news details |
|
|
| New govt business rules, a mockery of democracy: Harsh | | | 
EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, Aug 30: Describing the new govt business rules notified by the central govt as repulsively bizarre, Harsh Dev Singh chairman JKNPP and former minister observed that the said notification seemed to be a move on the part of BJP led govt at the centre to undermine the authority of J&K Legislature. The new rules which provide for allocation of powers and govt business between the legislators of J&K, Lt Governor and the union govt would almost make the elected representatives redundant by snatching majority of the powers which are conferred upon them in a regular state. While majority of the powers of council of ministers have also been transferred to the Lt Governor, the centre too would wield huge influence over the administration as well as the day to day functioning of the J&K govt.
“Democracy is considered to be the best form of govt the world over. This is because of the fact that people decide who is to rule and govern the affairs of the state or the nation. And it is our constitution which assures conferment of requisite powers upon the public representatives in the ultimate interests of the subjects who elected them. The constitution provides them powers in view of their responsibility and accountability to their people. The withdrawal of such powers from elected representatives and bestowing them upon outside bureaucrats would not only be opposed to the concept of democracy but would fail to serve the larger interests of the common masses who hardly have any access to unelected rulers. This would in effect operate as disempowerment of the people in the long run. It is bizarre that under the new rules, the chief minister of J&K would not have the powers to transfer even a constable of the police force. Not only that the Lt Governor can veto any decision of legislature even if passed unanimously in the assembly. An assault on the very soul of democracy”, rued Singh.
Harsh Dev added that in its desperation to browbeat some selected Kashmir based leaders, the BJP govt was taking decisions which were completely out of sync with the principles of a healthy democracy. “You ruined the state only because you wanted to settle scores with some Kashmiri leaders. It could have been done even without dismantling the state and without destroying the institutions of democracy. But it was deliberately avoided. The result is that Jammu region which gave you a massive mandate with 25 assembly seats and both parliament seats is also being made to suffer. Can you explain why? And why should Jammu region be deprived of statehood if your only concern is abuse of power resources and authority by Kashmir based leadership?” questioned Singh. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
