Fight for restoration of J&K’s special status, statehood to continue: Dy CM

Srinagar, Jan 3: Asserting that the fight for restoration of J&K’s special status and statehood would continue, Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Friday said that the government is committed to work for the welfare of people.
Talking to reporters here after reviewing the readiness of the administration ahead of the snowfall prediction, Choudhary, said, “We will keep on working towards people’s welfare. The ongoing fight for statehood and special status restoration won’t hamper people centric initiatives.”
“There are some difficulties in the absence of statehood and special status, but it doesn’t mean the government will stop working for public wellbeing,” he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that the elected government as well as the bureaucracy need to work collectively for the welfare of the masses.
Taking a dig at the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Choudhary said, “Some people, who used to talk about toffee and milk during their tenure, are now criticizing us for working towards public welfare.
“We don’t need any certificate from them. We have been elected by the people and we will ensure their wellbeing. People have high expectations from the NC regime,” he added.
Meters installed in houses of poor, rich exempted
Referring to the “smart meters” the Deputy Chief Minister said that the NC government has not brought meters to J&K. “Questions about the smart meters should be put to those people who introduced these devices in the region,” he said, adding, “ Our concern is that the meters have been installed in the houses of poor families while the rich have been exempted.”
“The consumers using two bulbs have been connected with meters while those using air conditioners and other gadgets have been exempted. The poor didn’t face any difficulty due to metering as they were always paying their bills on time, but those who were not paying are facing the heat. We will expose the irregularities,” he said.
Terming unemployment as a major concern, the Deputy Chief Minister said, “People in J&K have nothing to do with the electricity and other issues as their major concern is about providing employment to the educated youth. The electricity and other issues can be sorted out later.”
Replying to a query about making the officials accountable, he stated that the government will ensure accountability in every department and all the irregularities will be exposed.
Meanwhile, Choudhary reviewed the arrangements ahead of the snowfall prediction, saying that his visit was aimed to ensure that the people don’t face any hardships in case weather turns inclement.
“The credit goes to the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for keeping administration on toes during the recent snowfall,” he said.