Budget must reflect people’s needs: Tanvir Sadiq

Srinagar, Jan 30: National Conference MLA and Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq on Friday said the forthcoming budget should meaningfully respond to public welfare concerns, democratic representation and the safety of Kashmiris outside the Union Territory.
Speaking to media persons, Sadiq said a budget goes beyond figures and allocations and reflects how a government views its responsibility towards the people. He said the Omar Abdullah-led government has repeatedly stated that public interest will remain central to all policy decisions, and the budget should echo that commitment.
He said several long-pending public issues remain unresolved and expressed hope that the upcoming budget would address these after careful assessment. According to him, assurances made to the people must translate into tangible outcomes that bring relief and development at the grassroots level.
Raising concern over recent incidents involving Kashmiris in other states, Sadiq said targeting people on the basis of identity is unacceptable. Referring to the recent Uttarakhand incident, he said prompt intervention by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah led to swift action and arrest of the accused. He stressed that strict punishment is necessary to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
He also criticized attempts to malign Kashmiris on social media for publicity, stating that traders and students from Jammu and Kashmir travel outside the Union Territory only for education and livelihood. He said Kashmiris have consistently rejected violence and terrorism and that their safety is a constitutional obligation of every state.
On the continued detention of Doda MLA Mehraj Malik, Sadiq said the situation has effectively silenced the elected representation of the people. He said Malik should be released at least during the Assembly session so that the concerns of his constituency are properly voiced.
Tanvir Sadiq said protection of democratic rights, public welfare and dignity of citizens must remain the guiding principles of governance. [KNT]