While people in the state and especially in Kashmir Valley are suffering immensely due to the lack of basic amenities like electricity, water supply and health care, the ruling parties are trying to cover the basic issues under political rhetoric.It has been happening for decades that day-to-day issues of people are being covered up by whipping up political rhetoric by the successive governments. Mis-deeds and non-performance of the government finds no space as political rhetoric gets highlighted. Major portion of the allocations made in the last budget is yet to be utilized as most of the on-going schemes and projects are either defunct or work is going on at snail’s pace.Major schemes in power development, water supply and health are in shambles and have virtually been neglected by the government. The J&K government has failed to resume work on several power projects and Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (R-APDRP) project is in shambles.In chill winter, people are facing immense hardships as power plays hide-n-seek most of the times.The Center’s decision to drastically reduce funding for the state under National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) has created impediments in completion of several water supply schemes.
Huge population of Jammu and Kashmir residing in rural areas continues to remain without safe drinking water as fate of 1638 water supply schemes is hanging in balance due to acute scarcity of funds.In Centrally sponsored schemes in Rural Development Department, including Swachh Bharat Mission, MG-NREGA and 14th Finance, very less expenditure has been made in several areas of the state. The performance of these schemes in certain areas is dismal. Similarly, the Urban Development Department is virtually in slumber. The slogans of 'Smart Cities' are limited to papers only as situation in twin cities of Jammu and Srinagar is very bad. Sewage issues and other problems galore everywhere in Srinagar and Jammu.Due to official mismanagement and mis-governance funds meant for development are getting lapsed as Government organizations continue to surrender this amount. The political uncertainty in the state and particularly Kashmir has taken toll on the development activities in the Valley. This situation coupled with limited working season results in either lapse of the funds or their improper use.Government needs to constitute a committee which can look into these lapses. Those officials who have deliberately surrendered the money without any genuine reason must be declared dead wood and should be dismissed from Government service. (GNS)