Jammu and Kashmir National Conference MLA Javed Iqbal Choudhary from Budhal constituency criticised the narrative that Union Government funds to the region amount to charity, asserting that such grants represent the rightful share of taxes paid by residents under constitutional provisions. He highlighted economic disparities between Jammu and Kashmir divisions and raised concerns over local employment opportunities being undermined by outside labour.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the speech was delivered during the general discussion on the Budget 2026-27 in the Legislative Assembly. Choudhary emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir generates substantial revenue for the national exchequer, including GST collections cited in official addresses.
Choudhary argued that funds from the Centre are not alms but a constitutional entitlement, referencing Article 270 of the Constitution, which governs the distribution of taxes. He pointed out that residents of Jammu and Kashmir pay Goods and Services Tax on essentials such as water, food, and medicines, making the return of these revenues a matter of right rather than favour. He contended that the total central grants received do not even amount to half of the region’s overall contributions through various taxes, including direct taxes, GST, and excise duties.
The MLA cited specific figures to support his position on fiscal federalism. He noted GST collections of ₹8,400 crore, as referenced in the Lieutenant Governor’s address to the Assembly, alongside revenue from power generation amounting to ₹328 crore from 16,000 million units of electricity produced. In contrast, he mentioned central grants of ₹43,000 crore and an education allocation of ₹1,388 crore from the Union Government. Choudhary maintained that these numbers demonstrate the region’s self-sufficiency and that portraying central support as benevolence undermines the federal structure.
Choudhary expressed alarm over the influx of labourers from states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, brought in by contractors for local projects. He warned that this practice deprives Jammu and Kashmir youth of employment opportunities and could alter the demographic composition over time, potentially allowing outsiders to influence electoral outcomes in districts like Kathua and others.
The Budhal MLA highlighted stark economic differences between the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region. He described the Valley’s economy as insulated through established sectors including horticulture, fruit production, handicrafts, and tourism. In comparison, he said Jammu division faces greater hardship and bears a disproportionate burden of economic challenges, urging recognition of this imbalance.
Defending the historical provisions of Article 370, Choudhary clarified that special status measures were introduced by Maharaja Hari Singh to safeguard jobs and land rights for people in Jammu from outsiders, including those from Punjab and Bengal at the time. He rejected claims that these protections were exclusively for Kashmir, emphasising their broader intent to shield local interests across the region.
Focusing on his constituency in Rajouri district and the wider Pir Panjal region, Choudhary demanded urgent interventions in multiple sectors. He described Budhal as educationally backward, with female literacy at 37 per cent, and called for the establishment of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas and Eklavya Model Residential Schools to benefit tribal girls. He advocated for a Cluster University in Rajouri-Poonch and a dedicated Skill Development Institute to enhance local capabilities.
On tourism, Choudhary asserted that areas in his constituency surpass renowned destinations like Pahalgam and Gulmarg in natural beauty but remain neglected in budget allocations. He urged declaration of the region as a tourism hub to boost livelihoods. He also criticised the condition of the local medical college and invited the Health Minister to inspect it personally.
Additional grievances included a toll plaza that continues to collect significant revenue despite being non-operational, which he termed as exploitative. Choudhary opposed the outsourcing of 23,000 jobs in the education sector under Samagra Shiksha, demanding cancellation of such contracts and provision of permanent positions for local youth. He sought dedicated budgetary provisions for the Pahari community, acknowledging their political support for the ruling coalition.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
