Srinagar, March 8 (KNS): In a scathing attack on the newly presented budget by the Omar Abdullah-led government, Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) State Secretary Sheikh Ashiq has termed it an anti-people and hollow budget, offering nothing substantial for the common masses, industries, commerce, traders or transporters. Addressing a press conference flanked by Senior AIP Leaders Peerzada Firdouse Ahmad and SHowkat Pandit, the vetern businessman and State Secretary AIP Sheikh Ashiq warned that any move to increase petrol, diesel prices, or impose a 5% hike in taxes on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) would be met with strong political resistance, as it will have a cascading effect on all sectors and burden every citizen.
Sheikh Ashiq highlighted that despite tall claims, the budget fails to address key concerns. "There is no mention of welfare measures for industries and commerce. It is an empty budget. The promise of 200 free electricity units and 12 LPG cylinders has been completely ignored. Even the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries, who are very few in number, will see limited benefit that too with condition," he said.
Expressing disappointment over the government's apathy towards struggling industrialists, Ashiq said, "There is no word for those industrialists whose units have been sick for the several years. The long-pending allocation of newly industrial estates, including Sempora, Pampore and Kulgam besides others, despite businesses paying hefty amounts for the last four years, remains unresolved. The much-touted 'Mission Youth,' which once touched great heights, finds no mention in the budget. This clearly shows the government’s disinterest in the youth of J&K."
The AIP leader also slammed the government for its silence on the regularisation of daily wagers, contractual employees, Anganwadi workers, Khidmat Centre and vocational trainers. "These workers have been serving for years in extremely difficult conditions, yet the budget offers no hope for their future," he added.
Criticizing the so-called free travel for women, Sheikh Ashiq said, "Our state transport fleet is already insufficient. E-buses run only in Jammu and Srinagar. What about the majority of rural areas? How does this government expect women in far-flung regions to benefit from this scheme?Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThis is nothing but an urban-centric gimmick."
Warning the government against any move to increase petrol, diesel prices or impose a 5% hike in taxes on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) , he stated, "We have pursued extensively to ensure a decrease in ATF taxes. It was the Lieutenant Governor of J&K who, on our request, slashed ATF tax in 2021. Now, the Omar-led government is set to increase it substantially. This is unacceptable. Such moves will not only burden the people but will also trigger a hike in the prices of essential goods and services, affecting every household and business. AIP will fight tooth and nail against any such hikes."
Another glaring omission in the budget is relief for the commercial and industrial sector besides residential sectors especially poor households in the electricity amnesty scheme. "The government talks about relief but conveniently ignores businesses, traders and industries s especially poor households struggling with high power tariffs. This budget offers no respite to them," he added.
Towards the end of the press conference, Sheikh Ashiq also urged the Government of India to ensure justice for Engineer Rashid, stating, "Just as cases were withdrawn against many individuals, including a former student leader and a sitting MLA, we welcome and appreciate this move. However, the same approach should be applied to Engineer Rashid, who should also be released. We will continue our political and legal battle for his freedom."
Sheikh Ashiq reaffirmed AIP’s commitment to standing by the people against this anti-people budget. "There is no reason for people to get excited about this budget. Instead of relief, they will suffer more due to increased taxes. We will oppose every move that adds to the burden of the common masses and fight politically to ensure their voices are heard."
As the outrage against the budget grows, AIP has made it clear that it will not allow the government to burden the people with unfair policies. The fight against fuel tax hikes and economic injustice has just begun.(KNS)