Regional imbalances balanced

Sir,

The recent decision of the State Government delegating powers to Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council is widely hailed as the timely and right step by the right government. This speaks volumes of the prudence, sagacity and far sightedness of present dispensation headed by Mr. Mufti Mohammed Sayeed aided by his matured and competent colleagues in the State craft. A very emotive issue confronting our brothers on other side of Zo-jila has been resolved with finesse fulfilling their aspirations and self esteem. Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) existed for quite sometime but it was without teeth & punch, that is the financial powers without which its very existence become redundant. It was a left-handed tribute to the people of Ladakh where is they were provided proper council without authority to manage their affairs to meet peculiar local needs and requirements. Since the aspirations of people were not addressed to their satisfaction, they vociferously buttressed their demand of seeking union territory status which meant virtually amputation of our mighty strategic State of its head and limbs. A situation which was in the offing has been dealt in accordance with the treatise of Kautilya for which present Government deserves credit and appreciation.

One aspect which still constitutes an irritant is the need to add the name of Ladakh to J&K which will fully satisfy the aspiration of people and give a sense of belonging and end isolation. Presently they feel that whereas Ladakh region is larger in size as that of Kashmir & Jammu combined name of their region does not figure with the present name of State and it remains confined to two provinces only. It is therefore right time to rechristen the State as Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh State to eliminate sense of isolation & provide sense of belonging. It will also set at rest the consistent demand of union territory status for the region.

Lately, few leaders with myopic vision have challenged the wisdom and rationale of the decision of present government. This is a political compulsion for them and this should in no way deter them in taking right decisions and resolving issues in the best interest of our mother land.

Yours etc...
Brig MS Tulla (Retd)
110 Bakshi Nagar,
Jammu.

Exorbitant electricity charges

Sir,

The steps by Mufti Govt. to infuse life in the PDD Department are highly appreciated provided the steps proposed are implemented by the department. The proposal of the Chief Secretary to reduce the minimum charges is really a consumer friendly suggestion and needs special emphasis. As far as illegal connections are concerned these must be regularised to ensure proper supply and increase in revenue collections.

In the month of July. 2002, the then PDD Minister purchased Electronic meters and started installation work in some selected localities much to the surprise of consumer as the tested meters already installed by the department are functioning properly and the bills are paid as per meter readings.

One day a mob led by a former MLA cut the Electronic meters wires (keeping in tact the old meter connections) and the matter was reported to the department but instead of considering the reply of the notices issued by the department the cases were referred to the mobile magistrate and have been hanging fire in the court and the innocent consumers are put to unbearable agony and torture. This case was brought to the notice of the Deputy CM Mangat Ram Sharma before and after the elections for enforcing the department to withdraw the case from the court but so far nothing has been done. The department is issuing duplicate exorbitant bills hypothetically without reading the running meters and causing discomfort and torture to the consumers of Bharat Nagar, Talab Tiloo, Jammu.

We the residents are prepared fully to co-operate with the department if bills are prepared as per reading of the meters/minimum rate in case the meters is not installed after withdrawing the case from the court. The residents of this segment of Jammu western constituency of the Deputy CM are all praise for the rational steps being taken by the present Govt.

Yours etc...
Prof J L Kotwal
President
Bharat Nagar Welfare
Association Talab Tiloo,
Jammu.