Shamsher flags mounting hardships of all sections in J&K UT, seeks urgent govt intervention

JAMMU: Senior Congress leader and AICC Member Shamsher Chand has voiced deep concern over the escalating hardships faced by various sections of society in Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory, particularly the economically weaker sections, senior citizens, widows, persons with disabilities, unemployed youth, farmers, daily wagers, and small traders.

In a strongly worded statement issued here today, Shamsher Chand said that the overall socio-economic environment in J&K UT is becoming increasingly distressing. He remarked that vulnerable communities are bearing the brunt of rising prices, unemployment, shrinking business activity, and inadequate social security mechanisms. He alleged that policy gaps and administrative apathy have compounded the problems of those already struggling for survival.

Highlighting the plight of low-income families, he stated that persistent inflation—especially in essential commodities, electricity tariffs, fuel, and healthcare—has severely impacted household budgets. Daily wage earners and labourers, he said, are finding it extremely difficult to sustain their families. He urged the administration to strengthen the Public Distribution System, ensure regular supply of essential commodities, and expand welfare schemes to cushion the impact of price rise.

Shamsher Chand also expressed concern over irregularities and delays in pension disbursements for senior citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities. He emphasized that social security pensions must be enhanced in view of rising living costs and released in a time-bound manner. He further pointed out that many beneficiaries face bureaucratic hurdles and digital access issues in availing government schemes, which require urgent simplification.

Raising additional burning issues, he referred to the condition of daily wagers, contractual employees, and scheme workers who are demanding regularization and timely wages. He said that many government employees and casual workers continue to face uncertainty regarding job security and pending dues.

The senior Congress leader also highlighted the agrarian distress in several parts of the UT, stating that farmers are grappling with rising input costs, erratic weather conditions, inadequate crop insurance coverage, and marketing challenges. He called for comprehensive support measures, including better procurement mechanisms and relief packages for affected farmers.

Addressing the youth crisis, Shamsher Chand noted that prolonged delays in recruitment examinations, cancellation of selection processes, and limited private sector investment have deepened frustration among educated unemployed youth. He stressed the need for transparent and time-bound recruitment, expansion of skill development programmes, and policies that encourage industrial growth and startup culture in the UT.

He further drew attention to the concerns of small traders and business owners, who are struggling due to reduced consumer spending, increasing operational costs, and lack of financial assistance. He urged the government to introduce relief packages, soft loans, and tax concessions to revive the local market and protect livelihoods.Shamsher Chand also touched upon issues related to infrastructure gaps in rural areas, inadequate healthcare facilities in remote regions, and growing concerns about water supply, electricity, and road connectivity. He said that equitable development across districts is essential to ensure balanced growth and social stability.

Reiterating the Congress party’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of weaker and marginalized sections, he called upon the UT administration to initiate immediate corrective measures, hold consultations with stakeholders, and adopt a people-centric governance model. “Development must not remain confined to statistics and announcements. It must be visible in the lives of common people,” he asserted.Shamsher Chand concluded by urging the government to prioritize social justice, employment generation, agrarian support, and economic revival to restore confidence and hope among the people of Jammu & Kashmir.