Tanvir Sadiq Seeks Review of 2022 Advertisement Policy, Flags Bias Against Leading Dailies

• Shagun Parihar Says Only CM Responds to MLAs’ Concerns, Seeks Action on Rural Issues

JAMMU, Feb 18: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday witnessed an intense debate over the Government’s advertisement policy, rural development concerns and tourism potential, as legislators across party lines raised a range of issues during discussion on grants pertaining to departments under the Chief Minister.

National Conference MLA from Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, voiced strong reservations over the existing advertisement policy framed in 2022, alleging that widely circulated newspapers in the Union Territory are being sidelined in favour of lesser-known publications. Participating in the debate, Sadiq referred to a recent reply provided to him in the House, stating that newspapers such as “Fish Eye,” “Lake View,” and “Tesri Duniya” had reportedly received maximum government advertisements.

Describing the situation as unfortunate, Sadiq maintained that leading and widely read newspapers from the UT, including Daily Excelsior, Greater Kashmir, Amar Ujala and Aftab, were being overlooked. He strongly advocated for scrapping the 2022 policy and ensuring that advertisement allocation is rationalised in accordance with circulation strength and reach. He also called for a pension policy for accredited journalists and suggested the introduction of journalism courses at the 10+2 level to strengthen the profession at the grassroots.

Raising civic concerns, Sadiq highlighted the growing garbage disposal problem in Jammu and Kashmir and urged the Government to adopt scientific waste management practices. He further proposed the establishment of a tourist village in Srinagar to boost local tourism and infrastructure. He also criticised a BJP Member of Parliament from J&K for allegedly utilising a substantial portion of MP LAD funds outside the UT.

BJP MLA Shagun Parihar, speaking during the debate, expressed dissatisfaction over what she described as inadequate implementation of the Government’s Vision Document in rural areas. She remarked that while the Chief Minister remains accessible to MLAs, other ministers often do not respond to issues raised concerning their respective departments.

Parihar highlighted the condition of government schools and demanded a policy to ensure equitable education for children from all economic backgrounds in government institutions. She raised concerns about dilapidated road infrastructure, sought an increase in honorarium for Anganwadi workers, and called for the adjustment of seasonal teachers with year-round salary provisions. She also demanded a separate education zone for Dachan in Kishtwar and a policy framework for Forest Corporation employees.

Tourism development in Kishtwar featured prominently in her remarks. Parihar said the district possesses immense potential, particularly in adventure tourism, and called for the promotion of sites such as Dharma Peak, Trisandiya Mata and Bimal Nag. She suggested organising a tourism mela at Bimal Nag and urged the engagement of sanitation workers in Parade Ground Kishtwar, alongside timely release of their wages.

Other legislators also raised constituency-specific issues. NC MLA Zafar Khatana demanded the development of Sinthan Top and Chattabal as tourist destinations and called for rectification of land record discrepancies following digitisation. He also sought deployment of an Executive Officer in Kokernag Municipality.

PDP MLA Rafiq Naik from Tral called for a ban on conversion of agricultural land for horticulture and housing colonies, warning of long-term implications for food security and sustainable development. Meanwhile, NC MLA Sajjad Shafi from Uri urged restoration of the historic Mohra Power House, promotion of eco, border and pilgrimage tourism, and the construction of micro power projects in his constituency.

The debate reflected a broad spectrum of governance challenges, from media policy and rural development to environmental protection and tourism expansion. Members across the political divide called for greater responsiveness, equitable resource distribution and structured policy interventions to address emerging concerns in the Union Territory.