Jammu, Mar 24: During today’s assembly session, MLA Dooru, GA Mir, passionately advocated for significant enhancements in grants allocated to agriculture, Panchayat Raj, Rural Development, and related sectors. His address focused on bolstering rural economies and supporting the livelihoods of farmers, local representatives, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK), and bee keepers.
MLA Mir put forth a key demand of the expansion of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme, urging the government to increase guaranteed workdays from 100 to 150 days. He also called for a substantial hike in daily wages, proposing an increase to ₹400 per day.
“Our rural workforce deserves fair compensation for their labor,” stated MLA Mir. “Extending the workdays and increasing wages will provide much-needed economic stability to countless families across Jammu and Kashmir.”
Furthermore, MLA Mir emphasized the need to enhance the honorarium of District Development Council (DDC) members, Block Development Council (BDC) members, Sarpanchs, Panchs, chairmen, and ward members. He argued that these local representatives play a crucial role in grassroots development and deserve adequate recognition for their services.
In a bid to boost the region’s agricultural sector, MLA Mir called for the expedited establishment of a tulip farm at Sanyan Sagam. He also stressed the importance of developing a robust cold storage chain across fruit-growing areas in J&K, suggesting a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for its implementation.
“A modern cold storage infrastructure is vital for preserving our farmers’ produce and ensuring they receive fair prices,” MLA Mir asserted.
Additionally, he emphasized the need for increased support to Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), highlighting their critical role in disseminating agricultural technologies and knowledge to farmers. He also called for specific programs to aid bee keepers, recognizing the importance of apiculture for both economic and ecological benefits.
Addressing specific local concerns, MLA Mir highlighted the needs of B2 villages 1, 2, and 3, and urged the government to prioritize the marketing of the unique Mushkibudji rice variety. He emphasized the importance of providing farmers with access to markets and ensuring fair prices for their produce.
MLA Mir’s demands reflect a broader call for increased investment in rural development and agricultural support, aiming to empower local communities, strengthen the region’s economy, and support specialized agricultural sectors like those aided by KVKs and bee keepers. The assembly will now deliberate on these proposals, with hopes of translating them into tangible policies for the benefit of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.