Srinagar, 15-02-2025: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday reiterated the central government’s commitment to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at an appropriate time, emphasizing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have made their stance clear on the matter. However, Rijiju, who holds the parliamentary affairs and minority affairs portfolios, refrained from providing a specific timeline for the restoration, stating that the process would unfold in “due course of time” as per the government’s vision for the region.
Addressing reporters in Srinagar, Rijiju reaffirmed that the Union government remains firm on its promise to return full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir while ensuring a well-defined governance structure. However, he distanced himself from commenting on the division of powers between the lieutenant governor and an elected chief minister, stating that his visit to Kashmir was primarily focused on discussing the Union Budget and its impact on the region. He underscored that the Union Territory is currently functioning under an elected government, with the lieutenant governor as the administrative head, adding that the recently held Assembly elections have marked a significant democratic transition for the region.
On the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Rijiju stated that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar were aligned with the government’s decision, dismissing concerns regarding the management of Waqf properties. He reassured that the bill is aimed at ensuring transparency in property management for the welfare of the Muslim community, adding that several Muslim MPs have privately expressed their support for the legislation, along with thousands of members of the community, including women.
Addressing concerns over the reduction in budgetary allocation for Jammu and Kashmir for the 2025-26 fiscal, Rijiju clarified that the financial provisions were determined based on the Union Territory’s spending capacity. He assured that the government remains committed to providing necessary funds and that centrally-sponsored schemes remain unaffected. He reiterated that there is no shortage of resources for the development of Jammu and Kashmir and that financial allocations have been designed to ensure optimal utilization.
Highlighting the budgetary benefits for the region, Rijiju pointed out that the Union Budget includes significant relief measures for horticulture farmers and handicraft artisans in Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that special initiatives have been introduced to boost the export of Kashmiri handicrafts and artwork, which will further strengthen the local economy. The minister added that with the provisions of the latest Budget, small and medium-scale industries in Jammu and Kashmir are poised to receive a substantial boost, reinforcing the government’s commitment to economic growth and employment generation in the Union Territory.