Srinagar, Oct 16: National Conference (NC) Rajya Sabha MP Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan has blamed the delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, bureaucratic hurdles and financial constraints for delays in fulfilling some of the party’s key manifesto promises as the Omar Abdullah-led government completes two years in office.
Defending the government’s performance, Ramzan said the administration had made progress despite operating under the Union Territory framework, adding that the remaining three years of its five-year term would provide an opportunity to fulfil its commitments.
In an interview, Ramzan rejected criticism over the partial implementation of promises, including 200 units of free electricity, 12 subsidised LPG cylinders and rationalisation of the reservation policy. He maintained that several decisions were subject to administrative and institutional clearances.
He accused the Centre of delaying the restoration of statehood despite assurances made in Parliament and an affidavit submitted before the Supreme Court. He alleged that the delay had constrained the elected government’s functioning, arguing that the restoration of full statehood was essential for more effective governance.
On the promise of subsidised LPG cylinders, Ramzan said six of the 12 promised cylinders had been provided so far, describing the rollout as a phased process. He said the government would continue working towards fulfilling its manifesto commitments during the remaining tenure.
Regarding reservation rationalisation, he said a state-level committee had been constituted and a Cabinet-approved resolution submitted for consideration by the Lieutenant Governor. He added that files concerning the regularisation of daily-wage workers had been prepared but were awaiting administrative clearances.
Ramzan also highlighted welfare measures, including an increase in marriage assistance for underprivileged women from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000 and an expansion of food ration allocations.
Explaining the government’s financial constraints, he said that of Jammu and Kashmir’s annual budget of around ₹1.13 lakh crore, approximately ₹80,000 crore went towards committed expenditure, including salaries, pensions and debt servicing, leaving about ₹30,000 crore to ₹35,000 crore for capital development.
Despite the constraints, he cited the release of nearly ₹14,000 crore in pending Jal Shakti funds following discussions with the Centre, saying it had helped clear contractors’ dues and resume water-supply projects. He also pointed to road macadamisation and improvements in schools and healthcare facilities.
The NC MP reiterated the demand for the transfer of key hydropower projects to Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that the region should receive greater benefits from its hydropower resources.
Dismissing allegations that the party had failed to deliver on its promises, Ramzan said two years marked only the midpoint of the government’s tenure and asserted that the administration remained committed to implementing its manifesto in the remaining three years.
