2 hrs ago
J&K Assembly Erupts Over Free LPG Cylinder Scheme
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly had a heated argument about free cooking-gas cylinders.
The government said some of the poorest families would receive six free LPG cylinders each year.
BJP members said the government had promised more cylinders and free electricity for every household.
They called the new plan incomplete and accused the government of misleading voters.
The argument became so loud that Assembly work was temporarily stopped.
Another lawmaker questioned whether elected MLAs have enough power over local development money.
The Assembly also asked the Union Government to exempt older teachers from taking a teacher eligibility test.
Finally, lawmakers rejected a proposal requiring children of politicians and government employees to attend government schools.
The government said families should be allowed to choose schools while public schools are improved.
The J&K government approved six free LPG cylinders annually for Antyodaya Anna Yojana families.
BJP members accused the Omar Abdullah government of delaying and reducing its election promises.
Heated exchanges disrupted Assembly proceedings before order was restored.
The House adopted a resolution seeking a TET exemption for teachers appointed before October 31, 2019.
Lawmakers debated MLA powers and rejected a bill requiring public officials’ children to attend government schools.
- Who
- The Jammu and Kashmir government, National Conference members, BJP legislators, and other Assembly members, including ministers and opposition MLAs.
- What
- The Assembly debated a six-cylinder LPG scheme, MLA powers, teacher eligibility requirements, and government-school enrolment.
- Where
- The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in Srinagar.
- When
- During the Assembly’s autumn session, with the LPG announcement and related disputes occurring on Thursday.
- Why
- The government announced the LPG scheme for Antyodaya Anna Yojana families, while opposition members challenged its scope and raised broader concerns about election promises and legislative authority.
Government and Treasury Benches
Opposition and BJP Members
Free LPG cylinders
Government and Treasury Benches
The government said it had approved six free LPG cylinders annually for Antyodaya Anna Yojana families, describing the details as forthcoming.
Opposition and BJP Members
The BJP said the scheme was a partial fulfilment of the election promise, arguing that the commitment had been 12 cylinders for every household.
MLA authority and development funds
Government and Treasury Benches
The government side did not provide a recorded answer in the article to Sajad Lone’s questions about MLA powers and constituency development recommendations.
Opposition and BJP Members
Lone argued that elected MLAs were being sidelined and questioned whether ministers or MLAs should control recommendations for constituency works and public funds.
Mandatory government-school enrolment
Government and Treasury Benches
Minister Sakina Itoo opposed compulsory enrolment, saying children have a fundamental right to choose their schools and that public schools should be improved instead.
Opposition and BJP Members
Sheikh Khursheed Ahmed argued that infrastructure upgrades alone were insufficient and that the children of ministers, MLAs, and government employees should attend government schools.
Key facts
- LPG benefit
- Six free cylinders annually for Antyodaya Anna Yojana families.
- Government announcement
- The scheme was announced by Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Satish Sharma.
- BJP criticism
- The BJP said the government had promised 12 LPG cylinders and 200 units of free electricity for every household.
- Teacher resolution
- The House sought an amendment to Section 23 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.
- Proposed TET exemption
- The resolution seeks to exempt teachers appointed before October 31, 2019, from taking the Teacher Eligibility Test.
- Government-school bill
- A Private Members’ Bill seeking mandatory government-school enrolment for children of public representatives and government employees was defeated.
- Assembly disruption
- Proceedings were disrupted by slogans and heated exchanges before order was restored.
Quotes
Satish Sharma
Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs
“For God’s sake, tell these accidental ministers the truth. This money does not belong to them. It comes from the government. The people who contested elections and swore by an Act and the Constitution hold that authority—not these ministers”
deccanchronicle.com
“Where are the 24 LPG cylinders that you should already have provided to the people? Where are the 200 units of free electricity? You are liars; you have deceived the people. How long will this continue?”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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