NEW DELHI: Nizam-ud-din Bhat, Congress Chief Whip in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly and MLA Bandipora, participated in a two-day workshop organized by PRS Legislative Research in Delhi. The workshop brought together legislators from across India to discuss the crucial role of lawmakers in promoting economic growth and development.
During the workshop, Bhat highlighted the unique financial and developmental challenges faced by Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory. He expressed deep concern over the region's exclusion from the ambit of the Finance Commission, terming it a significant impediment to addressing J&K’s unique socio-economic needs.
“This exclusion deprives Jammu and Kashmir of a vital constitutional mechanism for economic redressal. The absolute financial control vested in the Union Government limits our ability to structure income and expenditure based on local priorities,” Bhat remarked.
Bhat, along with other legislators from J&K, appealed to the Union Government to adopt a more flexible and generous approach towards the region. He emphasized the importance of granting J&K greater financial autonomy to ensure sustainable and locally tailored development initiatives.
Calling for urgent action, Bhat urged the Union Government to acknowledge J&K’s distinct challenges and empower the region with the necessary resources for holistic development. He stressed that such steps would help integrate the region more effectively into the nation’s broader economic framework. “As lawmakers, we remain committed to advocating for the best interests of our people and ensuring J&K achieves its rightful place in the nation's developmental narrative,” Bhat concluded.
The workshop provided an opportunity for legislators to engage in constructive discussions on economic policies and the role of governance in fostering growth, making Bhat's plea a focal point of attention. His appeal reflects a firm commitment to addressing the aspirations and concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
