We hope Mufti Sahab delivers good governance
The alliance between PDP and BJP is seen as unholy, and non workable, by a large section of society, not only in J&K but even many intellectuals and political analysts across India feel that this Government may not last long in view of the differences in political ideology between the two parties. Whatever reservations we may have with the coalition Government, we have to acknowledge the fact that a democratically elected Government has been finally installed in J&K under the leadership of Mufti Mohammad Syed, who is a veteran politician of our state . Here I am listing some important issues which the Government must consider without any delay.
Repealing the Draconian Laws:
The draconian and anti people laws like Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and Disturbed Areas Act (DAA) must go from J&K and the new Government must initiate its revocation from selected districts of the state. In addition to it, the Public Safety Act (PSA) must also be repealed and for this Mufti led Government has not to seek any advice from Government of India or the Unified Command.
Police Reforms:
We hope J&K Government issues an ordinance on Police Reforms as soon as possible after holding public consultations with all the stake holders. The Police in districts should be brought under the control of District Magistrate (Deputy Commissioner) so that they are accountable to the civilian administration. The ordinance can be later-on converted into a fully fledged legislation once the state legislature is convened.
Rehabilitation of Flood Victims:
Rehabilitation of flood victims remains a big challenge for the Mufti Government. We hope that new Finance & Planning Minister would prepare a detailed proposal on this issue to be put before Government of India and NITI Ayog, so as to ensure fair compensation is paid to the victims of this natural disaster.
Enactment of new J&K Land Acquisition Act:
I have been writing on this issue from the last couple of years. We do not want that the recent ordinance / amendments on Land Acquisition Act be extended to J&K, but our state must have its own version of the Land Acquisition Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act (LARR Act) which guarantees right to fair compensation for the affected people i.e., four times more in rural areas and double in urban areas. Pertinently PDP leader and newly elected Cabinet Minister Naeem Akhtar had tabled a similar private members bill in the state legislature some months back which was sent for some corrections while the session ended during October 2014. The Chief Minister must call a meeting of new Revenue and Law Minister and seek comments from the experts from this field which will pave a way for issuance of the ordinance on new land law.
Tourism:
Tourism is the backbone of our states economy and we hope that new Government puts all efforts to make this sector more workable; that can generate more and more economic avenues for the local youth. The Tourism sector needs a massive overhaul and we hope that new Tourism Minister will build up a team of all the experienced people from tourism, culture, heritage, environment, tour, and travel etc., who would always assist and advice him.
Power, Health, and Education:
In order to ensure uninterrupted power supply in the state, the Government without any further delay must initiate parleys for taking back Hydro-Power projects from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). Moreover, the authorities must consult professionals and experts from all fields of renewable and alternative energy so that the state can be provided with a sustainable mix of power generation. Similarly the health and education sectors also need massive reforms and CM must create a separate cell to monitor implementation of all the centrally schemes especially vis a vis health, education and rural development.
Ending VIP Culture:
Our state has been severely inflicted by the VIP culture which has to be stopped immediately, and once for all. Every Tom, Dick and Harry has been given police protection in J&K by the authorities. Massive police escorts accompany not only Ministers, but even the police and civilian administration officers carry several policemen with them. The former Government allotted residential accommodation to blue eyed people, especially workers of its party, and the deserving only made rounds of Estates Department from years and got nothing in return.
Conclusion:
The recent election results saw a highly-fractured mandate in J&K. People may not be happy with the coalition of compulsion between PDP and BJP, but what can an ordinary citizen do at a time when even our treasuries have gone dry. Let us wish new Government all the best and hope that it provides good and effective governance at the door steps of people and relieves them from corruption and mismanagement. All the cases of corruption against which PDP has been raising its voice must now be probed by constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The computerization of Government records, strengthening of State Accountability Commission (SIC), State Information Commission (SIC) and State Vigilance Commission (SVC) has to be taken up on top priority by the Government .
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