Bali seeks aid for jobless youth

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, May 3

Former minister and senior Congress leader GS Bali today demanded unemployment allowance for the youth of the state.

He said the previous Congress government had fixed an unemployment allowance of Rs 1,500 per month. A budget provision for this allowance was also made. However, the present BJP government discontinued the facility.

“The disbursement of unemployment allowance has become more pertinent as a number of people have been rendered jobless. The tourism sector that provides direct and indirect employment to about 5 lakh youth in the state is unlikely to revive anytime soon. Besides, thousands of youths who were working outside the state have lost their jobs due to the closure of enterprises or retrenchment by the industry. The state can provide immediate reprieve to the unemployed youth through financial aid,” Bali said.

GS Bali also criticised the state government’s move to increase VAT on petrol and diesel to generate resources. He said the increase in the prices of petrol and diesel would fuel inflation and increase rates of essential commodities.