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| Autonomy of states no threat to national unity: Sinha | | | EARLY TIMES REPORTER
SRINAGAR | AUGUST 27
Saying that the concept of autonomy of a state is in no way a threat to national unity; Governor Lt. General (Retd.) S K Sinha today asserted that Jammu and Kashmir is enjoying highest degree of self rule in the country. In his valedictory address at the conclusion of conference on Indian Federalism at Work organised by Institute of Social Sciences here this evening, the Governor said: ‘There is much talk of introducing self rule in Kashmir these days without defining its contours. To me, democracy and self rule are synonymous’.
The Governor elaborated that Indian democracy is recognized the world over as the most vibrant democracy in the third world. And, within Indian democracy, Jammu and Kashmir enjoys a highest degree of self-rule than any other State in the country, he said, adding ‘the question of introducing self rule in Kashmir does not arise at all’. He, however, averred that this does not mean that further improvement in the quality of self-rule cannot be considered. For this, he stressed the need for making the third tier of governance viz Panchayati Raj more effective.
General Sinha said that Panchayati Raj has already given a new dimension to federalism in India but it is yet to take roots in Jammu and Kashmir Out of the 4000 Halqa Panchayats in the State, the elections have been held in about 2000 Panchayats. The State Election Commissioner is yet to be appointed in the State, he said, adding that sooner ‘we make the Panchayati Raj a more effective instrument of governance, the better’.
He also referred to the reported address of Ms Asma Jehangar from Pakistan to the Conference, seeking support of the people from this side on restoration of democracy in Pak occupied Kashmir. ‘I endorse her views and in particular, I may mention that Northern Area, which is totally denied even a shred of democracy needs urgent introduction of self-rule’. He made a mention of his meeting with a delegation of four leaders from Gilgit led by their former Deputy Chief of the Northern Area and said ‘he thanked me for urging the opening of Kargil-Skardu road and my sympathies for the people of that region’. He wished PoK could also do with a little more transparent and genuine democracy.
The Governor said that 73rd and 74th Amendments of the Constitution provide for devolution of powers to Panchayats and local bodies, which add a new dimension to Indian federalism as the glow of democracy is no longer confined to the level of the Centre and the States hut has percolated to the grass root levels. ‘Decentralized governance has given a new meaning to our federalism’, he opined. He referred to the Chief Ministers of states visiting abroad and seeking institutional help for development projects. ‘This is one of the shinning examples of our federal structure’, he said.
General Sinha said that federalism is basically sharing of power and responsibilities of at different levels in a democratic polity. Giving the historical perspective, he said that in terms of being a nation state, India may be a young Nation but as a civilization, it is the only thriving civilizations surviving from the dawn of history.
He quoted Alama Iqbal and said…’Yunan-o-Miser Roma, Sab Mit Gaye Jehan Sey, Baki Raha hai Aakhir Naam-o-Nishan Hamara, Kuch baat hai ki hasti mittti nahi hamari, Sadiyoon Raha hai Dushman Daur-e-Jehan hamara’.
The Governor took pride in the secular ethos of the country saying unity in diversity is the India’s greatest strength. He made a mention of various democracies of the world and substantiated his point that Indian federalism is fast flourishing. He said the coalition polity and emergence of regional parties has also given a new dimension to it.
Earlier, the former Chairperson of National Commission for Women, Dr Mohini Giri, Ms Judith Large and Dr George Mathew also addressed the conference. Prof M A Qadiri presented the vote of thanks. Children from Neha Ghar sang the National Anthem.
Leader of Opposition, Abdul Rahim Rather, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir Prof Abdul Wahid, Dr Girija Dhar, Dr Naseer Ahmed Shah and Balraj Puri were present at the valedictory function. The conference was attended by the delegates from various parts of the country and abroad. |
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