Stating that corruption has rendered the system defunct in Jammu and Kashmir despite tall claims of PDP-BJP government to eradicate it, CPI (M) leader and MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami today said marginalised and poorer sections of the society have been left to fend for themselves by this government. In a statement issued here, he said, "The weaker and poorer sections of the society have been totally neglected by the government which has severely hit their means of livelihood. The welfare schemes for old aged, destitutes and other weaker sections are virtually defunct. Same is the situation with casual labourers working in different departments. There has been lot of noise on their regularisation. Even the issue was discussed in the Assembly, but till date nothing has been done on ground. Wages of casual laboureres in several departments are pending for several months. The NERGA workers are without wages, widows, old aged and destitutes are moving from pillar to post to get their pension, but nobody is listening to their woes." "The insensitive approach of the state government towards the long pending legitimate grievances of casual labourers, Anganwadi workers and helpers, contractual employees is unfortunate.
These people work with dedication but they have been pushed to the wall and the state government seems to be insensitive towards their well-being." Stating that the governance deficit has cost the state dearly, he said, "Infilation is so high that for a common man purchasing essential commodities from the market has become difficult. There is no accountability on price control as government is nowhere. Corruption has spread its tentacles everywhere despite tall claims of the government that it will leave no stone unturned to eradicate it. System has become defunct and government is insensitive to the woes of common people. There is a dire need to chalk out a comprehensive policy to regularize the casual labourers. Government should fulfil the promises it has made with casual labourers and contractual employees from time to time without any further delay. How will these people and their families celebrate Eid if government fails in its duty to release their pending wages?"Tarigami lashed out at the government for its erratic utility services and scarcity of rations at the CAPD outlets, especially in remote and far off areas. "The rations at the CAPD outlets in these areas are either out of stock or of the substandard quality."The CPI (M) leader urged the government to release the pending wages of casual labourers and contractual employees before Eid festival. He also urged the government to review the cases of prisoners for release on Eid. (CNS)