively governed in the past, addressing public grievances and ensuring holistic development. It is time to restore that governance model by reinstating full statehood," he stated. The Provincial President urged the Central Government to immediately restore full-fledged statehood and allow the democratic process to function in J&K, ensuring that governance is by the people, of the people, and for the people. "J&K deserves leadership that understands its aspirations, not a system that operates remotely and inefficiently," he added. Those who were present included: Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Provincial Secretary Jammu, Bimla Luthra former MLA, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Rakesh Singh Raka Vice President Central Zone, Abid Magrey District President Ramban, S. Gurnam Singh Block President Jammu West, Joginder Kaur District Vice President Jammu Urban, Women Wing, Jaseen Malik District President Samba YNC, Ajay Kumar Block Secretary Jammu East, Jai Singh, Pooja Thakur, Sapna Gill Block President Women Wing Jammu East, Sanjeev Kumar, Satpaul, Surinder, Nasib Singh and others |