Budget Fails to Address Concerns of Jammu Kashmir Youth, Says Waheed Para
SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party MLA Waheed Para on Monday raised serious concerns in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly over youth welfare, public health, education, and financial management in the Union Territory.
Para criticised the extension of SASCI loans, describing them as private market-linked borrowings that could push JK into long-term debt. He warned that such loans are neither sovereign nor welfare-oriented and carry significant repayment risks, citing international examples, including Sri Lanka, to highlight the dangers of debt-driven financial models.
Highlighting social and economic challenges, Para said around 42 percent of the population is unemployed and urged the government to return approximately Rs 50 crore collected as job application fees. He also drew attention to drug and alcohol abuse affecting roughly five lakh and four lakh youth respectively, calling for increased support to NGOs and youth-oriented initiatives.
On health and education, Para demanded the establishment of a dedicated cancer hospital in JK, criticised the closure of over 200 Falah-e-Aam Trust schools affecting 50,000 students, and called for the creation of higher education institutions, including a medical university, to reduce student migration.
Addressing public welfare, Para warned that announcements regarding free fuel for economically weaker sections would be ineffective without adequate supply, citing delays in a proposed Bharat Petroleum depot at Bijbehara and frequent highway closures.
Para emphasised that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir have high expectations from the Assembly, adding that the current financial plan lacks focus on human development and the welfare of the people.
