Brig Anil Gupta
People had started losing faith in elected governments. Moreover, “anti-India” narrative built in Kashmir over a period of time had created fissures among the Kashmiris itself. The nationalist voices bravely faced the challenge posed by separatist and extremist forces. The Kashmir-centric political parties depend to a large extent on the latent support of the Hurriyat and Jamat-e-Islami Kashmir. Hence, rather than concentrating on fair, clean and responsive administration they remained busy in flirting with the separatists and extremists thus putting the “Nationalist” agenda on the back burner.
The Governor was tasked to win hearts and minds of the people of the state through good governance under the watchful eyes of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister. The mandate to the Governor was unambiguous with instructions to deliver. The “Delivery Mechanism” was almost non-existent during the tenures of earlier elected governments which irked the public maximum.
Governor Satya Pal Malik with his team of advisors lost no time and began to act from day one. He introduced a number of administrative reforms which were welcome by the people. It was evident from the initial actions that the thrust of the government would be not only on “delivery” but also rooting out corruption which has become very rampant. The State Administrative Council (SAC) under the chairmanship of Governor began with rejuvenating the projects sanctioned under the Prime Minister's Development Package of 80,000 crore and took landmark development initiatives and decisions to put the various projects on track by removing administrative bottle necks. Many of the projects have been put on fast track so that people can enjoy the fruits of development.
The infrastructural development includes 100% Household electrification, nearly 6000 new houses constructed under PMAY, 20000 new houses sanctioned, 1 million toilets constructed, 40 new Degree Colleges being opened this year- a key youth demand addressed, sports projects under PMDP put on fast-track and funds provided for the development of sports infrastructure in educational institutions.
In addition to reach to the last man in the line many measures for social inclusion as well as relief, rehabilitation and welfare measures have been instituted by the government. The largest ever public outreach programme has been launched through the innovative idea of “Back to Village”. This ambitious programme has generated hope among the villagers that with the administration coming to their door step, their development needs will be addressed. Hope the unprecedented success of this programme will encourage the government to launch a similar programme for towns and urban areas.
There is a sense of hope and relief prevailing among the masses in the state. The process of winning hearts and minds through good governance has begun in right earnest. People are hopeful that peace will be achieved through development provided the government does not relent in its zero tolerance policy against the terrorists and those who form part of the terror support network and terror funding.
(The author is a Jammu based political commentator, columnist, security and strategic analyst. He can be contacted at anil5457@gmail.com)
