Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Feb 4: Demanding a separate development budget for Shehr-e-Khaas, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday called for focused attention towards the Srinagar’s old city.
Interacting with the reporters at the PDP headquarters here, Mehbooba said, “The historic part of the city has been facing growing unemployment, poor infrastructure and civic neglect for years.”
She urged the government to take concrete steps to address these issues in the upcoming budget. “Shehr-e-Khaas is home to a highly educated youth population, yet it suffers from acute joblessness and lack of opportunity. There are so many educated boys and girls here, but employment opportunities are minimal. Government jobs are rare and private sector engagement is negligible,” she said.
Mehbooba urged the government to launch exclusive skill development courses and employment schemes for the youth of old Srinagar, suggesting a six-to-eight-month training programme to equip local youth for modern jobs. “There should also be a Skill Development Centre dedicated to the youth of Shehr-e-Khaas so that they can earn dignified livelihoods,” she said, calling for 100 percent literacy and the active engagement of educated youth in local governance.
Highlighting civic issues, the PDP president said waste management and sanitation remain abysmal despite Srinagar’s Smart City status. “The smell and pollution, especially during the rainy season, have made life difficult for residents. Waste management has completely failed in several parts of Shehr-e-Khaas,” she said.
On liquor shops Mehbooba said, “Majority of people in Kashmir oppose alcohol sales. Even Gujarat and Bihar are dry states but attract large numbers of tourists. Promoting liquor in Kashmir is against our social and moral values. The alcohol abuse is a growing mental health concern.”
The PDP chief also, urged authorities to ensure the safety of Kashmiri workers outside the Union Territory. “Many poor people go out to earn a living and face harassment or violence. The government must take this seriously and engage with concerned states to ensure their safety,” she said.
Mehbooba further criticized the absence of campus politics in Kashmir’s colleges and universities, saying it has deprived students of a political voice. “Campus politics has been banned in Kashmir. Student leaders once emerged from universities; that tradition should be restored,” she said.
She also stressed that Shehr-e-Khaas needs focused attention, financial allocation and inclusive development planning. “The government must prioritize the old city in its upcoming budget. A separate budget for Shehr-e-Khaas is essential to revive its heritage, economy, and youth potential,” she said.
