Srinagar, Feb 21 (JKNS): Senior Bhartiya Janta Party leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma on Saturday accused the Jammu and Kashmir government of “crushing the aspirations” of unemployed youth by outsourcing nearly 23,000 posts instead of filling them through regular recruitment.
Addressing reporters after a mega joining programme of the BJP at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) here, as per news agency JKNS, Sharma alleged that the Omar Abdullah-led government had opted for outsourcing rather than adopting a transparent selection process. “Around 23,000 jobs have been outsourced. This decision has shattered the dreams of thousands of unemployed youth and amounts to a betrayal,” he said.
Citing the government’s written reply in the Legislative Assembly to a query raised by MLA Handwara Sajad Lone, Sharma said that 22,886 posts were outsourced over the past two years. He demanded that the order be rolled back, warning that the government would have to face strong public resentment if the decision was not reconsidered.
The BJP leader said his party would continue to raise the issue of employment and hold the government accountable. He alleged that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensured security and stability for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, the present dispensation had deprived them of job opportunities.
Sharma further claimed that traditional political parties in the region had misled people about the BJP to keep them away from the party. He asserted that increasing participation of youth and political activists in BJP programmes reflected growing public support.
Responding to remarks made by PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti regarding the Indo-US trade deal, Sharma said opposition leaders should focus on questioning the J&K government over local issues, particularly unemployment. He alleged that the PDP and the National Conference shared a tacit understanding, accusing them of maintaining a “dual character” in politics.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir want accountability and employment opportunities. We will continue to expose the government on issues affecting the youth,” Sharma said. (JKNS)
