Says No Timeline for J&K Statehood
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Feb 15 – Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, and MP from Arunachal Pradesh, Kiren Rijiju, stated on Saturday that from development to peace to prosperity, Jammu and Kashmir has once again become a favored destination under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Union Minister engaged with key stakeholders in an interactive session as per Kashmir Despatch at the Amar Singh Club in central Kashmir’s Srinagar district on Saturday.
The session, titled “Budget Pe Charcha,” featured participation from business leaders, industry representatives, and community members. During the event, representatives voiced their concerns and expectations regarding the recently announced budget.
Participants in the discussion included representatives from the Hotel Association, Houseboat Owners Association, Industries & Commerce Association, Tour & Travel Association, Saffron Growers Association, Shawl Weavers Association, Fruit Growers Association, and Farmers Association, along with party workers and local business entities.
During the session, Minister Rijiju elaborated on the budget’s key features, emphasizing its potential to drive economic growth, empower citizens, and contribute to India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Stakeholders were given the opportunity to raise their concerns and seek clarifications on various aspects of the budget.
Among the primary issues discussed were the implementation of the Minimum Wages Act, the revival of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), rehabilitation plans for houseboat owners, and conservation measures for Kashmir’s wetlands. These concerns reflect the region’s economic priorities and the necessity for tailored government policies to address them effectively. Minister Rijiju assured stakeholders that their feedback would be conveyed to the relevant authorities for review. He also highlighted the government’s commitment to regional development and stressed the importance of public-private collaboration in achieving economic progress.
Meanwhile, addressing the media, the Minister reiterated that the Union Budget 2025 was designed to exceed expectations and set a strong foundation for India’s economic future under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He underscored the budget’s role in fostering inclusive growth, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening infrastructure development.
The Minister acknowledged the crucial role played by the tourism and handicrafts industries in Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. He assured that the government would explore policy measures to further support these sectors. Discussions also touched upon increasing financial assistance for saffron growers, improving market access for fruit growers, and boosting the industrial sector to enhance employment generation.
Rijiju emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism and environmental conservation, particularly focusing on wetland preservation and houseboat rehabilitation. He stated that the government is keen on promoting eco-friendly tourism policies while ensuring the livelihood of local communities remains secure.
In response to questions about statehood, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood will be restored but stopped short of providing a definite timeline for the process. Rijiju stated that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have previously assured that statehood will be reinstated “in due course of time.” However, when pressed for a concrete timeframe, he declined to comment.
“The Prime Minister and the Home Minister have already made their position clear that statehood will be restored at the appropriate time, with well-defined powers and functions,” Rijiju said.
Later in the day, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju visited Dargah Hazratbal to pay obeisance at the shrine and also to take stock of the development works occurring there.
