- ‘Elected Govt has full powers’: LG Manoj Sinha urges focus on governance, not excuses
SRINAGAR, Oct 31: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday asserted that the absence of statehood cannot be used as an excuse for underperformance by the elected Government of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that the administration already enjoys full authority to govern and serve the people effectively.
Speaking at the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Foundation Day celebrations at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor reminded political leaders and elected representatives of their responsibility to focus on governance rather than using the statehood issue as a pretext for inaction.
“The Union Home Minister Amit Shah has already stated in Parliament that delimitation comes first, Assembly elections follow, and then the restoration of statehood at an appropriate time,” Sinha said. “But some people have issues accepting this sequence. When the Assembly elections were held, it was clear that the elections were for the Union Territory’s legislative assembly. The elected Government cannot make the excuse that it cannot function or deliver results until statehood is restored,” he added.
Sinha reiterated that the elected Government possesses all administrative powers necessary for decision-making, implementation of policies, and delivery of public services. He cautioned that citizens should not be misled by claims suggesting that the current administrative framework limits the government’s functioning.
“The government should utilize its powers fully for the welfare and progress of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Governance is about responsibility and service, not about making excuses,” Sinha said, underscoring that the present administrative setup provides ample scope for development and responsive governance.