NC only viable solution to people’s miseries, particularly in empowering women: Sadhotra

Rattan Lal calls for immediate reversal of hiked rates, fees by JMC

JAMMU Dec 29^th: Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, Additional General Secretary JKNC and former minister today reaffirmed the commitment of National Conference to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing its role as the only viable solution to the region’s challenges, particularly in empowering women.

The senior NC leader was speaking in a workers meeting of Women Wing District Jammu Urban at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, Jammu. The meeting was presided by Pinky Khalsa District President Jammu Urban Women Wing.

The former minister said that the present government has failed to take any concrete steps towards reducing the suffering of women amid these challenging economic conditions. Despite the escalating costs of living and the clear impact on household management, there has been a noticeable lack of effective policies or relief measures to address the hardships faced by women in managing their homes. This inaction speaks volumes about the government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens, particularly women who are struggling to balance their domestic budgets, he added.

Rattan Lal Gupta Provincial President Jammu Province asserted National Conference has always been at the forefront in advocating and implementing policies and programmes that uplift and empower the women of Jammu and Kashmir. “Our party believes in the strength and potential of women, and we are committed to ensuring their voices are heard, their political rights are protected, and their contributions are recognized.” He said that the lack of responsiveness to the plight of women, who are key managers of household economies, raises serious concerns about the government’s non serious approach in addressing the economic challenges faced by the women.

Rattan Lal Gupta also expressed serious concerns over the recent increase in rates or fees for various services and assets by the Jammu Municipal Corporation. He strongly suggested that any enhancement of rates or fees should be deferred until an elected government is in place.  He emphasized that it is crucial for the elected representatives to make such decisions, as they are more attuned to the needs and capabilities of the citizens they represent. 

Furthermore, Gupta demanded an immediate rollback of the increased rates or fees for various services and assets. He argued that these hikes are burdensome for the residents and should be reconsidered in the context of the public’s best interests and financial well-being.

Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Provincial Secretary JKNC Jammu, asked the people in general and women in particular to strengthen the hands of Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah in view of ensuing elections in Jammu and Kashmir. He assured that the National Conference will leave no stone unturned in empowering the women with all their genuine rights.

Addressing the gathering, Bimla Luthra said that today there is a dire need to make the women fully aware about their rights and take appropriate and adequate steps to empower the women folk so that they come forward to demand their entitlement under such rights. She said that since majority of women are home makers, they are the worst victims of the sky rocketing prices and unprecedented inflation during the BJP rule due to their wrong policies.

Satwant Dogra lamented that the women have been the worst sufferers under the ongoing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rule at the Centre and proxy rule in Jammu and Kashmir. She alleged that during the so called ‘Good Governance’ as claimed by the BJP women folk have forgotten that even they have some rights in the society. 

Among those who were present in the meeting include:- Ayub Malik Provincial Secretary Jammu, Deepinder Kour Ex-MLC, Vijay Lakhshmi Datta, Asha Mehra, Rita Gupta, Som Raj Taroch, Joginder Kour, Paramjeet Kour, Shallu Sharma, Priyanka, Savita Razdan, Devinder Singh, Ravinder Singh Mantoo, Indu Sharma, Sonia Dogra, Sanju Pandita, Seema, Sarita, Priyanka Dogra and others.