National Conference Commits to Repeal of PSA, Job Creation, and Social Reforms but Avoids Controversial Topics like Land Policy, Drug Crisis, Corruption, and Utility Costs

||Black and White Digital News ||

||Parvinder Singh August 20,2024 ||

SRINAGAR: In a significant political development, National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah today unveiled the party’s manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (J&K UT) elections during a press conference. The manifesto outlines a series of promises focused on employment, social welfare, and governance reforms, reflecting the party’s strategy to regain the trust of voters in the region. However, the document’s omission of several critical and contentious issues has raised questions about NC’s comprehensive approach to governance.

Core Promises: Employment, Welfare, and Governance:

Omar Abdullah highlighted the party’s commitment to addressing the pressing issue of unemployment, especially among the youth. The manifesto’s flagship promise is the creation of **1 lakh jobs** within the first term of the government. To achieve this, the NC has pledged to pass the **Jammu and Kashmir Youth Employment Generation Act** within three months of assuming power. This act will focus on creating sustainable employment opportunities, particularly through:

Filling all government vacancies within 180 days:

Making job applications free for all competitive exams.

Promoting start-ups with incentive-linked job creation.

Developing the energy sector by encouraging government-facilitated mini hydropower and solar power projects.

On the social welfare front, NC proposes substantial benefits to alleviate the financial burden on the underprivileged:

6 free LPG cylinders annually for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)

Free travel for women in all public transport.

Enhanced marriage assistance programs.

Increased medical allowance for pensioners from Rs 300 to Rs 1000.

The manifesto also pledges the establishment of a Minority Commission to safeguard the rights and interests of minority communities and a strengthened Public Distribution System (PDS)to ensure food security for all.

Governance Reforms: Repeal of PSA, Article 370, and Release of Political Prisoners:

A major highlight of the manifesto is the commitment to governance reforms, which include:

Repeal of the Public Safety Act (PSA)A law that has been widely criticized for its role in detaining individuals without trial.

Release of all political prisoners detained under various security-related laws.

Eased passport verification processes to remove bureaucratic hurdles.

Dignified return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits to ensure their safety and integration into the community.

Ending unjust terminationsof government employees and stopping the unnecessary harassment of citizens on highways.

Furthermore, Mr. Abdullah reaffirmed the NC’s unwavering commitment to fighting for the restoration of Article 370 and 35A, which were revoked by the Centre in 2019. He emphasized that the party would not remain silent on these critical issues, noting that the Supreme Court had upheld Article 370 three times in the past. Abdullah asserted, “The BJP did not accept defeat despite three orders by the SC in favor of Article 370; why should we?”

Critical Omissions: Land Policy, Drug Crisis, and Corruption:

Despite the comprehensive nature of the manifesto, several key issues that have been at the forefront of public discourse in J&K remain unaddressed:

254-C Land Policy: The manifesto is silent on the controversial **254-C land policy** related to refugees. The Lieutenant Governor’s administration had previously banned the sale and purchase of 254-C land, a decision that has affected thousands of refugees. The absence of a clear stance on this matter has left many questioning NC’s commitment to resolving land-related disputes and ensuring the rights of refugees.

Drug Menace and Narco-Terrorism: The escalating drug crisis in the region, which has claimed the lives of numerous young people due to overdoses, finds no mention in the manifesto. The growing challenge of narco-terrorism, which poses a significant threat to the security and social fabric of J&K, has also been overlooked. Critics argue that this omission reflects a lack of a comprehensive strategy to combat one of the most pressing public health and security crises in the region.

Corruption and Governance Issues: Corruption remains a deep-rooted problem in J&K, affecting governance and public trust. Despite being a major concern among citizens, the manifesto does not outline any specific measures to tackle corruption. The issue of inflated electricity bills, largely attributed to the installation of smart meters, has become a significant burden on the common man, yet NC’s manifesto fails to address this growing resentment. The party’s silence on utility costs and the economic struggles of the people is seen as a major oversight.

Liquor Policy: The manifesto also avoids addressing the controversy surrounding the cancellation of wine shop licenses by the LG government and the subsequent opening of wholesale liquor shops in both regions. This issue has sparked significant debate and concern among various sections of society, particularly those opposed to the liberalization of alcohol sales.

Social and Economic Reforms: Focus on Welfare:

In addition to its promises on employment and governance, the NC manifesto includes several measures aimed at improving social welfare and economic stability:

Women’s Empowerment:Alongside free travel in public transport, the NC promises to enhance social security schemes for women, focusing on their safety, health, and financial independence.

Medical and Pensioner Benefits:The increase in medical allowance for pensioners and promises of better healthcare services underscore NC’s focus on the elderly and vulnerable populations.

Strengthening of the PDS:The party pledges to improve the Public Distribution System to ensure that essential commodities reach every household, especially those in economically disadvantaged areas.

A Manifesto with Promises and Gaps:

While Omar Abdullah’s manifesto reflects a well-rounded approach to tackling youth unemployment and enhancing social welfare, it also raises concerns about the party’s reluctance to address several key issues that are currently affecting the people of J&K. The omission of policies on the 254-C land controversy, the drug crisis, corruption, and utility costs may limit the manifesto’s appeal to voters who are directly impacted by these issues.

As the election season progresses, the National Conference will likely face increased scrutiny over these gaps in their policy proposals. The party’s ability to address these concerns and present a more comprehensive vision for the future of Jammu and Kashmir will be crucial in determining its success at the polls. NC Vice President Omar Abdullah released the party manifesto for the Assembly elections, which are taking place after 10 years. Jammu and Kashmir’s special status was revoked by the Centre in 2019.