The General Discussion on Budget for the year 2017-18 concluded in the Legislative Council today with various members expressing their views on different initiatives and proposals.Naresh Kumar Gupta urged for development of erstwhile Doda district on priority as it is the main source of hydropower generation for the state and demanded for providing 24 hour power supply to the entire Chenab area. He suggested for construction of an alternative road to Doda-Kishtwar. He requested for opening up of a super-specialty hospital in the area, besides asking for reintroducing various development schemes in the area. He urged for the land compensation matter to be included in PM's special package.Surinder Ambardar appreciated the budget proposals saying it talks about reforms needed for harmonizing of micro and macro schemes. He lauded the Government for shifting operations from Single Treasury system to Pay and Accounts Office (PAO) system. While asking for developing IT Park in Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban, he urged for increasing incentives available to industrial sector in Jammu. He appreciated the Government for setting up a Press Club in Kashmir and suggested for establishing a residential colony for media-persons.Dr Bashir Ahmad Veeri said that agriculture and industries are two main pillars of the state and attention should be paid on their focused development.
He said there should not be any curtailment in funds allotted to these sectors and urged the Government to take necessary steps to address the serious issue of increasing unemployment in the State.Saif-ud-Din Bhat lauding the government said that the Budget has been made on modern lines and it encompasses every key area. He said it will help bring accountability in functioning of public sector. He suggested that the Government should consider harnessing natural resources in valley by developing projects like mini-hydel power projects. He hailed the decision of releasing 50 percent of revenue and CAPEX budget in Februarys 2017 and capping expenditure limit of last quarter at 30 percent of budget allocation.G N Monga said that Government should work towards fulfilling the commitments made to people of the state. He said provisions should be made to implement 7th pay commission at the earliest, besides seeking clarification on regularization issue of 61000 workers. He also called for early rehabilitation of flood victims.Firdous Tak complimenting the budget said that it will help bring a much needed reform in the system. He said it is a futuristic budget whose many benefits would be reaped for years to come. He thanked the Minister for de-linking of salaries of RMSA, SSA teachers and other employees engaged under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) from center funding.