Srinagar, Dec 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF) today expressed concern over the increasing hardships faced by the people of the region due to administrative shortcomings.
In a statement JKCSF chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani said that the recent cancellation of 1.27 lakh ration cards has deprived thousands of below-poverty-line families of their basic food entitlements, causing distress and uncertainty. Adding to the challenges, Kashmiri artisans—custodians of the region’s cultural heritage—are struggling under the burden of GST, and it is hoped that the government refrains from imposing further taxes on handicrafts like shawls to protect this vital industry.
Meanwhile, the ongoing power and water crises in the Valley remain unresolved, with the government yet to explore innovative solutions for sustainable infrastructure and resource management. Furthermore, exorbitant airfares, such as ₹13,000 for Dubai to Delhi (2,200 km) and ₹10,000 for Jammu to Srinagar (270 km), highlight the stark disparity in pricing, making essential travel unaffordable for the common man, Wani in a statement said.
The JKCSF strongly urged the administration to fund large-scale digging of water wells across rural and semi-urban areas to address the acute water scarcity faced by households. “Such measures will not only provide immediate relief but also ensure long-term water security in the region”, it said.
Similarly, ensuring a scheduled and reliable power supply, especially during the harsh winter months, is critical to alleviate the suffering of residents. With proactive measures like expanding renewable energy sources and improving existing power distribution systems, the administration can address the growing demand for electricity in an effective and sustainable manner. These steps, coupled with public awareness campaigns on water conservation and energy efficiency, can go a long way in restoring normalcy and addressing the growing outcry among the people, statement said.
The JKCSF hoped that these matters receive the urgent attention they deserve, bringing much-needed relief to the masses.
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