Srinagar, In a pointed critique of the Indian government’s recent budget allocations, Hasnain Masoodi, a Member of Parliament representing the occupied Jammu and Kashmir region, accused the Modi-led administration of neglecting the needs and welfare of the Kashmiri people. The critique was delivered amidst discussions in the Indian Lok Sabha, pointing to disparities in budgetary considerations that overlook the critical sectors of agriculture, education, health, and social welfare in the region.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Masoodi expressed dismay over the reduced funding for essential services and programs, including the Krishi Sinchai Yojna and various umbrella schemes aimed at supporting marginalized communities. These budgetary decisions, he argued, exacerbate the socio-economic challenges faced by the people in the occupied territory, further deepening the divide between Kashmir and the rest of India.

The absence of democratic structures such as Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Panchayats, and an elected legislature in Jammu and Kashmir was another focal point of Masoodi’s critique. He stressed that the lack of these institutions has effectively stripped Kashmiris of their right to representation and a voice in governance, perpetuating a cycle of administrative neglect and political disenfranchisement.

Masoodi also highlighted the impact of the budget on various sectors critical to Kashmir’s development, including agriculture, tourism, healthcare, and electricity generation. The neglect and inadequate funding in these areas, he argued, hinder the region’s progress and compound the difficulties faced by its residents.

Moreover, the speech addressed the broader issues of unemployment, inflation, and administrative inertia in Jammu and Kashmir, criticizing the budget for failing to provide a comprehensive plan to address these pressing concerns. This oversight, As per Masoodi, reflects a continued pattern of discrimination and marginalization of Kashmiris under Indian rule.

Masoodi’s address in the Lok Sabha underscores the deep-seated issues of governance and equity in the treatment of the Kashmir region by the Indian government. His call for a more inclusive and equitable approach to budget allocations and policy-making highlights the urgent need for attention to the unique challenges faced by the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir.