Asif Iqbal Naik
JAMMU: PDP Legislator Waheed Ur Rehman Para has raised serious concerns over the government’s claims regarding fund disbursement under key social welfare schemes, alleging that hundreds of crores shown as “disbursed” have not actually reached beneficiaries.
In a statement posted on X, Para said that while ₹300 crore has been marked as disbursed under the Ladli Beti Scheme, nearly ₹200 crore is still pending. Similarly, under the Marriage Assistance Scheme, ₹234 crore has been reflected as disbursed, but around ₹70 crore reportedly remains in the treasury.
“If ₹70 crore and ₹200 crore haven’t even left the treasury and are stuck with the finance department, how can this be termed as disbursal?” Para questioned, calling the figures “paperwork dressed up as relief.”
He emphasized that financial assistance schemes are meant to provide direct support to economically weaker sections and that delays in actual fund transfers defeat the purpose of welfare initiatives. “The poor need money in hand, not figures in files,” he said, urging the government to ensure transparency and timely release of funds.
Para also sought clarification and accountability from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, asking who would take responsibility for the delay if funds have been officially recorded as released but have not reached the intended beneficiaries.
The remarks are likely to intensify debate over the implementation and monitoring of welfare schemes in Jammu and Kashmir, with opposition leaders demanding a clear explanation on the status of pending funds and the timeline for their release.
