All promises not fulfilled, but we have made good start: NC

Srinagar, Oct 21: The ruling National Conference (NC) on Wednesday acknowledged that the Omar Abdullah-led government had not fulfilled all its poll promises in its first two years, while defending its record by citing initiatives on welfare, employee issues, transport, recruitment and restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s rights.
“All the promises we made in the past two years were not fulfilled. However, we have made a very good start,” NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar said, addressing a press conference here.
Dar, said the government had faced several challenges in implementing its commitments, citing constraints under the Union Territory setup and what he described as bureaucratic control.
Listing the government’s political initiatives, he referred to the resolution on restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status passed during the first Assembly session and the subsequent resolution seeking restoration of statehood, which he said received support from the opposition.
The spokesperson cited the revival of the Darbar Move and implementation of the Forest Rights Act as key steps taken by the government. On employee welfare, he referred to the approval of the Old Pension Scheme, saying the government had addressed a long-standing demand of employees covered under the National Pension System. He also highlighted the restoration of the academic calendar to the October session.
Dar said the MLA Constituency Development Fund had been increased from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 4 crore, adding that the enhanced allocation could help legislators extend assistance to fire victims and patients suffering from cancer, kidney and heart ailments.
He also cited the increase in marriage assistance from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000 and measures to extend health coverage to families falling under the Above Poverty Line (APL) category.
On public transport, he highlighted the free bus service for women and said the government had extended the initiative to students and persons with disabilities. He said smart bus services were being expanded beyond Srinagar, with the aim of extending them to all districts, while concerns raised by private transport operators would also be addressed.
Among the relief measures, Dar referred to the announcement of free ration for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families, 200 units of free electricity for AAY consumers and six LPG cylinders for eligible households.
The NC spokesperson cited the decision to provide 100 per cent stamp-duty exemption on gift deeds between relatives, describing it as a measure intended to ease property transfers within families.
On higher education, he said the government had introduced the Private Universities Bill in the Assembly. He also referred to the Ease of Doing Business framework, saying efforts were being made to streamline the issuance of no-objection certificates and strengthen the single-window clearance system.
On the reservation policy, Imran said a subcommittee headed by Minister Sakeena Itoo had completed its report within six months. “The report was submitted to the Lieutenant Governor’s administration and subsequently sent to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs before being returned,” he said, adding that further action was awaited from the Lieutenant Governor’s office.
Dar said recruitment was underway in different departments and that the government was working to provide employment opportunities to educated unemployed youth. He said the report on the regularisation of daily wagers was still awaited and called for its early submission, noting the long-pending concerns of workers serving in government departments.
Referring to the education sector, the NC spokesperson said orders concerning the regularisation of thousands of Casual Paid Workers (CPWs) had been issued. He cited the exemption of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers from the Teacher Eligibility Test requirement.
On infrastructure, Dar said efforts were underway to improve electricity supply and drinking-water facilities, adding that around 150 drinking-water treatment plants were being developed across Jammu and Kashmir.
The National Conference, the spokesperson said, was presenting the initiatives undertaken during the government’s first two years while acknowledging that all electoral commitments had not yet been fulfilled. (KNO)