Will provide corruption-free governance system: Jammu and Kashmir Governor

Ensuring a transparent and people-oriented governance system is my topmost priority as head of Jammu and Kashmir, the Governor Satya Pal Malik said on Tuesday, and assured that he would listen to public grievances frequently and address them swiftly.

In an exclusive interview with Greater Kashmir at Raj Bhavan here, Malik, who replaced NarendaNath Vohra, said that he wanted to make his own office accountable to the people.

   

“I have kept the doors of Raj Bhavan open for the public. They can come and meet me any time,” he said, adding that he won’t hesitate to meet people even at midnight.

He said that he would “respectfully” listen to the complaints and grievances of the general public.

“I have acted on complaints received by me on Whatsapp. When I went to New Delhi after taking the oath, I received a complaint that there was problem of waterlogging in Mustafabad area. I immediately directed officers to look into the issue. Thanks to deputy commissioner Srinagar, he got the area de-watered within two days. These small things make a big difference,” he said.

Malik, the first career-politician to be appointed as J&K Governor, said that people-oriented projects started by Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah-led governments won’t be stopped.

“No project will be stopped. I will do everything to get all projects completed,” he said, adding that shortage of money will never come in the way of completion of any project.

In its meeting on September 5, the state administrative council headed by Malik approved Rs 8,000 crore for completion of all incomplete projects in the state.

Detailing out measures in pipeline to ensure transparency in governance, Malik, who has also served as Governor of Bihar, said that officers and engineers will be asked to make details of their assets public. 

“Two to three corrupt officers have already gone to jail,” he said, adding that weeding out corruption from the governance structure was amongst his top priorities.

The Governor said that he will make “special efforts” to reach out to the youth of the state.

“There is craze for sports among youngsters of Kashmir. Why can’t we set-up our own world-class football clubs? Why can’t we host IPL matches?” he asked. “I sympathise with the youth of Kashmir. They don’t have any avenues for leisure and entertainment after 6 pm. Therefore, J&K will form its own IPL team and also host matches in the state itself.”

As Governor of Bihar, Malik is credited with undertaking a slew of reforms in the education sector and student activities.

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