Omar concerned over ‘Hybrid Governance System’, warns officers against exploiting it
Srinagar, Oct 28: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah Monday expressed concern over ‘hybrid governance system’ in the Union Territory, and warned officers against exploiting the loopholes “in this system”..
Omar also said he has received assurances from the highest level at the centre that commitments made to J&K particularly with regard to governance model will change soon.
Omar expressed these remarks while addressing cabinet ministers and administrative secretaries in Civil Secretariat Srinagar.
“…I would [like to] tell you in no uncertain terms that there is zero tolerance for this [corruption]. But I am also acutely aware that we have unfortunately at the moment rather hybrid system of operating. And I have a feeling, and I am going to say regardless of the consequences some may feel they can exploit the system for their advantage, that they can find loopholes in this system that we have in J&K at the moment. But please rest assured. This is a temporary phase,” Omar Abdullah said.
On recent meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and others in New Delhi, Omar Abdullah said that he has received assurances at the highest level that the ongoing governance model of J&K will change soon.
“I have just come back from very successful meetings from New Delhi. I have received assurances at the highest level that the commitments made to J&K particularly with regard to governance model will change. And therefore, if there is anybody who believes that somehow that UT will shield you from the consequences of practices which go against this pledge, please remember the shield may last temporarily. But it is only temporary,” Omar Abdullah said.
“Once the full statehood to J&K is restored there will be no loopholes to exploit or any advantages to be taken by playing against one another,” said Omar Abdullah.
Key Points from Omar Abdullah’s Address
- Hybrid Governance System: Abdullah highlighted that the current governance model, brought about by Jammu and Kashmir’s status as a Union Territory, has temporarily altered traditional governance structures. This has created potential gaps in oversight, which some officials might exploit.
- Zero Tolerance for Misconduct: “Ordinarily, I would tell you in no uncertain terms that there is zero tolerance for this,” Abdullah stated, referring to any attempts by officials to misuse their positions. He warned that any exploitation of the system would not be tolerated.
- Temporary Phase: Abdullah assured that the current hybrid governance system is a temporary phase. He revealed that he has received assurances from the central government about imminent changes to the region’s governance structure, which may include a move toward restoring statehood.
- Accountability: Addressing those who might believe that Jammu and Kashmir’s Union Territory status could shield them from accountability, Abdullah issued a direct warning. “If there is anybody who believes that somehow the fact that we are a UT will shield you from the consequences of practices that go against this pledge, please remember, the shield may last temporarily, but it is only temporary,” he said.
- Future Governance Model: Abdullah emphasized that once full statehood is restored to Jammu and Kashmir, there will be no loopholes to exploit or any advantages to be taken by playing one against the other. He urged officials to act responsibly and adhere to the principles of good governance.
