Srinagar, Feb 18: People’s Conference (PC) chairman Sajad Lone has called for introspection within the bureaucracy of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly officials up to the level of Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and tehsildars, who are responsible for issuing certificates like EWS and RBA.
Expressing concern over delays in certificate issuance, Lone highlighted disparities in the process between Jammu and Kashmir provinces. He claimed that the issuance percentage in Jammu is significantly higher than in Kashmir, despite Kashmiri officers constituting 90% of the officials handling such matters in the Valley.
Sharing a real-time case, MLA Handwara mentioned a distressed parent whose child requires urgent surgery outside the Union Territory but has been unable to obtain an EWS certificate despite being extremely poor. He urged officers to be more empathetic and proactive, adding that fear or reluctance in issuing rightful certificates should not be tolerated.
“It is my humble appeal to CM sahib to intervene personally,” Lone stated, emphasising the need for accountability. “Some officers are scared to issue certificates. If they are scared, they should go and rest at home. The message should be clear: shape out or ship out.” (KNS)
