Srinagar, September 28(KNB) – In a bid to boost economic growth and tackle youth unemployment in the region, former MLA and DPAP leader Shoaib Lone has called upon authorities to grant local residents engaged in the construction and mining industry the opportunity to harness the abundant mineral resources of Jammu and Kashmir through a regulated royalty system.
In a statement issued to news agency Kashmir News Bureau-KNB, Shoaib said, J&K is blessed with substantial deposits of sand, bajri, and other crucial materials essential for construction, cement production, and road infrastructure development. Shoaib Lone emphasized that by allowing local individuals access to these mineral resources under a structured royalty system, not only can the region experience economic growth, but it can also significantly reduce youth unemployment.
Lone argued that this initiative could divert young people away from harmful activities like drug abuse, offering them legitimate employment prospects instead. He stated, “Instead of succumbing to the drug menace, our youth should have the opportunity to contribute positively to the development of our region.”
Furthermore, the former MLA stressed the urgency for the government to treat this matter with utmost seriousness and collaborate with local stakeholders to establish a fair and transparent system for resource allocation. He believes that such a step would not only strengthen the economy but also address the critical issue of youth unemployment, ultimately paving the way for a more prosperous future for Jammu and Kashmir.
Shoaib Lone also underscored the importance of transparency in the utilization of J&K’s natural resources and the significance of allowing locals to directly and indirectly benefit from these resources. This initiative has the potential to bring about positive change in the lives of the region’s youth while contributing to the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir.(KNB)