Omar Abdullah Announces Revamped Roshni Scheme, Hikes MLA Funds, and Extends Power Amnesty
J&K CM Highlights Key Policy Changes in Assembly, Addresses Development, Governance, and Employment Concerns
JAMMU, Mar 20: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced the reintroduction of the Roshni Scheme in a revised form while also increasing the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for MLAs from ₹3 crore to ₹4 crore. Additionally, he has extended the power amnesty scheme for domestic consumers by another year.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly during the debate on grants for his departments, Omar highlighted that the previous form of the Roshni Scheme, introduced in 2001, had been struck down by the courts due to modifications made by the PDP-Congress government. “The scheme was initially meant to convert leased land into freehold, but its later amendments made it legally indefensible,” he said. The new version aims to address past legal shortcomings.
Omar also proposed the formation of a House Committee to review MLA salary hikes based on the pattern followed in Parliament, citing inflation and increased bureaucratic salaries. “When MLAs’ salaries were set at ₹80,000, bureaucrats received a similar amount. Today, officers earn up to ₹3 lakh per month,” he added. The new committee will also consider increasing pension benefits and honorariums for MLAs’ personal assistants.
Regarding power amnesty, he announced an extension for one more year but firmly stated that no further waivers would be provided in the future. “This is the seventh time we are offering amnesty. It cannot continue indefinitely, as it is unfair to those who pay bills on time,” he asserted.
Omar took a dig at opposition leader Sunil Sharma, who had praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for abrogating Article 370. “You talk about equality after August 5, 2019, but are we really at par with other states? If we are truly equal, why do different rules apply here?” he questioned, pointing out disparities in land ownership laws between J&K and states like Himachal Pradesh.
Addressing governance issues, Omar emphasized the need for efficient urban planning. “Building footpaths won’t help if people still walk on roads. We need a collective shift in mindset,” he said, advocating for planned townships to prevent unregulated expansion.
He also addressed concerns over employment, calling for urgent action on pending SRO-43 cases and condemning the use of CID verifications as a tool to deny jobs to individuals based on family backgrounds. “A person should not be punished for the crimes of their relatives. The CID will be instructed to follow the High Court’s directive on this matter,” he assured.
The Chief Minister further announced measures to preserve cultural heritage, stating that ₹65 crore has been allocated for restoring 33 heritage sites across J&K, with an additional ₹170 crore earmarked for 73 more locations.
As the Assembly passed grants worth ₹85,430 crore for 13 departments, Omar reiterated his commitment to development and transparency, stating that his government is focused on delivering results rather than political rhetoric.
