P K Mam
Aftermath of Parliamentary elections in country and the new Govt having taken over reigns in centre, the state will now gear up the task of conducting the Assembly election to elect a new Govt in coming Nov-Dec. All political parties will canvass for fulfilment of election manifesto for well being of people. After all, the role & goal of any responsible Govt is measured in terms of providing efficient administration for well being of people to ensure hassle-free basic services like uninterrupted power & water supply, safety of citizens against militancy or terror menace, job avenues for youths, de-congestion of heavy traffic in overcrowded areas particularly old cities, dealing sternly with anti social/national elements who indulge in scams e.g land usurpers, extortionists; control on prices, timely completion of developmental projects, etc.
Anyhow, from numerous reports published in prominent papers almost on daily basis, on subject of public importance, we come across instances on the part of functionaries of Govt. Depts who have neglected to meet long felt needed developmental goals set for the well being of people, especially in 2nd decade of 21st century. Not that nothing has been done, but we are way behind in achieving important objectives for improving quality of lives of masses. To illustrate, few relevant instances as reported are, as below:
“First and foremost; the Govt depts. have not yet introduced performance management Division guidelines on Result Frame Document (it was launched in Dec 2012) Uncertainty prevailing over Rs 1008 crore Chenab water project in Jammu. CAG detects unfruitful expenditure, and non compliance of other earlier audit reports. Basholi Bridge in Ravi unlikely to meet sept 2014 deadline Union Urban Development ministry returns DPRs of 9 projects worth Rs222 crore to J&K. Jammu Sewrage Project delayed by 5 years.
Indeterminate electric metering and failure to provide uninterrupted quality power to consumers
Uncertain Water Projects.
Delay in completion of construction work and slow progress of modernisation of Jammu Airport.
Liability of Rs314.21 crore by RDD under MGNREGA scheme to labourers/workers in Jammu alone by various BDO”
Further, the authorities also seems to be underestimating the importance of media reports which are source of enormous inputs, feedback by way of headlines, editorials, articles; readers write columns, on matters of developmental needs, unlike earlier times when responses/ comments/ recommendations/ explanation/ inquiry on such reports were essentially sought by authorities to strengthen connectivity with people with utmost promptness and finding solution to keep image of institutions in repute.
Likewise, the political bosses and top bureaucrats who invariably display enthusiasm, speed, efficiency at the time of conducting discussion, interaction and finalisation for sanction of annual plan or non-plan funds either from Finance commission/ Planning commission or other agencies etc. , do not show same spirit & seriousness at the stages of implementation of schemes / meeting commitments / adherence to financial discipline/ even attending to audit observations to check frauds, irregularities in a definite time bound schedule for achieving results on ground. In fact, it calls for strict accountability/ punitive action against incompetent, delinquent, complacent authorities who fail to come up to expectation and do not work for public interests for which they get remuneration.
Importantly, there is also a need to reverse the message of state being interested in drawing of funds only from central resources/ tax payers money but not taking appropriate steps to ensure its proper end-use or formulate policies towards state achieving self-sufficiency, turning around functioning of public sector undertakings viz. Power dev. Corporation and others , as trend of non- adherence to financial discipline by resorting to unethical means viz. political blackmailing, corrupt practices, costs escalation to cover up incompetence retards both development of state and interests of common man as well.
Needless to add, good governance depends on Public Perception; the latter depends on work on ground, how efficiently authorities are made functional and accountable for planning and timely implementing policies, projects and programmes by Govt. like so, how effectively the complaint redressal mechanism works. Action taken must speak louder than words. Complacent policy makers perhaps need to jolt themselves and authorities concerned into action. We are afraid that if no serious measures with result- oriented approaches are taken; it may take an eternity to get things done in state.
Remember, the society has 3 classes of people. One; those who are influential/ VIPs, they manage to get work done with ease. Second; those who use muscle or lungs power to get work done by hook or crook. Thirdly; the common man, who is still an exploited lot and depends upon middlemen/ brokers above all on vagaries of nature for relief and delivery of services. For them, it is a gamble!
“We get up in the morning and turn on bathroom tap. Will any water come or won’t? We turn on the light switch, will the light come or won’t because there is power cut? We go to work or school or travel. Will we come back home safe or get run over by a hit in run / get chain snatched/ get mugged or ……If there are pot holes developed on road, will the job entrusted for repairs as per specified standards will be executed or shall manage to get payment of bills by manipulation etc, in absence of effective supervisory checks! We have educational institutions; health centres etc at different centres, whether qualified staff/ proper & adequate infrastructure is provided to impart quality education/ treatment! We lodge a complaint for inadequacies of basic services, whether complaint redressal mechanism works effectively, we won’t know! !
Lastly, this is a time when the present Govt must do introspection on the ground reality for the performance achieved so far and should prioritise and plug the loopholes even in the interim period wherever lacunas in administrative functioning for development of state and well being of people are highlighted by media or any other channels. In turn, it will save Govt against exploiting anti-incumbency campaign, as happens on genuine grounds at such occasions and will get pretty good dividends in months to come. Let the Govt bridge the gaps for well being of people before election begins.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel