Jammu, January 28:
The Congress on Wednesday staged a sit-in protest against the introduction of a new law by abolishing MGNREGA and restoring the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. The party staged a sit-in in the New Platte area of the city, waving banners.
Leading the sit-in, Pradesh Congress Committee working president Raman Bhalla accused the central government of deliberately weakening MGNREGA when the scheme is a lifeline for rural and economically weaker sections.
He said that thousands of families are facing severe economic crisis due to delay in payment of wages, reduction in working days, non-issuance of job cards and lack of transparency. Bhalla made it clear that MGNREGA is not a mercy but a legal right of the people. He alleged that the plight of MGNREGA is a symbol of misgovernance and neglect prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir.
Expresses deep concern over weak health services
He expressed deep concern over rising unemployment, especially among the educated youth, inflation, rise in prices of essential commodities, poor roads, erratic power-water supply and weak health services. He said that farmers, horticulturists, small traders and business classes are badly affected by economic instability.
Giving the slogan of ‘Our princely state, our right’, the party leaders reiterated their demand for restoration of rights, identity and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated the Congress’ commitment to the restoration of full statehood and early restoration of democratic rights and stressed on strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions and local bodies.
