Will review mining policy, ensure fair allotment of works: Dy CM

Jammu, Feb 13: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Friday said there is a need to review the functioning and rules governing the mining sector in Jammu and Kashmir, acknowledging concerns raised by legislators during the Assembly session.
Speaking to reporters outside the Legislative Assembly here, the Deputy Chief Minister expressed gratitude to members who flagged various public issues in the House. He said several legislators voiced disappointment over the allotment of government works, alleging that certain contractors were being assigned multiple projects while others were sidelined. Concerns were also raised about poor quality execution and delays in completion of works.
Choudhary said issues related to mining were highlighted by members from both Jammu and Kashmir regions. He noted that closure of stone quarries in Kashmir has severely impacted livelihoods, with hundreds of families dependent on the sector for sustenance. He stressed the need for revisiting the mining policy to address regional concerns and ensure balanced development.
The Deputy Chief Minister as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust said members also urged revival of the industrial sector, which has suffered setbacks over the past decade. Matters concerning macadamization of roads were raised, and he assured that genuine grievances would be addressed. He thanked legislators for passing the grants, terming it a positive step towards development.
On the issue of daily wagers, Choudhary said their concerns are genuine but should not be politicized. He referred to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah having assured resolution of the matter. He questioned why regularization was not undertaken during the previous BJP and PDP tenure and asserted that the present government would not function under pressure. He, however, added that financial constraints remain a reality as Jammu and Kashmir is a Union Territory with limited funds. [KNT]