M.M.SHUJA
J&K is passing through a crucial period. Though an elected government and opposition parties exist, people from all walks of life still feel alienated. On a daily basis, newspapers carry press statements from political parties and their spokespersons, but most of the political activity seems to be for sustaining their political identity and not to address the grievances of people and work for their welfare. What difference has come with respect to LG rule and the elected government? Unemployment is increasing day by day, leading to several socio-economic problems. Many parents cannot marry off their children owing to unemployment and lack of money. Simultaneously, some youth have fallen prey to open as well as hidden activities. “Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir” is the slogan of the political class, but no remedy has been offered to this growing social problem yet. Several drug peddlers have been arrested; FIRs have been lodged, and property of the alleged drug peddlers has been confiscated. Nevertheless, the administration has failed to check this menace effectively.
Late marriages in the Valley have also posed challenges of fertility and reproductive health problems. There are thousands of cases wherein couples have no other option but to shift from one healthcare institution to another in order to receive treatments related to fertility problems. The situation in the healthcare sector in Jammu and Kashmir is equally disturbing. Inspite of the fact that the private healthcare system has become very lucrative, the public healthcare system has had a lot of difficulties. Even with the establishment of new medical colleges and hospitals in the last ten years, patients still find it difficult to get modern healthcare services in the region. Leaving no choice but to go out of Jammu and Kashmir in search of treatment and even this option is not accessible to many people. Thousands of patients migrate every year to Delhi, Chandigarh, and Mumbai especially those who suffer from cancer. Despite efforts in establishing initiatives of cancer treatment in Kashmir, inadequate infrastructure, facilities, and oncologists force many patients to migrate for treatment.
Another important sector that should be thoroughly reformed for the benefit of the students is that of education. There has been a reduction in the number of students who enroll themselves in government schools and colleges. Some of these educational institutions suffer from an irrational student-teacher ratio. Thousands of both male and female students join various colleges and universities in other states every year due to Paucity of Professional Collages in J&K. What is needed is a comprehensive education policy in order to produce graduates and professionals who can earn their bread. The present education system has failed in coping with the growing problems of educated Youth the Environment is another serious concern needs prompt redressal. In Kashmir valley the environment has been affected negatively over the last three decades, it has also been badly damaged due to organised mafias and illegal activities. Unauthorised mining, deforestation, as well as the destruction of wetland and water bodies, have caused the ecological imbalance of the region. In summers, Kashmir has recorded high temperatures, these changes have also impacted the tourism industry. Unregulated constructions at many tourist sites have led to serious issues while the government has failed to curtail the illicit activities of the strong players in the market. Thousands of Kanals of forests and wetlands have been encroached. If the harmful activities do not come to an end soon, Paradise on Earth will become parched. Nothing much will be left for future generations.
The state of the business sector in the Valley is equally deplorable. The middle class is struggling economically while the poor conditions in the business sector have also resulted in increasing unemployment. Many traders and shopkeepers in many prominent markets in the Valley have laid off workers. While some have closed down their business operations, others are trying to find alternatives to earn money through other business ventures. Several shopkeepers while talking about their business experiences mentioned that the economic crisis is not only harming their businesses but also the welfare of their families and the education of their children. Some small traders have left the Valley to conduct their businesses elsewhere, Similarly, the transporters in both regions of Jammu and Kashmir are also experiencing recurring losses due to different reasons. The initiative launched by the government to provide free smart bus services for women has caused losses to the private transporters, who feel that the initiative has badly affected their business. As per civil society, the initiative needs a review so that its benefits may be extended to students, senior citizens and physically challenged people, the transporters think that this decision was taken without having a proper analysis of the economic impacts. It is believed that it is causing recurring losses not only to the private transporters but also to the government. In addition, some transporters fear that this industry, which is supposed to offer employment, is instead creating unemployment. Transporters have requested the government to intervene in the situation in a practical manner. An elected government with a clear mandate is now ruling for the last two years, but still uncertainty prevails in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The blame game being played by both Central Government and the UT administration has made life more difficult for the common masses.
Citizens did not go out of their way to cast their votes in order to watch political rhetoric, accusations and broken promises. What the citizens want from the government is accountable governance, economic prosperity, job creation, good health care, quality education and natural resource conservation. The government should understand that public accountability is not optional. Those who have power should prove themselves by delivering on their promises. People of Jammu & Kashmir have waited too long for things to change.
The Author is Senior Journalist/ Human Rights Activist, can be reached at mmshuja@gmail.com
