| Only Police under my command, other deptts with Govt: LG Sinha | | | Early Times Report
Kulgam, June 14: Amid ongoing debate over the dual governance system in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that he only has control over police, and all remaining departments are under the control of the government headed by Omar Abdullah.
In an address during a public engagement in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Saturday, Lieutenant General shed light on the extent of his administrative authority in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, stating that his control is restricted to the police department. The remarks came in response to persistent appeals from local farmers urging the inclusion of horticultural crops under the Crop Insurance Scheme, a demand that underscores the region’s economic dependence on agriculture and the vulnerabilities faced by its farming community.
Speaking to a gathering of farmers at a community outreach event, LG Sinha addressed their concerns with a tone that blended transparency and empathy. “You said, ‘LG Sahab, give us something.’ The only thing I can give you is the police personnel. As for roads, water, power, and agriculture, these are with the government. I will have no objection if the government fulfills your demands,” Sinha said, highlighting the division of responsibilities under the Union Territory’s dual power structure.
His statement clarified that key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, power, and water supply fall under the purview of the elected government, limiting his direct influence over the farmers’ demands.
The farmers’ call for including horticulture in the Crop Insurance Scheme stems from the critical role that crops like apples, walnuts, and almonds play in Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. Horticulture is a lifeline for thousands of families in the region, contributing significantly to both local livelihoods and the Union Territory’s GDP. However, unpredictable weather patterns, including untimely frosts, hailstorms, and droughts, combined with market fluctuations, have left farmers exposed to financial risks. The absence of comprehensive insurance coverage for horticultural crops has long been a point of contention, with farmers arguing that such a scheme would provide a critical safety net against natural calamities and economic uncertainties.
Sinha’s visit to Kulgam was part of a broader effort to connect with rural communities and understand their challenges firsthand. The event saw a robust turnout, with farmers voicing not only their demand for crop insurance but also concerns about irrigation facilities, market access, and infrastructure development. The Lieutenant Governor listened attentively, assuring the gathering that he would convey their demands to the appropriate authorities while reiterating his supportive stance. “I am with you in spirit, and I hope the government takes swift action to address these legitimate concerns,” he added, reinforcing his role as a facilitator rather than a decision-maker in these sectors.
The remarks have reignited discussions about the unique governance model in Jammu and Kashmir, where the Lieutenant Governor and the elected government operate within a complex framework of shared responsibilities. Following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the Union Territory’s administration has been navigating a delicate balance of power, with the Lieutenant Governor overseeing certain critical functions, including law and order, while the elected government manages most developmental and economic portfolios. Sinha’s public acknowledgment of his limited authority has brought renewed attention to the challenges of this system, particularly in addressing pressing socio-economic issues like agricultural support. |
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