Implement Rangarajan group's recommendations: Mufti Mohammad Sayeed

RAMBAN: Opposition PDP today demanded implementation of various recommendations made by the Central government-appointed Rangarajan Committee to improve economic viability of Jammu and Kashmir.

"To make Jammu and Kashmir an economically viable state, it is necessary to implement the recommendations made by C Rangarajan," PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed told a public meeting here.

In 2005, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had constituted a working group under former RBI Governor C Rangarajan to suggest measures to improve the economy of the state and generate employment for youth.

The Mufti also demanded that two NHPC projects -- Dulhasti and Salal -- be handed over to Jammu and Kashmir as recommended by the Committee.

"It is sad that despite having huge water resources Jammu and Kashmir has to depend on the Central government for water and economic development. The two projects, currently operated by NHPC, must be handed over to the state," said Sayeed.

Accusing the ruling National Conference of bartering away state's natural resources by signing unfair agreements, the former Chief Minister alleged the state government was moved by the lust for power than making the state economically self-reliant.