Dear Editor, It is really painful to see the state of affairs in our country, where reforms for betterment of masses are being met with such resistance and that too from people having vested interests, showing utter disregard towards the sole purpose of improving the living conditions / upliftment of the society as a whole. One such reform taken up in J&K as early as in 2011 to streamline the functioning of PDD for ameliorating the misery of people by reaching quality and uninterrupted power to each and every household apart from saving of incurring huge losses by the PDD was expected to bear fruits over a period of 10 years now, has been put on hold again for one reason or the other which eventually will further delay the work on Reform Plan so vital for development and wellbeing of all. The tragedy is that our democratic system stands for ‘Halla-Gulla’, pandemonium, walk outs, coming to blows, breaking mikes, chairs and tables; now resorting to indefinite strikes even in case of essential services. We witnessed how state of J&K plunged into darkness for 36 hours, no power, no water, even mobile and inverter batteries turned dysfunctional. It gives shivers when I imagine what a family must have gone through when some of their ailing member dependent on life saving equipments like oxygen concentrator etc. must have grasped for breath. Reportedly, in J&K T&D losses are the highest and can be curbed by engaging a single agency which can control both losses as well as theft. (There is about Rs 7,000 crore deficit on account of electricity every year). Further, high technical losses are due to the outdated distribution network still at large and needs urgent upgradation for uninterrupted power supply. Here, the biggest proof of success of such reform is our national capital, the electricity distribution of which was decentralized in 2002 by roping in private companies. Before April 2002, there used to be huge and frequent power cuts in Delhi. Post decentralization, the power supply has been 24×7 by just cutting the power losses and pilferage. As per the reports of a local national daily, ever since electricity distribution was decentralised in Delhi in 2002, the national capital has saved at least Rs 1.2 lakh crore, mainly by curbing transmission loss (data shared by the three Div coms engaged in national capital). This is in addition to catering for uninterrupted and top quality electrical supply for one and all in the national capital. Yes, many real factors interest group dynamics, biased and even misinformation do come in the way of the best policies getting through. In fact, the vested interests go to resist it as long as they can These are the people in the department, in politics and unfortunately subscribers /customers who have got accustomed to theft. Clearly, the onus lies on the civil society, as well as, the politicians. People at large need to rise to the occasion, leave their personal petty interests and support such reforms for the betterment of the society. Similarly, criminalization of politics must be eschewed. The time has come for Parliament to consider an amendment to the Representation of the People Act and frame a law which disallows candidates against whom charges have been framed in court for serious offences. Alongside, we need to educate voters and create enhanced awareness, increase democratic participation by creating the right conditions for decriminalization of politics. Else be prepared, today’s criminal kingmakers may be tomorrow’s kings. The problem is that our Govt has the ability to come up with grand visionary statements, but seems to lack the executive ability to a New India. All, it needs a coordinated effort, education and implementation to get the things on right track. The pursuation is must and is on. Hopefully, there may be paradigm shift in system when issue is resolved in confidence, competence and consultation by the authorities with all the stake holders and things change for better soon. Lastly, it is time for Govt to relook, what aspects of its policies are making both the public service enterprises as well as private sector. Once these aspects are identified, all those who are concerned should design how to eliminate them. The problem is that our Govt has the ability to come up with grand visionary statements, but seems to lack the executive ability to a New India. Uprightness is need of Hour. P K Mam.
