JAMMU: With the union finance budget for 2024-25 approaching, the Jammu and Kashmir Border Area Development Conference (JK-BADC), a group focused on helping border area residents and tribals has asked the Union government to provide special tax relief to people living in Jammu and Kashmir's border regions. BADC wants these provisions included in the upcoming budget, noting that residents near the Line of Control (LoC) and the International border have faced hardships for over 75 years and need relief through special tax rebates.
Dr. Shazad Ahmed Malik, former Vice Chancellor and Chairman of BADC, pointed out that border area residents lack many of the facilities and resources available to those in mainland India. Therefore, BADC is asking for special tax rebates in GST and Income Tax for employees, businessmen, and entrepreneurs in these areas. Dr. Shazad appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to consider this request, given the tough conditions faced by border area residents.
He also emphasized that local contractors and suppliers in these areas should get priority for minor work contracts to help them earn a livelihood locally. Additionally, he advocated for students from border areas to receive reservations and discounts on admission fees to national universities and institutions of eminence to ensure they have equal and fair opportunities.
Dr. Shazad also called for sufficient budgetary provisions for the tribal population of Jammu and Kashmir, which has increased from 10 percent to 20 percent. This growing population needs more support and resources to meet their needs.
