Diplomat Desk
Srinagar,(DD) Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju today reiterated the central government’s commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood but declined to specify a timeline. Speaking at a press conference in Srinagar, he emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have already made their stance clear on the matter.
“The Prime Minister and Home Minister have given clear indications in the past that statehood will be restored in due course of time. The powers and functions will be demarcated very clearly,” Rijiju stated. However, he refused to comment on when this transition would take place or how governance responsibilities would be divided between the lieutenant governor and the elected chief minister.
Rijiju, who represents Arunachal West in the Lok Sabha, clarified that his visit to Kashmir was focused on the Union Budget and not political matters. “At this time, Jammu and Kashmir remains a Union Territory, with the lieutenant governor as the administrative head. But we also have a recently elected government, which is functioning successfully,” he said.
Budget Cuts Justified by ‘Spending Capacity’
Addressing concerns over the reduction in budgetary allocation for J&K in the 2025-26 fiscal, Rijiju argued that funds have been allocated based on the Union Territory’s spending capacity. “The Finance Minister has made it clear that the allocation aligns with J&K’s ability to utilize funds efficiently. Additionally, centrally-sponsored schemes are not included in this allocation, and there is no shortage of resources,” he assured.
He also highlighted relief measures for the horticulture and handicrafts sectors, emphasizing that special initiatives have been introduced to boost exports of Kashmiri art and small-scale industries.
Rijiju’s remarks come at a crucial time, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah set to present his maiden budget in the J&K Assembly on March 7. Political observers expect opposition parties, including the National Conference and Congress, to demand a concrete timeline for the restoration of statehood and increased financial autonomy for the region.
With J&K’s political future still in limbo, Rijiju’s statement is likely to fuel further debate on the Centre’s roadmap for the region.(DD)