Have written 27 letters to officers with no response: Gupta
Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Oct 31: On the concluding day of the Legislative Assembly’s autumn session, lawmakers across party lines voiced concern over “bureaucratic indifference” to legislators’ queries, saying it threatens the credibility of the House and undermines democratic accountability.
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During the Question Hour, CPI (M) leader M Y Tarigami said the issue affects all legislators, regardless of political affiliation. “This is within our jurisdiction, whether we are on this side or that side. The credibility of this House is crucial for all of us,” he said.
The Legislator added that lawmakers frequently write to Government officers but receive neither acknowledgements nor replies. “There is no acknowledgement receipt, no answer. From the Chief Minister’s office, we do receive a receipt, but from other Ministers, not yet,” he said.
Tarigami clarified that his remarks were not intended as criticism but as a reminder to safeguard the institution’s dignity. “It should be mandatory that not only the receipt is received but also the answer is received. If a request is sent, it should be stated whether it is feasible or not, or when action will be taken,” he said.
BJP MLA Pawan Gupta backed Tarigami’s remarks and accused bureaucrats of ignoring legislators altogether. “The Minister at least receives a reply. We have not received a single reply from bureaucrats in a year. Your GAD has a rule that every letter must be replied to. Not only should they reply, but also mention what action is proposed or taken,” he said, adding that he had written 27 letters without any response. “This is the fate of this House. Each institution is being undermined. Officers are replying with zero,” he said.
People’s Conference leader Sajjad Lone urged the Speaker to intervene, saying bureaucratic disregard went beyond correspondence. “Please intervene. Don’t let the matter be just a discussion. Bureaucrats must reply-it’s part of democracy. People have chosen this House. If their respect is diminished and bureaucrats ignore elected members, what will happen to the system?” he said, while commending Minister Itoo for her prompt reply on a college-related issue.
NC MLA Hasnain Masoodi cautioned that inaction would set a dangerous precedent. “If the matter goes unaddressed, it will set the same course for the future,” he warned.
Responding to the concerns, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Javeed Ahmad Dar said the government treats legislators’ communications seriously. “Whether it is Tarigami or any other member, whenever you message us on WhatsApp, we immediately acknowledge it and assure that the matter will be taken care of. This is how we operate,” he said, adding that such issues are usually addressed promptly.
Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo acknowledged Tarigami’s concerns and urged legislators to communicate directly with ministers. “When the MLA writes a letter to the minister, he should not send it through the PSO. He should send it himself-on WhatsApp, to the office, or by post. We try to answer in time. It is not that we respond only about transfers,” she said.
Earlier, responding to a calling attention motion by MLA Mir Saifullah regarding water scarcity in Friends Enclave, Humhama, and adjoining areas, Jal Shakti Minister Javeed Rana addressed the MLA’s allegation that officers were not answering calls.
“If officers are not taking phone calls, we will investigate, and if that is the case, I will disengage the officer within three days. MLAs are public representatives, and any officer from my department who does not respond to their calls will face action. I have already told them: make three missed calls, send me a screenshot, and I will take action,” he said.
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