Women’s issues missing from Legislative focus: Adv. Purnima Sharma targets Omar Govt

JAMMU: BJP Spokesperson and Former Deputy Mayor Adv. Purnima Sharma launched a strong attack on the Omar Abdullah-led government, questioning the legislative priority accorded to women’s issues during the recently concluded Autumn Session of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

Flanked by J&K BJP Media In-charge Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, and BJP Mahila Morcha General Secretary Urvashi Gupta, Purnima Sharma was addressing a press conference at party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu.

Adv. Purnima Sharma said the Assembly session has ended, but the questions confronting nearly half of Jammu and Kashmir’s population remain unanswered. She said women are mothers, students, professionals, entrepreneurs, government employees, private-sector workers and frontline workers, yet their everyday concerns appeared to lack the concrete legislative attention and government action they deserve.

Purnima Sharma said that the Autumn Session had only seven sittings and around 25 hours of business, while the Speaker himself acknowledged that the short duration restricted the ability of legislators to raise public issues and seek detailed answers. She said that out of 646 questions received, only 31 were taken up on the floor, raising a serious question about how much legislative space was actually available for issues directly affecting the people.

“We are not talking about speeches, assurances or issues merely appearing in the Assembly calendar. We are talking about decisions, legislation, budgetary commitments, timelines and implementation,” Sharma said.

Questioning the government’s approach towards working women, she asked where the comprehensive legislative roadmap was for women seeking employment and trying to build secure careers while supporting their families. She questioned what concrete measures were being taken regarding employment opportunities, workplace security, childcare, maternity support, equal opportunities and social protection.

“Women today are not asking governments to speak on their behalf. They are asking governments to create conditions in which they can work, earn and live with dignity,” she said.

Sharma also strongly raised the issue of Anganwadi workers and helpers, saying that these women work at the grassroots and perform crucial responsibilities related to childcare, nutrition and community welfare. She questioned why women who serve children and vulnerable families continue to wait for better remuneration, improved working conditions and resolution of their pending employment-related concerns.

“Why are the women who serve our children and communities still waiting? When will their honorarium be enhanced? When will their pending welfare concerns be resolved? Most importantly, what is the government’s timeline?” she asked.

She also highlighted the concerns of ASHA workers and other frontline women workers, saying that those delivering essential services at the community level cannot be expected to continue indefinitely without adequate institutional support, welfare measures and social security.

Referring to the discussion around a private member’s Bill concerning women’s health, adolescent girls, maternal and child health, education and social support, Sharma said that the mere appearance of a proposal in the Assembly’s agenda cannot be equated with government action.

“A Bill on paper is not women’s empowerment. Women need implementation, not symbolism. They need a properly funded framework, clear timelines and measurable action,” she said.

Sharma questioned the government’s broader priorities and said that the administration cannot claim to represent every section of society while women continue to await clarity on fundamental economic and social issues.

“You cannot talk about development while thousands of women workers remain uncertain about remuneration, security and benefits. You cannot talk about empowerment while working women continue to wait for stronger institutional support. And you cannot ask women to trust promises indefinitely,” she said.

She demanded a clear and time-bound government roadmap covering working women, Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, women’s health and nutrition, girls’ education, childcare, maternity support and social security.

Calling the issue one of accountability rather than political rhetoric, Sharma said, “This is not a demand for favour. This is a demand for accountability.” She said the conclusion of the Assembly session should not mean the conclusion of the government’s responsibility towards women.

“The Autumn Session is over, but the questions of the women of Jammu and Kashmir remain on the table. The government must answer them—not with another promise, but with policy, budget, timelines and action. Half the population cannot be treated as half a priority,” Sharma asserted.