Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has strongly criticized the current administrative framework in Jammu and Kashmir, labeling it the “worst form of government” and advocating for a prompt transition to full statehood. Abdullah acknowledged progress in resolving disagreements with the central government on business transaction rules, underscoring the necessity for elected officials to exert greater control over governance matters.
Abdullah voiced concerns about certain elements attempting to sow discord between Jammu and Srinagar, stressing their repeated failures. He emphasized that maintaining the traditional biannual shift of the capital, known as ‘Darbar Move’, is essential to bridging the emotional divide that separates the two regions. As per information available with TahirRihat.com, Abdullah finds it incomprehensible to treat a region with 90 elected representatives the same way as smaller territories such as Puducherry, which only has 30 legislators. He reiterated his position that a dual power structure, where two competing power sources exist, is a “recipe for disaster”.
Abdullah questioned the rationale behind the existing structure, particularly in light of the recent events, including the Pahalgam tragedy, emphasizing the detrimental effects of excluding elected officials from law and order matters. He argued that the size and complexity of Jammu and Kashmir necessitate a governance model wherein elected representatives are fully accountable for administration.
Abdullah specified that numerous key institutions, including universities, the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, and the Power Development Corporation, should automatically fall under the jurisdiction of the elected government. He clarified that his argument does not encompass central services, law and order, or police matters, which, as per Union territory regulations, would automatically remain under the purview of the unelected government. He emphasized that these institutions were previously the responsibility of the elected government and should continue to be so.
Despite these points of contention, Abdullah conveyed optimism, stating that his government and the Indian government are nearing an agreement on the rules of business, and that a formal proposal for the appointment of a new advocate general has recently been sent to the proper channels. He underscored the substantial progress made on these matters.
Regarding the controversial practice of summarily dismissing government employees without judicial inquiry, Abdullah described the process as arbitrary, opaque, and unlikely to withstand judicial scrutiny. He clarified that this practice began during the previous BJP-PDP coalition government, not with the current lieutenant governor’s administration.
Abdullah asserted that every individual has the right to demonstrate their innocence and suggested that the dismissed employees were not afforded that opportunity. Abdullah believes many of these individuals will be reinstated to government service based on court rulings. He stated that defending the dismissal of these employees in court will be untenable due to the process’s arbitrary and unclear nature. Abdullah argued that the lack of clarity and transparency will ultimately lead to judicial invalidation of the dismissals.
Referring to the National Conference’s election promises, Abdullah detailed the implementation of pledges such as providing 200 units of free electricity and six free cooking gas cylinders for the poorest households. Abdullah emphasized that electricity subsidies are being provided to the most vulnerable populations. He advocated for market rates for electricity consumption for those above the poverty line to ensure state resources are prioritized for the most needy, proposing to eliminate subsidized electricity for wealthier individuals.
In addition to direct welfare measures, Abdullah highlighted the re-establishment of the ‘Darbar Move’ and the introduction of free education and bus travel for women as vital achievements during his 20-month tenure. Abdullah emphasized that the yearly shift of the capital has allowed a new generation of employees from Jammu, who had may have not worked in the Valley, to bond with their Kashmiri peers. Speaking on the composite culture of Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah stated that the geographical and emotional distance between Jammu and Kashmir has significantly diminished.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.