Srinagar, Sept 30: Senior CPI(M) leader and MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami on Wednesday expressed concern over the short duration of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly session, saying it limited legislators’ ability to adequately raise public issues, while identifying unemployment as the biggest challenge facing the region.
“This is a short session,” Tarigami told Kashmir Convener, adding that despite a heavy agenda, members made efforts to highlight issues concerning the people and draw the government’s attention towards their resolution.
He said unemployment remained the most serious concern facing Jammu and Kashmir, particularly amid limited industrial and business opportunities and a growing number of educated job seekers.
“There are no industries here. There is no other big business here. We have achieved big degrees—our people in villages and cities—but the opportunities for employment are decreasing,” he said.
Tarigami also raised the long-pending concerns of casual labourers, daily wagers and workers engaged under various government schemes, saying repeated assurances had not translated into solutions.
Referring to ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and mid-day meal workers, he termed their low remuneration unfair and said the government had the resources to improve their wages.
“Some people say that the government does not have the means. But the government also has the means to increase wages. I have raised my voice against this before, and I will raise my voice again,” he said.
Tarigami said elected representatives had a responsibility to understand the problems of the people and work towards providing relief.
“We have been chosen by the people. We should try to understand their sorrows and happiness. To give them relief, we should try to open some doors,” he said.
He expressed hope that legislators had been able to hold the government accountable by raising public concerns during the session.
On the role of the media, Tarigami said a strong media was essential for ensuring accountability and public debate. He said he had also intervened in support of greater space and powers for the media.
“The media is such a pillar that has proven to be helpful in making big animals accountable,” he said, adding that weakening the media could also weaken political and social discourse.
Tarigami urged the media to continue explaining public issues to people, saying a strong and independent public discourse was important for accountability.
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