The fundamental principles of “Right to Live” and a government “By the People, For the People” often seem like distant ideals, more at home in political rhetoric or the pages of textbooks than in the harsh realities of everyday life. One stark reality is that governments rely heavily on taxes paid by their citizens as the primary source of income to sustain operations, fund public services, and provide salaries and perks to employees. However, the burden of these taxes falls disproportionately on the shoulders of ordinary people, especially those already struggling to make ends meet. In recent times, there has been a noticeable trend of increasing various taxes to bolster government revenues. While this may seem necessary to ensure financial stability, it inevitably adds to the financial strain on vulnerable segments of society. Many individuals and families, already living below the poverty line, find themselves grappling with the challenge of making a living amidst rising economic pressures. One particularly distressing manifestation of this socio-economic imbalance is the demolition of shelters belonging to the marginalized. These individuals, often overlooked and voiceless, have long been living in modest structures that are now deemed to have encroached upon state land or agricultural land designated as “Ghas Charai.” While it is crucial to discourage illegal encroachments and uphold land-use regulations, the focus on targeting small-scale encroachments of a few marlas raises questions about equity and justice. Why is there a glaring disparity in treatment when compared to influential individuals and politicians who are alleged to have encroached upon vast swathes of state land or misappropriated public resources? Has meaningful action been taken.A recent poignant example is the heart-wrenching scene witnessed at Kursu Rajbagh bund, where the shelters of the economically vulnerable were demolished under the pretext of road widening. The immediate question that arises is whether it was not incumbent upon the government to ensure the rehabilitation of these displaced individuals before dismantling their shelters. Shouldn’t there have been proactive measures to allocate 3, 4, or 5 marlas of land under existing schemes announced by the government for the homeless, enabling them to rebuild their lives with dignity?
“There is an urgent need for a paradigm shift in governance that prioritizes inclusivity, equity, and compassion. Policies must not only address the needs of the economically disadvantaged but also ensure that justice is served without bias or favoritism. It is time to listen to the forgotten voices and work towards a society where the principles of “For the People” truly encompass every citizen, regardless of their socio-economic status”.
A recent poignant example is the heart-wrenching scene witnessed at Kursu Rajbagh bund, where the shelters of the economically vulnerable were demolished under the pretext of road widening. The immediate question that arises is whether it was not incumbent upon the government to ensure the rehabilitation of these displaced individuals before dismantling their shelters. Shouldn’t there have been proactive measures to allocate 3, 4, or 5 marlas of land under existing schemes announced by the government for the homeless, enabling them to rebuild their lives with dignity? The callousness of such actions underscores a systemic failure in governance that disproportionately impacts the most marginalized and voiceless members of society. It highlights a stark contrast between the lofty principles of inclusive governance and the harsh realities faced by those on the fringes of society. Moving forward, there is an urgent need for a paradigm shift in governance that prioritizes inclusivity, equity, and compassion. Policies must not only address the needs of the economically disadvantaged but also ensure that justice is served without bias or favoritism. It is time to listen to the forgotten voices and work towards a society where the principles of “For the People” truly encompass every citizen, regardless of their socio-economic status.
(Author is a freelancer. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”.)
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