KD NEWS SERVICE
Srinagar, Aug 19: In a significant move ahead of the upcoming Jammu & Kashmir assembly elections, National Conference (NC) vice-president Omar Abdullah unveiled the party’s election manifesto on Monday, outlining a comprehensive agenda that promises to address key political, social, and economic issues facing the Union Territory.
During a press conference in Srinagar, Omar Abdullah emphasized that if the NC is voted into power, the party will vigorously pursue the restoration of Jammu & Kashmir’s political and legal status, particularly focusing on reversing the August 5, 2019 decision that led to the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the state. “This manifesto is not just a list of promises; it’s an agenda for governance,” Omar stated, underscoring the party’s commitment to securing the rights of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
One of the headline promises in the manifesto is the provision of 200 units of free electricity to every household in the Union Territory. Omar Abdullah asserted that this initiative is part of a broader effort to alleviate the financial burden on residents, particularly in light of the economic challenges faced by many families.
Further elaborating on the manifesto, Omar highlighted the NC’s pledge to strengthen the public distribution system (PDS). The party aims to ensure that essential commodities like sugar and kerosene are readily available at ration depots across the region. “Our focus will be on making the PDS more robust and accessible, ensuring that no family is left without basic necessities,” he said.
The NC has also vowed to seek the release of all political prisoners who are not involved in heinous crimes, signaling the party’s commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring justice.
The manifesto is built around 12 key guarantees, which include the restoration of Jammu & Kashmir’s political and legal status, the return to normalcy, a comprehensive job package for the youth, relief from the ongoing electricity and water crises, and the strengthening of the education, horticulture, and agriculture sectors.
Omar Abdullah reaffirmed the party’s dedication to fighting against the abrogation of Article 370. He expressed hope that the Supreme Court would eventually deliver a verdict in their favor, restoring the special status of Jammu & Kashmir.
In addition to repealing the Public Safety Act (PSA) and advocating for the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits, the manifesto also promises to streamline passport verification processes, end unjust terminations, and eliminate unnecessary harassment of citizens on highways. The NC has committed to creating 1 lakh jobs for the youth and passing the J&K Youth Employment Generation Act within three months of coming to power.
Further, the party has pledged to provide six free cylinders annually to economically weaker sections (EWS), offer free public transport for women, enhance marriage assistance, increase the medical allowance for pensioners from Rs 300 to Rs 1,000, and establish a minority commission. The NC also plans to fill all government department vacancies within 180 days and make job applications free for all examinations.
To address energy needs, the NC manifesto promises the transfer of hydroelectric power projects to Jammu & Kashmir, as recommended by the Prime Minister’s Committee. It also outlines a plan for the one-time settlement of pending electricity bill arrears in both rural and urban areas. The party intends to explore ways to provide relief on power tariffs for industries, ensuring a more favorable environment for industrial growth. Additionally, the NC will focus on providing free drinking water to every household, with special attention to remote and inaccessible areas, and aims to increase the free power ratio from the current 10 percent to 40 percent to boost domestic power supply.
On the education front, the NC promises to make higher education accessible to all, proposing the establishment of a Hospitality and Tourism University, as well as six higher education institutions, including two skill universities—one each in Jammu and Kashmir divisions. The party also plans to ensure that no school operates without a qualified teacher, introduce smart classrooms, and modernize school infrastructure with mandatory CCTV surveillance.
To tackle urban challenges such as congestion and environmental sustainability, the NC manifesto suggests developing satellite townships around Srinagar and Jammu, regularizing unplanned colonies, and enhancing tourism infrastructure, including a proposed gondola system connecting Takht-i-Sulaiman (Shankaracharya Hill) with Koh-e-Maran (Hari Parbat Fort). The party also plans to improve urban drainage systems, promote river transport, and increase public transport connectivity to district headquarters, operating until late hours.
In response to a query, Omar Abdullah expressed disappointment over Jamaat-e-Islami’s decision not to contest the elections openly. He concluded by urging the people of Jammu & Kashmir to place their trust in the NC for the next five years, promising dedicated service and governance.
Jammu & Kashmir is set to go to the polls in three phases starting from September 18, with the counting of votes scheduled for October 4.
