Challenges Before PDP-BJP Govt

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PDPBJPThe Governor’s rule in the state ended on Monday after states first ever woman chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti, took oath along with 22 minsters in her council. The state, after the demise of former chief minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was under Governor’s rule for nearly three months after severe differences cropped up between the two coalition partners over the “Alliance of Agenda” which PDP complained was not implemented during the tenure of Mufti Sayeed.

Mehbooba had sought concrete assurances from Prime Minster, Narendra Modi for the implementation of Agenda of Alliance before deciding to form government. She had two successive meetings with Modi in New Delhi before taking oath as states chief minister on Monday in Jammu.

As the political deadlock in state is over, for Mehbooba ruling the state must be a tough task.  She has taken over the reins at the time when the state is reeling under debt trap and needs a massive developmental push.  From the flood disaster of 2014 to fragile security scenario, the decision making wouldn’t be easy for her. The state is lacking the roadmap to overcome the prevailing financial crisis. Except temporary measures by the successive governments, no sustainable roadmap was built or followed to usher in prosperity and development.

Even her late father during the last one year rule as chief minister could not achieve his own set targets due to coalition compulsions.  Mehbooba has agreed to accept the challenge to continue the political mission of her father.  She has also envisioned the continuity in the reforms which were undertaken by Governor NN Vohra who proved a strong administrator in last three months while keeping entire bureaucracy on toes.

Vohra took various strong decisions and ensured during his rule that general masses are benefitted. He implemented the NFSA despite public outrage. He reimbursed the relief to the flood victims. He also terminated 100 doctors who were not attending the duties. Dredging of river Jehlum remained his top priority and he sought daily updates on that front from the executing agency. He maintained the enthusiasm and vigour which is needed to run the state affairs.

Mehbooba has to follow the same pattern of governance to ensure the dividends of prevailing peace reach the common man. The key social sector like education and health deserves her personal attention since people suffer immensely for want of quality education and medical treatment. Large numbers of patients move to other states of India where they have to spend hefty amount on quality treatment due to appalling  health care system in state.

The chief minister also needs to explore the innovative ideas to overcome the growing messy urbanization and also stop the conversion of agriculture land by people.

Although the challenge for Mehbooba is very tough, but certainly it is not impossible to overcome since she has still five years left to govern.   Both PDP and BJP have got the historic mandate and the political mudslinging will not do, but the good governance could certainly make the difference.

The editorial first appeared in the print edition of April 6.

 

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