Efforts are underway to enhance governance and development in Jammu and Kashmir. The focus is on fostering efficient mechanisms. Be it initiatives like Back to Village Program, My Town My Pride, JK Grievance or strides in digital governance in the form of e-UNNAT, the scene reflects a commitment to transparency, accountability and efficiency.
Despite these achievements, challenges persist. Issues like delays in road construction continue to impede progress. These delays have a domino effect leading to frustrating traffic congestion among other things.
Picture yourself stuck in traffic on an under construction road. This frustration devalues the stunning landscapes. The overall development and governance initiatives are overshadowed by such lingering projects, hindering growth and leaving residents feeling neglected.
Navigating Accountability; Identifying Responsibility
The solution lies within the system itself. Accountability, the vital connection between effort and recognition needs to be strengthened. Envision a scenario where officials are held accountable in letter and spirit for meeting project goals. Performance is consistently evaluated, with repercussions, for missed deadlines or subpar work quality.
Nevertheless, there must be a firm commitment to fix the responsibility notwithstanding that delays can be due to various factors including hurdles in land acquisition, environmental clearances and legal obstacles. Often, reality paints a grim picture. Officials get transferred midway resulting in tasks piling up. This continual rotation fosters an attitude of “not my concern,” which hampers progress.
Questioning the Idea of Indispensability; Holding onto the Past?
Another concern arises from the granting of extensions to officials nearing retirement. While some exceptional individuals may warrant time, overall these extensions raise doubts. Are these individuals truly indispensable? Are we simply reluctant to embrace change and hold on to faces? A transparent and fair review process could offer insights. Extensions, if at all required, should be awarded based on merit rather than just taking the way out.
The Pitfall of ‘Yes Men’; Hindering Progress and Innovation
Another obstacle stems from a culture of unquestioning obedience prevalent in government offices. This environment that promotes saying “yes” at all costs discourages thinking and technical prowess of focusing on solutions and timely project completion. Poor officials find themselves entangled in bureaucracy and lengthy procedures hampering progress.
Paving a New Path; Adopting a Diverse Strategy
Why do these projects grind to a halt, leaving people in the lurch? And more importantly, how can we get things moving again? How to streamline the course of legal formalities and clear other official roadblocks in a specified timeline. How can we break free from this cycle and kick-start progress? The solution lies in adopting an approach, a methodical way of sorting out things sans corruption. For instance;
- Performance Evaluations: Regular assessments that tie an official’s performance directly to project outcomes and meeting established objectives. This encourages responsibility and inspires individuals to take ownership of their projects. The performance is reviewed regularly, and there are real consequences for missed deadlines and shoddy work. Implementing a system of consequences, for performance which may include warning and delayed promotions etc. This conveys a message; accountability is essential. And the message should not go down the hierarchy only but up as well.
- Project Consistency: Limiting transfers of officials during projects to maintain coherence and a sense of commitment throughout the projects lifespan. When individuals see a project through from beginning to end they are more committed to its success.
- Enhancing Skills: Investing in training programs to provide officials with the technical knowledge, leadership abilities and project management skills required to effectively handle complex infrastructure projects.
Going Beyond Infrastructure Development; Embracing Systemic Change
While infrastructure challenges affect other areas of governance, a comprehensive approach is imperative—one that addresses not only infrastructure but the entire spectrum of governance. This may involve, for instance;
- Implementing reforms both, in theory and practice in the Education sector and investing in teacher training and enhancing facilities to ensure quality education for all.
- In order to enhance competition, support businesses, attract investments and stimulate sustainable economic growth, across different industries.
- Providing healthcare access for everyone by enhancing healthcare infrastructure, improving the quality of healthcare services and focusing on public health initiatives to promote a happier J&K.
- Preserving the beauty of the region by adopting eco-friendly practices conserving natural resources and addressing climate change impacts to ensure a sustainable environment for future generations. Critical care patients should have holistic diagnostic and treatment facilities here only.
By emphasizing responsibility, encouraging innovation and investing in resources, J&K can overcome challenges and unlock its full potential for a brighter tomorrow. This will necessitate efforts, from policymakers, administrators and the residents to reshape the narrative and usher in an era of advancement and prosperity.
Nevertheless, the present administration deserves commendation for its proactive approach and dedication in steering the region towards Kaushal Jammu Kashmir. People place utmost faith in the present administration’s ability to efficiently resolve all the bottleneck issues. They hope sustainable solutions are key factors in ensuring long-term prosperity and stability.
(The Author is Sr. Assistant Professor, Computer Applications, Govt Degree College, Qazigund. Feedback: [email protected])
