‘Hybrid Governance’ in UT Will Not Safeguard Unethical Practices
Avinash Azad
In a stern message to the bureaucracy, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has warned government employees against engaging in corrupt practices, stating that the shield of the union territory (UT) status may only be temporary.
Addressing a meeting of administrative secretaries at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar on Tuesday, Omar Abdullah made it clear that the UT status, which was introduced after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, does not provide a permanent safeguard against the consequences of unethical conduct.
“If anybody thinks that somehow the fact that we are a UT will shield you from the consequences of practices that go against the pledge, please remember the shield may last temporarily, but it is only temporary,” Omar said, as seen in a video of the meeting.
Referring to the increased involvement of the Lieutenant Governor’s office in the governance of the UT, Omar Abdullah acknowledged that the employees of the Jammu and Kashmir government have been working in a “hybrid system of governance.” However, he cautioned that some individuals may be attempting to exploit this system to their advantage.
“But please rest assured that this is very much a temporary phase,” the Chief Minister said, adding that he had received “assurances at the highest level” that the commitments made to Jammu and Kashmir, particularly regarding governance, will undergo changes.
Omar remarks come amid a series of allegations of corruption and malpractices within the Jammu and Kashmir bureaucracy. In recent months, anonymous letters and a viral letter by senior IAS officer Ashok Kumar Parmar have brought to light allegations of corruption, including a purported scam in the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme.
Omar’s strong words underscore the government’s intent to crack down on corruption within the UT’s administration. He emphasized that once the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir is restored, any loopholes that could be exploited would be eliminated.
