As Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) stands on the brink of witnessing an elected government after nearly a decade, the region is at a crucial crossroads. The past ten years have been a period of significant political and administrative change, marked by the dissolution of the state’s special status, the bifurcation into Union Territories (UTs), and governance under the Governor and later the Lieutenant Governor (LG). While these changes were intended to streamline administration and bring development, the persistence of corruption and the lack of a ‘Perform or Perish’ policy have cast a shadow over these efforts.
A Decade Of Administrative Transition: The last decade has been transformative for J&K, yet paradoxically, it has also been a period of stagnation, particularly in terms of governance. The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 was a watershed moment, leading to the restructuring of J&K from a state into two UTs—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. This transition brought enhanced powers to the LG, reducing the scope for elected officials and shifting much of the administrative power to the central government. With the LG at the helm, several initiatives were undertaken to modernize the region, improve infrastructure, and ensure the delivery of public services. The administration has focused on projects like the implementation of smart city initiatives, the development of highways, and efforts to boost tourism. Despite these endeavors, the ground reality suggests that the region is still grappling with old challenges, especially in terms of corruption.
The Persistence Of Corruption: Corruption in J&K has long been a pervasive issue, undermining the effectiveness of governance and eroding public trust in institutions. Unfortunately, this problem has persisted, even during the period of direct central rule. The expectation was that the removal of Article 370 and the subsequent administrative changes would lead to a more transparent and accountable system. However, the absence of a strict ‘Perform or Perish’ policy has allowed corrupt practices to continue unabated. In the current administrative setup, honest officials find themselves at a disadvantage. Despite the central government’s attempts to promote transparency and accountability, the system remains skewed in favor of those who are deceitful and corrupt. These individuals have learned to navigate the system, often thriving while honest officials face obstacles and challenges in executing their duties. This situation has resulted in a paradox: while the central government and the LG administration have the authority to enforce significant changes, the lack of stringent accountability measures means that corruption remains entrenched. The current setup, which was supposed to eradicate or at least reduce corruption, has instead allowed it to flourish under a new guise.
The Impact On Governance: The persistence of corruption has had a detrimental impact on governance in J&K. Development projects are often delayed or executed poorly, public services are compromised, and the overall effectiveness of the administration is diminished. This has led to widespread disillusionment among the people, who had hoped that the changes brought by the central rule would result in a more just and efficient governance system. Moreover, the lack of a ‘Perform or Perish’ policy has created an environment where accountability is minimal. Officials who underperform or engage in corrupt practices face little to no consequences, which only emboldens them further. This has led to a culture of complacency within the administration, where mediocrity is tolerated and excellence is neither rewarded nor encouraged.
The Struggle Of Honest Officials: In this challenging environment, honest officials find it increasingly difficult to perform their duties. These individuals, who are committed to serving the public and upholding the principles of good governance, often find themselves marginalized. They face resistance from within the system and are often pressured to conform to the corrupt practices that have become ingrained in the administration. The struggle of these honest officials is a stark reminder of the need for systemic reform. Without the implementation of a robust ‘Perform or Perish’ policy, these officials will continue to face challenges, and the overall quality of governance will suffer. The current system not only fails to protect and promote integrity but also discourages those who are genuinely committed to public service.
“By adopting a ‘Perform or Perish’ approach, the government can create an environment where integrity is rewarded, and where public service is truly about serving the public. The people of J&K deserve nothing less. The future of J&K depends on the actions taken today. It is time for the government to step up, implement the necessary reforms, and ensure that the next decade is one of progress, transparency, and good governance.”
The Need For Reform;Implementing ‘Perform Or Perish’: The introduction of a ‘Perform or Perish’ policy could be a game-changer for governance in J&K. Such a policy would hold officials accountable for their performance, ensuring that those who fail to deliver are removed from their positions, while those who excel are rewarded. This would not only improve the efficiency of the administration but also help to eradicate the culture of corruption that has taken root. Implementing this policy would require a concerted effort from both the central government and the LG administration. It would involve setting clear performance metrics for officials, regularly assessing their progress, and taking decisive action against those who fail to meet the standards. This would send a strong message that mediocrity and corruption will no longer be tolerated, and that the administration is committed to delivering on its promises to the people. Moreover, the ‘Perform or Perish’ policy would need to be backed by a robust framework for transparency and accountability. This could include measures such as regular audits, public disclosure of officials’ performance, and the establishment of independent bodies to investigate and address corruption. By creating an environment where honesty and integrity are valued, the administration can begin to rebuild public trust and improve the quality of governance in J&K.
The Role Of The Public: While the responsibility for implementing the ‘Perform or Perish’ policy lies primarily with the government, the public also has a crucial role to play. The people of J&K must demand accountability from their leaders and officials, and they must be vigilant in monitoring the performance of the administration. Public pressure can be a powerful tool in driving change, and by actively participating in the democratic process, the people can help to ensure that the government delivers on its promises. Additionally, civil society organizations, the media, and other stakeholders can play a vital role in advocating for the implementation of the ‘Perform or Perish’ policy. By raising awareness of the issues and holding the government accountable, these groups can help to create the momentum needed for reform.
Conclusion; A Call To Action: As J&K prepares for the return of an elected government, it is imperative that the region does not revert to the old ways of governance. The period of Governor’s and LG’s rule has shown that while administrative changes can bring about certain improvements, they are not enough to address the deep-rooted issues of corruption and inefficiency. The implementation of a ‘Perform or Perish’ policy is not just a necessity; it is an urgent requirement if J&K is to move forward. This policy would ensure that officials are held accountable, that corruption is rooted out, and that the administration truly serves the interests of the people. For too long, the honest officials have struggled while the corrupt have thrived. It is time for this to change. By adopting a ‘Perform or Perish’ approach, the government can create an environment where integrity is rewarded, and where public service is truly about serving the public. The people of J&K deserve nothing less. The future of J&K depends on the actions taken today. It is time for the government to step up, implement the necessary reforms, and ensure that the next decade is one of progress, transparency, and good governance.
(The 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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