Tony urges CM Omar Abdullah to intervene into arbitrary cut of ₹71.25 Lakh from DDC Fund
Calls it a direct assault on democratic functioning
Suchetgarh ,JULY 24: In a scathing attack on the Rural Development and Planning Department, District Development Council (DDC) Suchetgarh and senior Congress leader Taranjit Singh Tony has condemned the arbitrary slashing of ₹71.25 lakhfrom theCapex budget allocated to the DDC Suchetgarh constituency. He described the move as an “assault on grassroots democracy” and called on ChiefMinister Omar Abdullah to take immediate action to restore the funds.
Tony said that the funds, earmarked under the District Capex Budget 2024-25, were vital for completing long-pending developmental works across various panchayats. “This money was not for personal use. These were public funds meant for essential rural infrastructure — roads, water supply, drainage systems, and community development. The government’s decision to withhold ₹71.25 lakh without any accountability is shocking and unacceptable,” Tony said.
He alleged that the funds were originally allocated last year for several projects but remained unspent due to the “negligence and inefficiency” of officials in the Rural Development Department. “Despite having full authority and clear directives, the concerned department delayed implementation. Instead of penalizing the erring officers, the government has punished the people by cutting off their rightful budget,” he added.
Tony emphasized that the DDC, formed under the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, is a democratically elected body and deserves to be treated with respect and authority. “From day one, the bureaucratic setup has tried to undermine the power of DDCs. This budget cut proves that the bureaucracy still refuses to cooperate with elected representatives. They treat us as obstacles rather than partners in development,” Tony said.
Highlighting the urgency of the matter, Tony pointed out that a crucial meeting to finalize project implementation plans is scheduled for tomorrow at 3 PM, and the sudden budget cut has left all planning in disarray. He urged Rural Development Minister Javid Ahmad Dar and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to intervene immediately and restore the withheld Capex funds.
He also made a direct appeal to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, warning that this situation could set a dangerous precedent. “If the CM does not step in now, it will send a message that elected grassroots institutions can be overruled at any time by bureaucratic diktats. That would be a complete reversal of democratic decentralization,” he warned.
Tony also criticized what he described as a “culture of impunity” within the department. “Year after year, money is allocated and then allowed to lapse due to official negligence. No one is held responsible. But when it comes to elected bodies, the system acts swiftly — not to support them, but to curtail their power,” he said.
Concluding his statement, Tony called on all DDC members across Jammu and Kashmir to unite against this injustice. “This is not just about Suchetgarh. It’s about the integrity of our democratic institutions. If we allow this to happen silently, the very purpose of DDCs will be defeated,” he said.
