Aaqib Khan
Srinagar, Feb 13 (KNS): Peoples Conference chairman and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone on Friday criticised the functioning of the Jammu and Kashmir government during the ongoing budget session, alleging administrative inefficiency, imbalance in job distribution and rising “divisive rhetoric” in political discourse.
In an interview with Kashmir News Service (KNS), Lone said the government appeared to lack the capacity to utilise available funds. “Normally states complain of shortage of funds. Here the issue is that money is there but there is no capacity to spend it. That reflects an administrative deficit,” he said, adding that the government was “not running at full capacity”.
Referring to the recent budget presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Lone claimed expenditure levels remained low and alleged that commitments made by the ruling dispensation were not being fulfilled.
The Peoples Conference leader devoted considerable attention to the reservation policy in government jobs, calling it a “serious issue” that could have long-term consequences if not addressed through data-backed reforms.
Claiming that Kashmir accounts for around 60 per cent of the population, Lone alleged that its share in government jobs was between 25 and 28 per cent. “Even after accounting for Gujjars, Paharis and Kashmiri Pandits under reservation categories, the figure does not cross 30 per cent,” he said.
He argued that proposals reportedly under consideration by a cabinet sub-committee — including increasing open merit seats while reducing certain reserved categories — would not bridge what he described as a widening gap between population share and employment share.
“Without detailed research into recruitment patterns over the last two decades — region-wise and category-wise — how can you prescribe a solution?Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelIf a doctor does not diagnose properly, what medicine will he give?” Lone asked, calling for a comprehensive statistical review.
Raising the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, Lone claimed that the rejection rate of claims in Jammu and Kashmir was significantly higher than the national average. He said tribal communities, including Gujjars and Paharis, deserved a fair and transparent process.
On political outreach, Lone acknowledged that his party currently has only one MLA in the Assembly but said it would intensify engagement with the public across regions. “People have the right to change. We will go to them and explain our position,” he said, urging educated youth to participate actively in politics.
Commenting on recent remarks by a BJP legislator regarding separate statehood for Jammu and allegations related to land ownership, Lone said such statements were provocative and risked deepening regional divides.
He described the people of Jammu as “brothers” but added that political leaders should avoid rhetoric that fuels mistrust.
Lone also emphasised the economic interdependence between regions, noting that Kashmir’s economy depends largely on tourism and apple trade across India. “Our apples are sold all over India and tourists come from across the country,” he said.
He further criticised what he termed as attempts to generalise and blame Kashmiris during controversies, alleging that divisive narratives were harmful to social cohesion.
The MLA said political discourse should focus on governance, employment and economic revival rather than “rhetoric that divides people”, adding that youth participation was essential to address emerging challenges in Jammu and Kashmir.(KNS)