Ensuring women rights inseparable part of NC’s ethos, norms: Sadhotra, Rattan Lal

JAMMU June 14^th : A meeting of Women’s Wing of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) was convened at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan in Jammu, chaired by Bimla Luthra, former MLA and senior NC leader.

The meeting was attended by Ajay Sadhotra, Additional General Secretary and former minister, Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President JKNC Jammu, along with other party leaders and workers.

At the commencement of the meeting, Bimla Luthra briefed senior party functionaries on the pressing issues faced by women due to the ineffective policies of the present government. She highlighted the dire conditions and challenges concerning widow pensions, inflation, household budgets, and the skyrocketing unemployment rates in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the Party women workers, Ajay Sadhotra criticized the BJP leadership for its failure to control inflation in the country, stating, “Household budgets are shrinking under the directionless policies of the current leadership, leaving women to bear the brunt of the unprecedented rise in prices of essential commodities. They are forced to make new compromises daily to sustain their lives, reflecting the government’s failure.”

The former minister reaffirmed JKNC’s longstanding commitment to women’s rights, emphasizing that this commitment is integral to the party’s principles and ethos. 

Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President, in his address, underscored the unwavering support of the Party’s Women’s Wing for the values of the National Conference, likening it to a strong pillar that has consistently supported the party leadership in making JKNC a formidable force in Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the pivotal role women have played in the party, especially recalling the contributions of Madr-e-Meharban during challenging times when the NC leadership was imprisoned. 

“No one can question the historic role the NC Women’s Wing has played at every critical juncture,” he stated, pledging to continue grassroots efforts to strengthen the party.

Rattan Lal Gupta also highlighted that during the regime of NC government, 50 percent of MBBS seats in J&K were reserved for women students, contrasting this with the current administration’s empty promises. He asserted that NC is the sole guarantor of the welfare of the masses and that if given the opportunity to return to power, the party would resolve the people’s problems effectively.

Another senior NC leader Sheikh Bashir Ahmed Provincial Secretary Jammu Province  criticized the present administration for its penchant for grand slogans and lofty promises that are never fulfilled. He urged the Party’s women cadre to continue their good work by staying connected with the people and prioritizing the resolution of women’s issues in Jammu and Kashmir.

Among those who were present include: Ayub Malik Provincial Secretary Jammu, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Vijay Laxmi Datta Sr. leader, Rakesh Singh Raka, Rita Gupta, Dilshad Malik Vice Presidents Central Zone, S. Tejinder Singh District President Jammu Urban YNC, S. Gurnam Singh Block President West, Sarooj Sharma, Joginder Kour, Raj Kour, Rupal, Rajni, Anju, Riya Mehra, Rajni Devi, Soma Devi, Manjeet, Bano Bibi, Anju Bala and others.