Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik has said that thebudding Panchayati Raj system will be the “harbinger of change” inthe state as the empowerment of people through grassroots democracy has beenone of the biggest achievements.
The common citizens in the state are getting tired ofturmoil, and focusing on development and efficient governance, Malik said whileaddressing the dignitaries at the fifth meeting of the Governing Council ofNITI Aayog at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday.
The governor said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’slandslide victory has given hope to the people of Jammu and Kashmir that stepswould be taken by the Centre to restore peace and normalcy and put the stateback on the path of rapid development, growth and prosperity.
He said that there is a sense of “fatigue and ayearning for change” all around the state.
“One of the biggest achievements of the state has beenthe empowerment of people through grassroots democracy,” Malik said.
After a long gap, the state had elections to urban localbodies in October and the second-ever Panchayat elections in November-December,he said.
“We are confident that the budding Panchayati Rajsystem will be the harbinger of change in Jammu and Kashmir in thefuture,” Malik said.
In spite of boycott calls by mainstream parties and theHurriyat and death threats by militant organisations, people came out in drovesto vote for local representatives, the governor said.
“The turnout was 74 per cent. This was in a state whichcould not hold bye-elections to a Parliamentary seat two years earlier. Allthis was without any loss of life.
“Today, the state has a vibrant Panchayat Raj andmunicipal system which is fully empowered with complete delegation of funds,functions and functionaries,” he said.
“It is this rise in people’s aspirations that is givingus hope for the future,” Malik said.
There is an energy in the system which is palpable. Peoplewant to take charge of their development works at the local level and managetheir affairs. The state is fully supporting this through legislative changesand administrative support, the governor said.
“Jammu and Kashmir has been suffering from the ravagesof armed militancy for almost 30 years now, mostly fed by external actors.
“Violence had become a way of life in some parts of thestate, with people living under constant fear of terrorists and the governmenthaving to provide for their security. At times, the state has had to take hardmeasures to ensure that there is peace and normalcy,” he said, adding thatthe consequence of militancy and violence has been that the state has had tosuffer on the development front.
The battle against militancy has been taken to the door stepof the militants who are now on the backfoot, he said.
“After neutralising a record number of militants lastyear, the number of militants neutralised this year is over 110 and thepressure is palpable.
“Recruitment of new militants is coming down rapidly.Last year, the Amarnath Yatra was conducted without any incident or death. Wewill, with the help of the Central Government, have an equally peaceful yatrathis year as well,” Malik said.
People recognise the importance of peace for development.And as they gradually take things into their hands, matters will only improve,he said.
“People’s aspirations have, however, placed an onerousresponsibility on all of us to deliver on the promise of development,”Malik said.
In order to further this effort, the state is organising aweek long ‘Back to the Village’ programme from June 20 to 27. All gazettedofficers of the state will stay in a Panchayat for two days.
“They will connect with Panchayat representatives, attendGram Sabhas, see how government services are at the bottom, understand localneeds and identify potential areas for improvement. This is a first in Jammuand Kashmir.
“We are new to this. But when I see the enthusiasm inmy officers and the hope among the people, it gives me the assurance that thefuture is bright for grassroots democracy,” Malik said.
The state too has been taking initiatives on its own,outside of the Centre’s assistance.
“We have doubled the number of colleges in the statefrom 98 to 200, an expansion which will have a long term impact. We have addedover 240 high and higher secondary schools. The number of medical seats in thestate has gone up from 500 to over 1000 in one year, probably a first for anystate.
“We have set up 11 nursing colleges, two cancerinstitutes, children’s super speciality hospitals, and so on,” thegovernor said.
“People are now enthusiastic about the future. The timehas also come to reach out to the youth to enable them to enjoy the fruits ofdevelopment fully,” Malik added.