People's Democracy

Tarigami Seeks Clarifications On 

Budget Allocations For J&K

DECLARING the Udhampur-Baramulla Railway Line as a project of national priority is of no significance if the necessary budgetary allocations are not made for its construction, stated CPI(M) Jammu & Kashmir state secretary Mohd Yousuf Tarigami. He told the media that he has sought clarifications from the union ministries of railways and finance regarding the non-allocation of funds for the construction of this important railway project.

In a statement issued on March 5, Tarigami stated that in the explanatory memorandum tabled along with the Rail Budget for 2005-2006, just Rs 1000 (one thousand rupees only) have been sanctioned as token money for Udhampur-Baramulla rail line but there is no mention of exact amount sanctioned for the project.

Tarigami said that both the finance minister and the railway minister gave a mention of the Udhampur-Baramulah railway line in their budget speeches, but surprisingly there was no mention of the exact amount allocated for the said project of national priority.

Tarigami expressed dissatisfaction for not extending the train to Udhampur despite the claims of completion of the Jammu-Udhampur track. He also expressed his astonishment over the fact that there was no budgetary proposal for Baglihar Power Project and said that the finance minister mentioned the amount spent on the project but was silent over the amount to be allocated for this work during 2005-06.

Tarigami urged upon the UPA government to allocate sufficient funds for both these projects that have a significant bearing on the state economy.

(INN)