The present dispensation has miserably failed to protect the rights of Other Backward Classes (OBC), as the members of this backward community are living under depressed pitiable conditions in Jammu and Kashmir.
This was stated by Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President JKNC Jammu while addressing a day-long convention of Party’s OBC Cell at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan Jammu. The convention was organised under the chairmanship of Abdul Gani Teli, Chairman JKNC (OBC Cell) in Jammu Province.
At the outset of the meeting, Abdul Gani Teli asserted that there is no one in the administration to look into the burning issues of downtrodden including OBCs and moreover they are being treated quite shabbily under the present regime. He reiterated the demand of OBC Cell which including implementation of 27 percent reservation as per the Mandal Commission, issuance of one time certificate to OBC community members, establishment of separate Corporation for welfare of OBC people and loans should be available on cheaper rates for youth belonging to OBC community.
Addressing party workers, Rattan Lal Gupta termed the issues and demands raised by Abdul Ghani Teli as genuine and justified to uplift the socio-economic status of the community. He came down heavily on the BJP Government at the Centre stating that it has brought nothing but miseries for the people of Jammu and Kashmir especially the OBC community. He said that BJP promised the moon but all the promises proved to be merely hollow slogans. He said that there has been no development on ground about which the government has been making tall claims. In fact the people are decrying for basic amenities, he added.
The senior NC leader termed it most unfortunate that the OBC people continue to be totally ignored for the last nine years of BJP rule and today there is a dire need to enhance the four percent reservation quota for the OBC community. The 2 per cent reservation to OBC was given by the NC government and further 2 per cent reservation was sanctioned by the then Omar Abdullah government but not implemented by the previous BJP government in the state, he added.
The Provincial President exhorted upon party workers to gear-up for ensuing elections in J&K to get rid of all the miseries thrust upon them by the BJP Government at the Centre. He asserted that the National Conference has always remained committed to protect the rights of weaker sections in the past and shall continue to do the same in future too. He maintained that only National Conference can address issues of the people of all sections of society of J&K as all other political outfits have failed to address the aspirations of common people.
Ajay Sadhotra former minister and Central Secretary in his address, stated that BJP has befooled the people with its hollow promises before the elections and now the people of Jammu and Kashmir have today realize that they have been totally betrayed by the saffron party. He said that the people across the state are being made to suffer in absence of a representative government for no fault of theirs. He asserted that the government has virtually broken the spine of common people due to its anti-people policies the results of which are easily visible to everyone.
Babu Rampal former minister and Central Zone President expressed great disappointment against the J&K administration for pursing anti-poor policies, stating that it has callously ignored the interests of Other Backward Class population. He stated that it is only National Conference which can ensure justice to all the communities including the OBCs but for this the people will have to repose trust and confidence in the party and its leadership that will steer them out of the present morass.
Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Provincial Secretary JKNC exhorted upon party workers to remain in general public in addressing their day-to-day issues and also to work hard for the upcoming elections in the state by strengthening the hands of Party’s President Dr Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Omar Abdullah.