JAMMU, Aug 26: Raman Bhalla, Working President of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), strongly criticized the Union Government for its inadequate efforts in advancing the welfare and development of minority communities in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a meeting organized by the JKPCC Minority Cell in Gangyal, led by Baldev Singh Wazir, J&K-UT Coordinator, Bhalla condemned the BJP-led administration for neglecting the specific needs of these communities.
Bhalla asserted that the current government has failed to implement targeted initiatives and schemes for the progress of minorities, highlighting a lack of special focus on their development. He emphasized that national progress can only be achieved through collective effort and urged everyone to contribute to peace, progress, and development.
During his interactions with minority groups, Bhalla listened to their concerns and pledged to bring these issues to the attention of relevant authorities to enhance their living conditions. He criticized the government’s failure to provide quality education to students from minority backgrounds, noting that valuable schemes and scholarships have been discontinued, further hindering their access to affordable and quality education.
The JKPCC leader expressed frustration over the ongoing disregard for the genuine demands of the Minority Commission, asserting that the government should address the needs of minority communities rather than ignoring their pleas. Bhalla called for the full implementation of the Minority Commission in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure equitable development for these communities.
He also highlighted the alarming rise in unemployment rates in the Union Territory, with educated youth resorting to strikes and protests due to the government’s inaction. Bhalla stressed the need for immediate steps to alleviate their hardships.
Furthermore, Bhalla reiterated the Congress party’s demand for making Punjabi a mandatory subject in both government and private schools. He appealed to the public, particularly the minority community, to support Congress candidates in the upcoming elections to ensure the party’s success.
Bhalla concluded by reaffirming the Congress party’s commitment to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, along with Constitutional safeguards to protect local land and job rights.