Delhi, Jan 16: Congress chief whip in Jammu and Kashmir and legislator from north Kashmir’s Bandipora, Nizamuddin Bhat expressed deep concern over the Jammu and Kashmir’s exclusion from the ambit of the Finance Commission, terming it a significant impediment to addressing UT’s unique socio-economic needs.
Bhat made the remarks during a two-day workshop organised 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.
Bhat highlighted the unique financial and developmental challenges faced by Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory.
He emphasised the importance of granting J&K greater financial autonomy to ensure sustainable and locally tailored development initiatives.
He said that the 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,” he said.
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 urged the Union Government to acknowledge J&K’s distinct challenges and empower the region with the necessary resources for holistic development. Bhat 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,” he said.
