National: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood will be restored, emphasizing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have already indicated the Centre’s commitment to the process. However, Rijiju, who holds the parliamentary affairs and minority affairs portfolios, did not provide a specific timeline for the restoration.
Speaking to reporters on February 15, Rijiju stated that while the roadmap for statehood remains clear, the demarcation of powers between the lieutenant governor and the elected chief minister will be defined in due course. He refrained from commenting further on governance matters, noting that his visit to Kashmir was primarily focused on the Union Budget. Rijiju highlighted that while Jammu and Kashmir currently remains a Union Territory, it has an elected government functioning successfully alongside the lieutenant governor’s administration.
Addressing concerns about the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Rijiju assured that the legislation aims to ensure transparent management of Waqf properties for the benefit of the Muslim community. He claimed that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar were aligned with the Centre’s decision, adding that several Muslim MPs had privately expressed support for the bill. Rijiju dismissed fears about the bill being a move to seize Waqf properties, stating that it is designed to prevent mismanagement and enhance transparency.
On the budgetary allocation for Jammu and Kashmir, Rijiju clarified that the funds have been allocated based on the spending capacity of the Union Territory for the 2025-26 fiscal year. He asserted that the finance minister has assured additional resources if required, and that centrally-sponsored schemes remain unaffected. He also highlighted significant budgetary relief for horticulture farmers and Kashmiri artisans, with special mission-driven initiatives to boost exports of handicrafts and Kashmiri art.
The minister concluded by stating that the Union Budget will provide a much-needed boost to small and medium-scale industries in Jammu and Kashmir, further strengthening the region’s economic landscape.
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