Kashmir Magazine By : Kashmir Magazine | Srinagar, Publish Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2020 3:20:09 PM | Updated Date : Wednesday, July 22, 2020 3:20:40 PM
Lieutenant t Governor J&K G C Murmu in an exclusive candid chat with Editor- in -Chief Kashmir Magazine Muhammad Aslam Bhat talks about a host of issues concerning J&K. Edited excerpts:
KM: J&K is witnessing a spike in COVID 19 positive cases after the Government announced unlock phase 1. How is Government dealing with it?
LG: The Coronavirus spread threat is still intact. The Spike phase of coronavirus is going on. I appeal people to follow all guidelines strictly- maintain social distancing, wear masks and come out of their house only when necessary. Every person has to take precautions to keep not only themselves safe but for the safety of the elderly and children at home. Safety and precautions are the only mantra to keep safe from the disease. People should also take care of personal hygiene and have immunity medicines which we distributed through AYUSH. Aarogya application should be downloaded in mobile phones so that it gives an idea about the health of a person.
KM: Do you think religious leaders can prevail over the people in ensuring adherence to COVID 19 SOP.
LG: I appeal the religious leaders to again renew their appeals to the people for self-control in these difficult times so that we can win the war against this deadly disease.
KM: With the killing of the political leader and his family members in Bandipora, the Panchayat representatives have renewed their call for enhanced security. What are the steps the Government is taking for their security?
LG: The Bandipora killings are unfortunate and misguided people are responsible for these killings. I condemn this accident and we will keep trying to provide security to all people. Security is important for all people not only for Panchs and Sarpanchs. We are working on providing security to Panchs and Sarpanchs through a different scheme. The threat perception of Panchs and Sarpanchs is being reviewed continuously and wherever it is required security is provided accordingly. It is the job of the Government to provide security to the public.
KM: Media persons call Media policy launched by the Department of Information and Public Relations Department (DIPR) as Anti-Media policy aimed to scuttle independence of press. How far are these apprehensions true?
LG: It was reported in media. We will deliberate and discuss these apprehensions. But I am telling you there is nothing like anti-media policy. Neutrality has been maintained in the policy. There is clearly written about the qualification for renewal, accreditation. Media has an important role everywhere in the World. Media should always play a positive role for the betterment of people and make Government accountable.
KM: Many believe that development is not taking place on the ground even after the nullification of Article 370 which is almost nearing a year.
LG: Development works are going on. We have completed 40 % of languishing projects which were pending since 2012 in one year only. We are now inaugurating these projects. Power and road macadamization is going on in a big way. For two-three months there was a shortage of labourers and contractors. Now development is going on in full swing and can be witnessed on the ground.
KM: People are complaining of indifferent attitude by bureaucrats in addressing their issues.
LG: I have started a mass public contact programme in every district where all groups of people can raise their issues for early redressal while maintaining covid19 SOP. We will also check on-going public projects in these areas.
KM: What are the plans to tide overgrowing unemployment in J&K?
LG: Government will soon issue notifications for more than 20000 to 25000 vacancies. We have already advertised 10,000 vacancies. A committee was formed for speeding up the process.
KM: What is your message for the people?
LG: I am thankful to people of J&K for their support to the administration. I assure them that the government will ensure development more than their expectations. My only expectation with people is to maintain peace and cooperate with the administration. I assure them of accountable, efficient and clean administration in J&K.