Political issues may take time to get resolved but it is disgusting that providing even basic amenities to common people in J&K has become like giving them huge favor. Common masses have a right to live a dignified life as in a democratic system the government is always claimed to be by the people, for the people and of the people. This definition of any democratic government looks so attractive but on the ground things are quite a contrast. Most of the elected representatives often forget their promises but if few want to deliver they have to face bureaucratic terrorism. I am sorry to use the term “Bureaucratic terrorism” but based on my nine years’ experience as MLA I can quote scores of examples how simple and genuine issues were made much complicated only to satisfy the conscience of few white collar Babus who often claim themselves to be public servants. No doubt there are honest and competent officers in every department but not only that their voice goes unheard but unfortunately they just keep most of the issues lingering, just to prove that they have no self interest in the said subject. But don’t realize that how their sick minded attitude makes masses suffer. People have a right to blame elected representatives for their miseries but the basic thing which most of us do forget is the fact that not much lies in the hands of public representatives.
It may sound strange but the fact is that the ultimate redress and disposal has to come through bureaucracy and most of the times it is a time consuming process. Be if public representatives or bureaucrats all come from the same society, as such both are reflection of the society they come from, still we all need to change our attitude and behaviour and understand our duties. Since J&K is under President’s rule and there is no elected government in position, it is an opportunity for everyone to compare the merits and demerits of a popular government and the one run by bureaucrats. Without being biased I can put my observations that while people would often feel bad about poor governance, corruption, lack of basic amenities and nepotism in any democratically elected dispensation, nothing has changed in governor’s rule except it was easy for everyone to accuse and abuse any political government or any elected public representative but unfortunately in today’s regime nobody cares, and Babus treat themselves beyond accountability. Let me say with authority, humility and responsibility that under today’s regime people are facing huge hardships and even meeting a Babu with a genuine public issue is a Himalayan task for a common man. How strange that every democratic exercise is believed to be aimed at fulfilling aspirations of masses and providing them better basic amenities, but here in J&K even process of holding elections has become a huge calamity for common masses. So called model code of conduct has become big excuse even to resolve minor issues. It looks laughable when people don’t get even damaged transformers repaired, landslides cleared from roads in remote areas as the Babus simply resolve the issue by saying “Don’t you know there is model code of conduct”. How shameful that in remote areas many schools are without teachers and hospitals are without doctors and para medical staff only for the reason that those at the helm of affairs derive pleasure from the sufferings of masses and also want to prove that they are above all, and subordinate to none. Let us not forget that any elected representative has to seek fresh mandate from the public after a maximum of six years and prove his worth, but a bureaucrat once selected is always there.
It is for the political parties to introspect and ensure that the system is made people friendly and there has to be a proper coordination between political dispensation, bureaucracy and common masses. My humble appeal to those running the state from their cozy rooms in Rajbhawan and Civil Secretariat, and through their kitchen cabinets, that for God’s sake wakeup from deep slumbers and earn respect among masses not by your status but by your work, as masses always respect those who deliver on the ground.