JAMMU 23rd Feb 2023: Asserting that the economic situation in Jammu and Kashmir has deteriorated over the last three decades due to terrorism, DPAP chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday urged the UT government to put on hold the imposition of property tax for a few years.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Tuesday issued a notification for imposition of property tax in the union territory, from April 1.
Azad said that the government should sympathise with the people of Jammu and Kashmir instead of forming policies sitting in offices.
The terrorism over the last 35 years have impacted the economic situation in J&K, said Azad.
“The inflation has increased, the unemployment has increased in Jammu and Kashmir like anything. All our major sectors such as tourism, handicraft, and horticulture have been impacted and people of J&K from businessmen to common men have suffered great losses,” said Azad, addressing reporters in Anantnag district.
Azad said that the situation has worsened after the abrogation of Article 370 and people are already battling with the increased electricity charges while their lands are being taken away.
People do not have any income. How can they pay taxes, asked Azad.
“Right now, people do not have the money to even manage their day to day expenses. They will pay the tax but for that, they need to have some income. So, I appeal the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to postpone the imposition of property tax by four-five years till the economic situation of Jammu and Kashmir improves, our major sector start performing better ,” he said.
The former chief minister also said that if elected to power, the DPAP will bring back the now-scrapped Roshni Act under which the ownership rights of state land were given to people occupying it.
“The anti-encroachment drive should be stopped. If DPAP is voted to power, we will ensure that the Roshni Scheme is re-implemented,” he said.