Srinagar, Jul 16: As Jammu & Kashmir administration has formally issued orders for the closure of J&K Industries, J&K Minerals, J&K Cements, J&K Handicrafts, premier political parties National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have termed the decision ‘shocking’ and demanded the order be rescinded.
“The J&K government’s decision to close many PSUs is shocking….This order is unfair and must be rescinded,” National Conference tweeted on it official handle.
The party said the administration was ‘bent upon adding to the soaring unemployment numbers.’
“Instead of creating new jobs, JK administration seems adamant in adding to soaring unemployment numbers by terminating scores of existing government employees,” it added.
The PDP termed the move appalling.
“The decision to close many PSUs by the J&K administration is appalling. At a time when J&K is fighting unemployment & there is a need to create more jobs, the admin’s move is plainly an attempt to add to the rising unemployment numbers by ceasing scores of existing government employees!” it tweeted.
In an order issued in January this year J&K administration had advocated that the mineral sites should be auctioned, industrial estates be handed over to SIDCO (State Industrial Development Corporation) and the JK Cements limited be privatised after assessment of assets. The recommendations included:
“J&K minerals be closed and the mineral sites being managed by it be auctioned as per norms.
“J&K Cements be privatised after assessment of its assets in a transparent manner.
“J&K Industries limited to be closed and industrial units run by it be privatised/ auctioned.
“J&K Handicraft (S&E) corporation be merged with the J&K State Handloom Development Corporation,” the letter said.