Ranbir Singh Pathania
It had been the worst of times. And now it is best of all times. Post 5th of August 2019, this is what precisely should be the agenda and narrative for dispensation in J & K. In this very backdrop, Manoj Sinha has been air-dropped by the Centre as Lieutenant Governor in J & K.
From reviewing developmental scenario of districts, participating in ‘Block Diwas’ of blocks, holding Gram Sabhas, trooping on to and personally visiting aggrieved family members of deceased PRIs as well as alleged ‘fake encounter victims’, Mr. Sinha’s outreach – at the first very instant-looks expansive as well as inspiring.
A host of public friendly path breaking laws have found their way into J&K – may it be in field of ‘consumer Protection’ ‘Gram Nyayalyas‘, ‘Dowry Prohibition’, Free & compulsory education, better and fair land compensation, protecting whistleblowers, protecting wildlife and forests. And controversial and less effective laws – Resettlement Act, Transfer of Property Act, Sale of Goods Act, etc. – have virtually bid good bye to the State. The people of J & K can now bask and breed under new scheme of things, post 5th August, very carefully crafted by the powers-that-be at the National Capital. Jobs have been reserved exclusively for ‘domiciles’ of J & K. Similarly ‘languishing projects’, liberal funding in CSSs, path breaking developmental initiatives have been put into play.
The overall legal framework, the gamut of centre-state state relations as well as the psyche of the residents of J&K on either side of the Jawahar tunnel have underwent a sea change. The phenomenal Prime Minister of India has pledged to stand like a rock behind J & K.
The lead questions remain – how we are able to happen to the things and transform the political, social and economic milieu in J&K? How we are able to carry forward the tempo of firm political will of the Prime Minister and juxtapose a new narrative? How, neatly and effectively, we are able to maintain grace and sanctity of Indian Parliament which has virtually cleaned the Augean stables in J&K?
The road ahead for IIT alumnus, well meaning LG is full of vengeful thorns. Given the sea of challenges and tasks undone he has to ride many a tiger, take many a bull by the horns.
Challenge – 1: Reviving political process is the fiercest bullet which has to be bitten. The earlier it is done the better is it. We need to make up a case before one and the all about the legitimacy of the rule and the rulers in J&K. And watchword should be that ‘genuine nationalist forces’ are able to find the sunshine this time. Delimitation Commission is learnt to have set out on the task of ensuring ‘political justice’ for J & K people. Nonetheless, we lack a plausible antidote to the dominant public perception which believes 2011 census as fudged and highly skewed.
Challenge-2: We need to have an action plan on flattering the curve of corruption and misgovernance in J&K. Accountability, pro-active approach, public emancipation and acceptability are least visible. ‘The steel frame of India’ needs to be pushed out of their closets. Gap between bureaucracy and people is widening with every passing day.
Challenge-3: Although increased political killings in valley as well as heightened border tensions have been acting as dampeners. The silver lining in this dark cloud remains the increased confidence and success of security forces. They are on an aggressive front foot while hitting down the line. And the way backbone of militancy has been smashed with least collateral damage is really appreciable.
Challenge-4: UT dispensation has gone all the hog, with all fanfare and vehemence, pushing through the second tier of Panchayati Raj. Administrative powers, control of departments, drawing and disbursing powers and honarium to PRIs. B2V1, B2V2 and now B2V3. But the million dollar question remains, amongst all the dust and din, have we been able to find out the stuff and people of conviction and commitment who can really bring J&K out of despair and despondency?
Challenge-5: Providing jobs and justice to youth is another front where present dispensation has shrunk to the defensive. Unregularised daily wagers, contractual lecturers, NHM workers, MGNREGA staff and victims of fraudulent selection processes including the one in Fire & Emergency Services need immediate concern and cognizance of the dispensation. Minimum Wages Act mandates that nobody will employ at his house, shop or any other industrial establishment a worker while paying him a wage lesser than ‘minimum wage’ but fact remains that Government itself has been paying less than a ‘minimum wage’ to casual workers, Rehbar-e-Khels, NYCs, ReZs, SPOs, so on and so forth.
At the fag end of this column, I am inclined to reproduce following verses–
Ibn-e- Mariam Hua Kare koi, Mere dukh ki dawa Kare koi;
Bak raha hoon junoon mein kya kya kuchh, Kuch na samjhe khuda kare koi;
Kya kiya Khizr ne Sikander se, Ab kise rehnuma kare koi;
Jab tawaqqu hi uth gaye Ghalib, Kyon kisi ka gila kare koi.”
(The columnist practices law at J & K High Court. Can be readily reached at rspathaniamla@gmail.com/ Mo – 9419212259.)
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