Srinagar : MLA Tanvir Sadiq of the National Conference (NC), in an exclusive interview with The News Now reporter Wajahat Shabir, addressed key issues concerning governance, statehood, power shortages, and administrative challenges.
He expressed optimism about upcoming developments and dismissed rumors of discord between the elected government and bureaucratic administration.
Addressing Confusion Over Powers Between Raj Bhavan and Government
Sadiq clarified that any perceived friction between the Lieutenant Governor’s administration and the UT government is a baseless narrative. “This is merely a confusion created by various quarters. The governance framework is clear, and both the LG administration and the elected government are functioning smoothly,” he asserted. Sadiq emphasized that efforts are being made to ensure harmony in administrative processes for the benefit of the people.
Statehood Restoration: A Core Demand
Calling the restoration of statehood a “necessity for effective governance,” Sadiq reiterated NC’s commitment to achieving this goal. He stated, “Statehood will bring accountability and empower elected representatives to address public concerns effectively. We are confident this will happen soon.” He also highlighted the importance of implementing manifesto promises and public-friendly decisions.
Rumors About Bureaucratic Resistance Dismissed
Responding to claims that bureaucrats are not heeding ministers’ directives, Sadiq labeled such reports as “rumors.” However, he cautioned that once statehood is restored, accountability will naturally follow, stating, “No officer will have the liberty to bypass the directives of an elected government. Democracy thrives on accountability, and bureaucrats will have to align with democratic norms.”
Updates on Power Shortages and Winter Preparations
On the issue of frequent power cuts during winter, Sadiq outlined the steps taken to mitigate the crisis, including securing an additional 300 megawatts of power. He said, “Our focus is on minimizing unscheduled cuts and providing relief during peak winters. With these measures, we aim to improve the situation by March.”
He further assured that the government’s promise of free power units will be honored, urging people to give the administration some time to execute its plans effectively.
Autonomy for Schemes: A Long-Term Vision
Sadiq reaffirmed the NC’s commitment to restoring the autonomy of centrally sponsored schemes (CSS), which he claimed had been diluted. “We are determined to restore the autonomy of these schemes, including their research and engineering wings, to their original structure. This will enable them to function more efficiently and in line with local needs.”
