Kashmir reacts to Union Budget

Srinagar : There is a mixed reaction to Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukerjee?s announcement that Centre would provide Rs. 8,000 crore for the development of the state of Jammu & Kashmir.

“It is good but the state should utilize these funds in proper way. Kashmir is lagging behind in every sphere and I hope it will make a difference,” Nazir Ahmed, a business man by forte told IBNS.

Syed Arshid, a 12th class student, is conscious about the budget.

Calling the announcement of the Finance Minister a vital one, he said that people of Kashmir were not expecting this. He said now the declaration has come and let us hope the present Government will spend these funds properly and judiciously.

“Financial mismanagement has marred the state, we recently saw a huge amount provided by the Planning Commission got lapsed as the government was not able to make use of such funds in time,” said Syed.

Abdul Ahad, a senior citizen from Downtown locality of Srinagar, calls this announcement as an ‘eye wash’.

“Nothing will happen, no development will take place, what has happened in the past will be revived the present. Unemployment is rising, there is no electricity, no flyovers and no roads in Kashmir. Funds will come and the High ups will reap the benefits and a common man will continue to suffer,” Abdul Ahad told IBNS.

Pertinently, Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said Rs.8,000 crore would be given as special developmental assistance to the troubled Jammu and Kashmir in the current fiscal. This is in addition to the special support of Rs.28,000 crore already earmarked by the central government.

(Reporting by Neyaz Elahi)