<h1>Kiren Rijiju Pledges to Restore Jammu and Kashmir Statehood; Discusses Waqf (Amendment) Bill and Support for Artisans</h1> Union Minister Kiren Rijiju reaffirmed the central government's commitment to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, although no timeline was provided. He emphasized that the Union Territory status remains, with the lieutenant governor as the administrative head. Rijiju also discussed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, noting support from several political leaders and Muslim MPs. Despite a reduction in budgetary allocation for Jammu and Kashmir, Rijiju assured that provisions are based on the Union Territory's spending capacity, with additional funds available if needed. Relief measures for horticulture farmers and handicraft artisans were highlighted in the Union Budget.