NC eroded the fiscal autonomy of the state: Drabu

The Jammu and Kashmir government today accused the opposition National Conference of eroding the fiscal federalism of the state during the 1970's and said that prior to that the state enjoyed financial autonomy.
"The national conference has done the biggest damage to the fiscal federalism, as the state enjoyed financial autonomy prior to 1970," Minister for Finance, Haseeb Drabu told the House during discussion on the demand of grants for the departments under his charge in legislative Assembly today.
He said despite being a special status state, various other states including UP, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh received more benefits under various centrally-sponsored schemes.

Drabu said from April 1, a three-phased rehabilitation plan will be launched aimed at restoration of livelihood of the people who lost their sources of livelihood in devastating floods of September last.
"It would be followed by helping them in re-establishment of their business and in the final phase the actual reconstruction of their houses and assets," he said.
The Finance Minister said it was the endeavour of the Government to ensure that the people, who were affected by the floods, should start their normal business and day-to-day activities as soon as possible.

Drabu said respecting the sensitivity of the House towards widows, disabled and the destitute, two pension schemes under State and Central sector have been merged for the benefit of widows and they would be getting a hiked pension of Rs 1000 per month.

"Besides, Rs 1000 per month would also be provided for the disabled persons having disability of more than 60 per cent" he said.
He further said the Government was committed to bringing in more welfare measures for the girl child.
"Grown up girls would get financial assistance till the age of 17 or 21 years depending upon their choice. In addition to this, the government would be contributing Rs 1000 per month on behalf of every newly born girl child for next 14 years and on reaching 21 years, she would receive Rs 6.5 lakh," he said.
Government would continue its employee's friendly schemes in future also, he said adding that all Class-IV employees would be getting 17 per cent DA arrears in cash.

Referring to the creation of employment avenues in the State, the Minister said mechanism would be formulated for creating the necessary and requisite job opportunities for the people thereby helping in ensuring the employability of the jobless people in the state.