Associated News Bureau

Sunil Sharma Seeks Accountability over Six-Cylinder LPG Scheme

Srinagar, September 24: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Thursday questioned the National Conference-led government over its decision to provide six free LPG cylinders annually to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families, alleging that the move fell short of the commitment made to the people. Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Satish Sharma informed the Legislative Assembly that the competent authority had approved the provision of six free LPG cylinders annually to AAY families, with formal orders for implementation to follow. The announcement prompted protests from BJP members in the House. Reacting to the decision, Sunil Sharma alleged that the National Conference had promised 12 free LPG cylinders to households during the election campaign but had now restricted the benefit to six cylinders for AAY families. Describing the decision as a “betrayal of the people,” Sharma alleged that providing six cylinders instead of the earlier commitment amounted to “cheating with the people of Jammu and Kashmir.” Sharma also questioned the government over its earlier commitment to provide 200 units of free electricity to AAY families, asking why the promised benefit had not yet been implemented. He also sought clarity on other commitments made by the government. On the issue of the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), the Leader of Opposition said teachers who had devoted years to the education sector should have their concerns addressed through meaningful engagement. He criticised what he described as the government's inadequate response to the concerns of the teaching community. Sharma also raised concerns over the functioning of the health sector, claiming that around 1,500 posts of doctors were vacant and that 219 ventilators in government medical colleges were non-functional. He further questioned the availability of essential diagnostic facilities and materials, including CT scans and X-ray films. He said the government must address deficiencies in essential public services and provide clear answers to the people. The Leader of Opposition also criticised the government's repeated reference to restoration of statehood in response to administrative issues. He said restoration of statehood and day-to-day governance were separate matters and maintained that the government had administrative responsibilities that needed to be discharged irrespective of the status of statehood. The issue led to heated exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches, with BJP members raising slogans over the LPG announcement before Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather intervened to restore order in the House. Sharma called upon the government to clarify the status of its earlier commitments and ensure transparency in the implementation of welfare measures. ANB