Sajad Lone Slams Government Over Public Transport Fare Hike | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone on Thursday criticised the National Conference-led government over the recent 18 per cent increase in public transport fares, alleging that the policy burden is being transferred to the working class.

Reacting to the fare revision, Lone said the hike would disproportionately affect low-income groups. He stated that public transport is primarily used by economically weaker sections, while the affluent are largely unaffected.

Lone linked the fare increase to fiscal decisions, claiming inconsistency in the government’s approach to diesel taxation. He referred to an earlier rebate on diesel cess announced in the 2025–26 budget, which he said was later reversed in the 2026–27 fiscal plan. He argued that the resulting increase in fuel costs had contributed to the rise in transport fares.

He also referred to his previous intervention in the Assembly, where he questioned the implementation of the government’s free gas cylinder scheme. According to him, the initial proposal of providing 12 cylinders annually to around 14 lakh economically weaker households was later reduced to six cylinders for about two lakh Antyodaya Anna Yojana beneficiaries.

Lone alleged that the cost of such welfare measures was being indirectly offset through increased charges on essential services, including transport. He said the withdrawal of diesel relief reflected this approach.

In his remarks, Lone said the government was effectively “shifting money from one pocket of the poor to another,” and accused it of failing to deliver the relief promised during elections.