Srinagar, Oct 5: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference leader and MLA Sajad Gani Lone on Monday raised concerns over regional disparity in the issuance of Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) certificates and delays in implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) schemes in Jammu and Kashmir.
Lone questioned the issuance of around 92 per cent of EWS certificates in Jammu against about eight per cent in Kashmir, saying the disparity warranted a review of the existing criteria.
He said the issue was not necessarily about wrongdoing but about whether the policy framework required correction. “The question is whether 92 percent of the poor actually live in Jammu and only 8 percent in Kashmir,” he said, calling for the matter to be examined by the elected government.
On JJM, Lone expressed concern over delays in implementing water-supply schemes, saying the centrally funded programme had a specific timeline and that around two years had already been lost.
“First, let us bring water to the people; other issues can be examined later,” he said, adding that efforts would be made to expedite pipeline laying and completion of pending schemes.
Lone also said he had initiated coordination with government departments and officers to review development works and enable MLA offices to work more closely with the administration.
Criticising the functioning of the administration, he alleged that ordinary people were facing unnecessary difficulties in obtaining permissions and accessing government services.
Lone said the opposition would continue to raise public issues despite the National Conference-led government having a majority in the Assembly. He also said the Speaker had assured him that MLAs could move a Privilege Motion if recommendations made by them were ignored by government departments.
