‘File moves from one table to another in 4 months’
Militants should shun violence, join mainstream
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Jan 24: Known for his outspoken views, Governor Satya Pal Malik today once again targeted bureaucrats and political leaders of Jammu and Kashmir even as he disclosed that he had unearthed Rs 300 crore worth two frauds in allotment of tenders in the State and his step was appreciated by everyone.
Addressing the gathering during 9th Sat Paul Sahni Memorial Lecture here organized by Indian Institute of Public Administration, J&K Regional branch, Malik said he has learnt new kind of experience from bureaucrats and politicians in the State, which he hadn’t seen in 50 years of his life.
“I’ve learnt from the bureaucrats as to how it take four months to move a file from one table to another,” he said in what is being seen as strong dig on work culture of some of the bureaucrats.
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Taking on politicians though without naming any of them, the Governor said he has also learnt from them how to criticize and describe as “wrong” a decision taken by others, having taken similar decision during their tenure.
Malik seems to be referring to Republic Day order of the administration asking Government officers/officials to attend January 26 celebrations, which was criticized by some of the political parties and other organizations. The Governor had later disclosed that similar order was being issued every year since 2009 to 2018. It may be mentioned here that National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti were also Chief Ministers during that period.
Earlier also, Malik targeted the politicians and bureaucrats of Jammu and Kashmir saying that they are becoming richer day by day and are left with no sensitivity so as to spend on charity.
He had stated that politicians and bureaucrats have bungalows worth crores and even carpets inside their houses had very huge cost.
He also took some national political parties and organizations to task, which had been claiming that democracy was under threat.
“There is no threat to the Indian democracy. These are the insecure people, whether political or religious, who create such uproar, when they themselves are in danger. Indian democracy has very strong roots,” Malik said.
Referring to corruption, the Governor disclosed that he has cancelled two major tenders, which would have benefited the issuing authorities worth Rs 150 crore each, totaling Rs 300 crore.
“None stopped me. Rather, people and those, who had appointed me, appreciated this though very powerful persons were involved in it,” he disclosed.
Referring to the culture of corruption, Malik said the day you take oath, relatives will come to you and tell to do something for yourself as everyone is doing this.
“A logic was given to Rajiv Gandhi when he became the Prime Minister that heads of the State world over keep something for themselves for rainy days and that he too should keep something. Wrong suggestions also pour in from the society,” he said.
The Governor said that if he stayed in Jammu and Kashmir for 2-4 years, he will be able to write a very good book.
Later speaking to reporters, Malik said he was “pained” by the death of “even a terrorist”, and urged the Valley’s militants to shun violence and return to the mainstream.
He lauded the security forces including the State police for their success in curbing terror activities.
Malik highlighted that his administration was in the process of formulating a fresh package for the rehabilitation of terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The police is performing its duty in the best possible way. But even if a terrorist loses his life, I feel pained… They all should come back (to the mainstream),” Malik said.
“When I took over as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, I tried to give them (security forces) the best possible facilities. I have seen they conduct their operations in tough situations and heavy snow. It’s a difficult task,” Malik said.
While we are sleeping in our homes at night, they are conducting operations, sometimes till 3 am in the morning, Malik said.
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