Most decision-making power rests with the office of the Lieutenant Governor. The ongoing debate over statehood restoration, land protection, and job opportunities further complicates matters. The central government remains silent, stating that it will be done at an appropriate time.
M.M. Shuja
An elected government was supposed to usher in a new era of stability, political and administrative confidence in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. People thought that after all the political uncertainties, constitutional and administrative changes, and direct central government control for a long period, the formation of an elected government would ease tensions and bring the administration closer to the common citizenry. Yet, despite an elected government functioning in the region, uncertainty and confusion persist in the lives of the people. Citizens continue to face political instability, developmental inequalities, unemployment, poor local administration, and a significant trust deficit between institutions and the people.
The presence of an elected government has generated some political activity, but it has not been able to create political confidence and stability among the masses. The main cause of the current uncertainty is the limited power that the elected government holds within the Union Territory framework. The government of Jammu and Kashmir operates under a governance structure whereby most decision-making and administrative power rests with the office of the Lieutenant Governor. In this scenario, it has become difficult to determine who should take responsibility for policies and actions.
The ongoing political debate over the restoration of statehood, land protection, and job opportunities for residents further complicates matters. The failure to resolve these uncertainties has created division among citizens. Various political parties insist upon the restoration of statehood, while the central government remains silent, stating that it will be done at an appropriate time. Thus, no stable political atmosphere has been established.
The youth of Jammu and Kashmir constitute another crucial facet of the crisis. Although employment potential and economic growth have been assured, unemployment remains one of the major preoccupations of the region. Educated youth face numerous difficulties in securing jobs. This problem is significant because unemployment is not just an economic issue but a social and psychological one as well. Frustrated youth may fall prey to feelings of hopelessness, disillusionment, and drug abuse.
Today’s youth openly declare their confusion about the future. They see endless political arguments, but nothing concrete is being done about jobs, education, entrepreneurship, or infrastructure. Civic amenities in some parts of Srinagar lag behind, despite repeated assurances about infrastructure modernisation. Likewise, remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir continue to suffer from poor connectivity and administration. People wonder why visible progress is lacking despite massive sums having been announced for development packages.
Tourism is said to form the backbone of Kashmir’s economy. While there has been some improvement, with more tourists flocking to places such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Dal Lake, locals know that tourism alone cannot support the entire economy of Kashmir. The industrial sector has not developed sufficiently to absorb the large number of unemployed youths. Investors remain apprehensive due to unstable politics, land disputes, and security concerns.
There is also a growing feeling among certain sections of society that political leadership at both regional and national levels does not fully comprehend the emotional aspirations of the masses. Governance is not simply a matter of management; it also includes dialogue, participation, and emotional connection. Citizens feel that their voices are heard during election periods but not afterwards.
The involvement of opposition parties also shapes the mood of uncertainty. Politics in Jammu and Kashmir tends to be confrontational rather than constructive. It is not about building a consensus on development, but rather about a blame game concerning constitutional changes, security issues, and administrative policies. Such ongoing conflicts make it impossible to create a long-term governance strategy.
The Omar Abdullah-led government has faced criticism from various segments of society on several grounds concerning governance and public welfare. While the government promised progress in development, employment generation, and good governance, many people feel that many problems remain unattended. Youth unemployment is rising, causing unrest and disappointment. There are a few job opportunities in the private sector as well.
The government has been criticised for its inefficiency in dealing with infrastructural deficiencies. Lack of proper road transport, drainage, electricity, and healthcare facilities in several districts has become a cause for concern for both rural and urban communities. Water shortages in certain areas have added to the problem.
Criticism has also been voiced regarding the government’s inefficiency in controlling administration and addressing public concerns. Many critics believe that corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency have adversely affected governance. Some political parties and social workers have accused the government of failing to win the confidence of the common man amid politically sensitive conditions.
Although an elected government exists in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, there remains a gap between the political and administrative structures. The long-awaited expansion of the cabinet has been put on hold by the Omar Abdullah government, which believes that expanding the cabinet will create more dissatisfaction within its own ranks. Common citizens have become perplexed about how to seek redress for their complaints.
The current small cabinet does not have enough power, making the bureaucracy stronger than the ministers in the state’s administration. This has led to the disillusionment of the masses, who had expected responsive governance under the newly elected government.
The demolition drive that took place in Sidhra, Jammu, where several houses were destroyed, is another example of governmental inefficiency. Rather than issuing clear guidelines regarding the demolition orders, the government has indulged in a blame game and formed committees to determine whose orders they were. If the government cannot make decisions and govern effectively, it must look within and decide whether it is fit to govern at all.
The writer is a senior journalist and human rights activist
mm*****@***il.com