Committed to fulfilling all election promises in phased manner: Rana

As the National Conference government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah completes six months in power on Wednesday, Cabinet Minister Javed Ahmed Rana said on Tuesday that the ruling regime will fulfill all poll promises in a phased manner. He emphasised there “shouldn’t be any further delay” in the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. In an interview with The Tribune, Rana said the transfers of JKAS officers by the Raj Bhavan “shouldn’t have happened.”

How do you assess your government’s functioning during the first six months?

The government is functioning very well. Ever since Omar Abdullah assumed the leadership of J&K, we have been working systematically to implement our poll manifesto. Whether it’s providing free food or free bus services to women, we have already started delivering on our promises.

The biggest change is accountability. There was a lack of public engagement earlier, but now whenever you visit the secretariat, it’s bustling with people. We have bridged the communication gap between the administration and the public. We respond to calls even at night and take immediate action. When someone from the field can directly contact a minister, issues get resolved instantly. Previously, people complained that senior officers wouldn’t listen to them. Now, we have made everyone accountable.

But the Opposition claims your government is yet to fulfil promises. What’s your take?

Everything can’t be accomplished in a single day — that’s simply not possible. We are working in a phased manner. Our mandate is for five years and at the end of this term, we will present our report card. All promises will be fulfilled.

Issues like those of daily wagers and quota are emerging as major challenges. How will you address them?

We have formed a committee to address the issue of daily wagers and it has been told to submit a report within six months. It’s a serious issue and we are actively working on it.

About reservation, some people were apprehensive that the people from the general category were being treated unjustly. I am also part of that committee. We have held meetings at different levels and spoken to the stakeholders. We have assured people that neither the people from reserved categories nor those from the general category will be treated unjustly. All will get their share.

What’s the status of statehood restoration?

The restoration of statehood is important. Not having statehood is a form of injustice. It’s like clipping a bird’s wings and claiming you’re still providing for it.

We expect the statehood to be restored soon and the Supreme Court has issued clear directions to the Centre. The Prime Minister and the Home Minister have both repeatedly assured us of its reinstatement. There should be no further delay.

‘Bungling’ of Jal Jeevan Mission funds was a major issue in the recent Assembly session. As the minister, what action have you taken?

Yes, the issue was discussed during the Budget session. MLAs raised concerns about fund misappropriation and a House committee has been constituted to investigate it. My department is also conducting its own inquiry. I have instructed officials that any officer responsible for delays or mismanagement will be held accountable.

There was a clash between the Raj Bhavan and the government over the transfer of KAS officers. What’s your take?

Some transfers that shouldn’t have been ordered took place. In a UT, the L-G is responsible for transferring officers of the All India Services. However, the transfer of JKAS officers falls outside his purview. It shouldn’t have happened and I believe such incidents will not be repeated in the future.

What about the implementation of the Forest Act in J&K?

We are proposing that the Tribal Department should act as the nodal agency for this. We have instructed all departments not to disturb any existing forest dwellers. However, no new encroachments will be permitted. Our aim is to protect the forests while ensuring the rights of those already settled are not violated. Committees are being formed at the block level to oversee the implementation of the Forest Act.

J & K