Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Feb 2: Urging the Centre to announce a “special, State-like package” for the Union Territory, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday said Jammu & Kashmir’s developmental requirements are urgent.
He added that these needs are “as large as those of any full-fledged state”.
Speaking to reporters on the opening day of the Budget session, the Dy CM said J&K faces unique challenges, including rising unemployment, repeated flood losses and tourism setbacks, which demand targeted fiscal support beyond the standard UT framework.
“Even as a Union Territory, our needs are equal to a state. The Union Budget must recognise our special circumstances and provide a matching package,” Choudhary said.
He said unemployment has sharply risen over the last decade, while natural disasters and other disturbances have repeatedly hit tourism and livelihoods,” he said. “A robust financial intervention is essential for recovery and growth.”
Choudhary also called for the demand for restoration of statehood, reminding the BJP of its 2024 election pledge.
“The BJP had promised that statehood would be restored after elections. Their MLAs must now explain what happened to that commitment,” he said, adding that “people of J&K expect clarity once the Budget is presented.”
Responding to a question about the Chief Minister’s recent meeting with Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, he declined to comment, citing confidentiality. “Discussions held during such meetings remain confidential,” he said.
Reacting to Pakistan’s announcement to boycott its ICC T20 World Cup match against India, the Deputy CM said the move “makes no difference” to India.
“If Pakistan doesn’t play, it is their choice. India is a big country and their decisions do not affect us,” he said, stressing that politics should never intrude into sports.
He added that mixing politics with sports “has historically harmed the spirit of the game” and advised all nations to keep the two spheres separate.
The Deputy CM accused the BJP and the Leader of Opposition (Lo) Sunil Sharma of creating uproar over the demand for a National Law University (NLU) instead of focusing on broader governance issues.
“Making noise will not resolve J&K’s larger concerns. Jammu would truly benefit only when statehood is restored,” he said.
He added that the Omar Abdullah-led government revived Jammu’s economy through the Darbar Move, calling it a “historical and balanced practice” that benefited all sections.
Rejecting allegations of regional discrimination, Choudhary said: “The Durbar Move represents administrative balance, not bias. People of Jammu have benefited from it.”
He questioned the absence of local vice-chancellors in J&K universities, urging political parties to focus on employment, land rights and governance reforms instead of “smaller, diversionary matters”.
The Deputy CM also expressed hope that the upcoming Union Budget will be designed “like a full-fledged state budget” rather than that of a Union Territory.
“J&K deserves fiscal treatment equivalent to a state, and a special package can address unemployment, tourism revival and disaster rehabilitation,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister added that restoration of statehood, protection of land rights and job security for locals remain the top expectations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
