Looking to enormous tasks, if not problems per-se requiring a changed and fast track addressing system, is what we in this country must not only aspire for but implement all those measures that lead to better performance in every sphere. It is unimaginably inspirational with intent to have performance levels at above the average levels that there should be a competition between different existing performing entities. For brevity in the instant case, it is the country’s districts and in that perspective, it is quite interesting to know what is the position in respect of the districts on individual basis of our UT of Jammu and Kashmir.
It is so because it is an admitted fact that on account of over three decades long thrust proxy war on us by Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir while fighting the menace of militancy should, side by side, develop economically and that too at an expected fast speed and, therefore, it is of no less import that despite various challenges, districts of Jammu and Kashmir should keep on performing under given governance sectors with given indicators and data points and emerge with notable levels of performance scenario. Last time, in January this year, it was Jammu district managing to top the list in composite ranking of District Good Governance Index (DGGI) followed by Doda, Samba, Pulwama and Srinagar districts respectively. Such an exercise, it may be noted, was conducted for the first time after following a set pattern based on requisite data collection employing a uniform rigorous and robust process. In this connection in yet another exercise, this time that Pulwama district should not only show notable performance levels but improve upon its previous ranking by coming out with the “tag” of best performing district is commendable. However, Pulwama is again followed by Samba like in last such reckoning while Doda too emerging best performer but slightly not better than the previous ranking is still quite satisfying.
That Jammu and Srinagar districts had to be “contented” with remaining at 6th and 9th slots respectively in such ranking requires, perhaps, the need to study what special could Pulwama do which these two districts could not so as to come with flying colours in the next ranking. Poonch district, on the other hand, having more or less the same umbrella cover of support and infrastructure in place as other districts in the UT should dive deep into the causes of remaining at the bottom of all districts in respect of governance performance parameters. It is one thing that areas of weaknesses and shortcomings could be identified and even accountability fixed, quite another to remain behind in the competitive race and that too in performance and in sensitive delivery mechanism.
Time factor is crucial which needs to be encashed to its optimum limits and the exercise under reference, to be precise, is aimed at formulating and implementing suitable and workable strategies to improve ease of living and service delivery. It is this service delivery and the manner of its delivery where time factor and quality matter that the trust of the people in governance graduates to feeling some goodness or marked improvement therein. It is a natural corollary that performers have reason to feel assuaged and sated while those not having performed unless there were unavoidable and compelling circumstances, to explain and account for the same.
We have been otherwise, through these columns, laying stress upon introducing a culture of fixing targets and appraising achievements while in cases of not meeting the levels of such targets, specific and pointed causes to be identified to address them. It is, therefore, gratifying that target oriented approach to the concept has been introduced to turn it into a reality on the ground in which competition between the districts is the main touchstone. We, therefore, see a paradigm shift in both the approach to perform well as well as in the response and in obtaining encouraging results. This scientific exercise presents a mirror to both good performers and those in the obverse position and it will be no overstatement that the message of such exercise is loud and clear “Perform or perish”.
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