Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: The All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC), a registered organization working for the welfare of the rural population and strengthening grassroots democracy in J&K, has put Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on notice by presenting several demands ahead of the Union Budget.
During a press conference in Jammu, Anil Sharma, President of AJKPC, along with other members of the organization, urged the Union Government to fulfill its promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Sharma emphasized that for over a decade, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been waiting for the promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP to be realized.
Sharma demanded an increase in the MGNREGA honorarium to Rs 400 per day and asked the Finance Minister to make provisions in the budget to clear the pending liability of MGNREGA laborers and vendors from 2017 to date in Jammu and Kashmir. His demands also include starting the Jammu to Poonch Railway Project and laying the foundation stones for the Jammu and Srinagar Metro Projects.
The AJKPC President also highlighted that after the abrogation of Article 370, people in Jammu and Kashmir were optimistic that all daily wagers in the state would receive justice and their services would be regularized. He stressed that it is high time for the Union Budget to include a substantial statement from the Finance Minister regarding this serious issue.
“Unemployment is a major problem here in J&K, and our educated youth are under stress and anxiety. Thus, it is the responsibility of the government to provide a minimum Rs 5000 per month stipend to professional degree holders until they get dignified employment,” Sharma said.
AJKPC also demanded the establishment of one technical university, one women's university, and one law university for Jammu and Kashmir, along with ITI colleges in every subdivision. Sharma called for the Union FM to increase the monthly honorarium of Anganwadi and ASHA workers to a minimum of Rs 10,000 with a 10% annual increment, showing sympathy towards these essential workers.
Additionally, Sharma urged the government to expedite pending tourism projects like Mubarak Mandi and the Lake on River Tawi with substantial funding. The list of demands also included the start of a Dogri TV channel and an exclusive Dogri radio station.
The AJKPC President warned that if their demands are not considered in the upcoming budget, the organization would decide on the next course of action after a meeting of all AJKPC office bearers. Including Senior Vice President Ram Saroop Sharma and Vice president Des raj Bhagat, Vice President Jitendra Singh.
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When he appointed me Editor-in-Chief of JK Monitor, he never treated me as an employee, but as a younger brother, offering warmth, trust, respect and invaluable guidance. I will always be grateful for his faith in me, his encouragement and the lessons he shared.
Dr. Ranjan was a rare and noble soul—humble, compassionate, intellectually brilliant and always willing to help others. A visionary thinker, he believed in using knowledge and abilities to make a meaningful difference. His influence lives on through the people he guided, the work he inspired and the countless lives he touched.
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