Aaqib Khan
Jammu, Feb 02 : Senior legislator and MLA Gulmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah, has called upon the government to prioritize the tourism sector in the upcoming budget, stating it holds the key to tackling unemployment and boosting the local economy in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to News Service (KNS) on the sidelines of the budget session which begins today in Jammu, MLA Shah emphasized that while the region is blessed with natural resources and potential, it requires serious financial commitment from the central government to unlock its true potential.
Shah pointed out a significant gap in central funding, highlighting the long-pending Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP). “The Prime Minister announced a PMDP of Rs 2,000 crores in 2014. However, only Rs 400 crores have been released so far, while Rs 1,600 crores remain pending,” he revealed. He expressed hope that the new budget would address this shortfall.
The MLA stated that tourism and horticulture are priority sectors for Kashmir. “Tourism, agro-based products—everything is available to us. Horticulture faces many post-harvest problems, and we should look at that as well,” he said.
He stressed that focused investment in these areas would not only create infrastructure but also generate massive self-employment opportunities.
Shah said, “We have a lot of unemployment here. There are thousands of vacancies that remain unfilled.” He also drew attention to the plight of various employee groups, stating, “The casual daily wagers are worried, and the SPOs in the Home Department are also concerned.”
The lawmaker further urged for support under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) to enhance the potential of agro-based products and called for attention to the long-standing demands of the horticulture sector, including KCC loan waivers.
Shah said, “Our government is promising. It is headed by the Chief Minister, who has a vision and a mission to alleviate the difficulties faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.” He added that the entire team must work to fulfill the expectations of the people and address their challenges, reminding everyone that “the government is of the people, by the people, and for the people.” (KNS)
