Srinagar, Sep 24: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, today strongly criticized the National Conference Government over what he termed its failure to fulfil promises made to the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
Reacting to the NC Government’s reported decision to provide only six free LPG cylinders to AAY families, despite its earlier promise of 12 free cylinders, Sharma said that the people deserve clarity and accountability from the government.
Taking the government to task over the issue of the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), the Leader of Opposition said that teachers who have dedicated years to building and educating society are now being asked to prove themselves again through another test.
“Teachers have contributed immensely to building our society and shaping generations. Yet, the government has failed to hold any meaningful debate on their concerns and has shown little sensitivity towards their difficulties. The manner in which this issue has been handled has left the teaching community deeply disappointed,” he said.
Sharma also raised serious concerns over the functioning of the health sector, pointing out that around 1,500 doctor posts are vacant, while 219 ventilators in Government Medical Colleges are reportedly non-functional. He further questioned the reported non-availability of essential diagnostic facilities and materials, including CT scans and X-ray films.
“The health infrastructure cannot be allowed to suffer while the government continues to offer excuses. When patients are struggling to access basic healthcare, the government must answer why critical posts remain vacant and why essential equipment is lying defunct,” Sharma said.
The Leader of Opposition also questioned the government over its commitment to provide 200 units of free electricity to AAY families.
“You promised 200 units of free electricity, but even after two years, not a single AAY family has received this benefit. If you have failed to implement that promise, the people are justified in asking where the promise of free LPG cylinders will come from,” he said.
Sharma said that for every failure, the government appears to have one standard excuse — Statehood.
“Statehood is an important and legitimate aspiration of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, but it cannot become an excuse for every administrative failure. The government has responsibilities that it must discharge with or without Statehood,” he said.
The Leader of Opposition called upon the NC Government to take responsibility for its commitments and provide transparent answers to the people.
“If the government has any moral ground left, it should dissolve itself and wait for Statehood to return. The people of Jammu & Kashmir deserve a government that delivers on its promises, listens to its employees and teachers, and ensures functioning healthcare facilities rather than blaming circumstances for every failure,” Sharma said.
