Congress Accuses J&K Govt of Systematic Disempowerment of Women, Cites “Anti-Women” Policies
Jammu, 16-09-2024: The Congress party today launched a sharp critique of the Jammu and Kashmir Government, accusing it of systematically marginalizing women through its policies. National Media Coordinator of Congress, Dolly Sharma, alongside PCC General Secretary Namrata Sharma, pointed to various examples of what they described as the government’s “anti-women” measures. They highlighted the halting of widow pensions, the installation of digital and water meters, and the hike in power tariffs and domestic gas prices as key decisions that have disproportionately affected women, especially those already struggling to manage household expenses.
Dolly Sharma argued that the BJP-led government’s relentless push for the installation of digital and water meters has turned daily life into a burden for many women. “These increased expenses have left women grappling with inflated utility bills, putting further pressure on households,” she said. Sharma also emphasized that the recent hike in power tariffs has made electricity unaffordable for many families, forcing women to revert to unsafe, traditional methods for cooking and lighting.
She further criticized the government for its failure to ensure basic amenities like drinking water, recounting instances where women were compelled to halt trains in protest, demanding the administration address their water needs.
Another major grievance raised was the absence of a women’s commission in Jammu and Kashmir. Sharma called this a glaring example of the Government’s indifference to women’s issues, saying, “The lack of a women’s commission leaves women in J&K vulnerable and without a platform to voice their grievances.”
The Congress leaders accused the BJP of only pretending to empower women while enacting policies that, in reality, diminish their rights and economic security. “The government’s hollow rhetoric of women’s empowerment is in stark contrast to the harsh realities women face under its rule,” Sharma remarked.
In addition to critiquing the government’s treatment of women, Sharma expressed deep disappointment with Prime Minister Modi’s silence on the martyrdom of soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir. She condemned the Prime Minister for not offering any public condolence or support to the families of soldiers who lost their lives in recent terror attacks. “It is both shocking and disheartening that the Prime Minister has chosen not to acknowledge the sacrifice of our brave soldiers. This silence is a betrayal of their families and a dishonor to their sacrifice,” she said.
The Congress party reaffirmed its commitment to standing in solidarity with the women of Jammu and Kashmir and vowed to continue its fight for their rights and empowerment.
