The devastating fire that gutted the District Treasury Office in Rajouri over four years ago remains an unresolved and troubling incident. The fact that no substantial efforts have been made to reconstruct the destroyed records speaks volumes about the negligence and apathy of the authorities responsible. This prolonged inaction has left Government officials and others entangled in bureaucratic red tape, with their grievances ignored and their needs unmet. One of the most alarming aspects of this case is the lack of transparency and accountability in addressing the aftermath of the fire. The FIR lodged to investigate the incident has seemingly disappeared, with no updates or outcomes being made public. This lack of communication only fuels suspicions of foul play or a cover-up, leaving the affected individuals and the public in the dark. The case of the Conservator of Forests during the period in question highlights the severe consequences of this negligence. Despite having his income tax deducted at source and deposited with the District Treasury Office, he was later served with a notice for outstanding tax payments. This situation is a direct result of the failure to reconstruct the lost records, a basic responsibility of the Accounts and Treasury Department that has been inexplicably neglected.
The response from the current District Treasury Officer is particularly disheartening. His assertion that it is “not possible” to reconstruct the records due to their manual nature is unacceptable. Modern technology offers numerous solutions for digitising and restoring lost data, and the refusal to even attempt such reconstruction reflects a gross dereliction of duty. Four years is sufficient to build a substantial record by coordinating with other offices. The Accounts and Treasury Department must take immediate steps to reconstruct the lost records to prevent further hardship for those affected. Additionally, the outcome of the FIR must be made public to ensure transparency and restore public trust. The fire at the District Treasury Office in Rajouri and the subsequent mishandling of its aftermath highlight systemic failures that cannot be ignored.
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