SRINAGAR: In a press release issued on Saturday, former Minister and Senior National Conference leader Ajay Kumar Sadhotra expressed his dismay over the posting of an IPS officer in a slot designated for IAS and JKAS services. Sadhotra described this move as unwarranted and raised concerns about its demoralizing effect on the civil administration in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sadhotra criticized what he referred to as the “double engine Sarkar’s way of governance,” suggesting that the incumbent administration’s actions were indicative of a future scenario where the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir would be selected from the Police Service (IPS). He questioned whether the union territory was facing a shortage of human resources in the civil administration or if the current officials were deemed inadequate to fill key positions.
Drawing from his personal experience, Sadhotra emphasized the exceptional talent possessed by civil services officers in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the IAS and JKAS. He commended their capabilities to lead the administration effectively, highlighting their time-tested experience in challenging situations. Sadhotra believed that parachuting officers from other services into civil administration positions would directly undermine the authority and motivation of civil officers at various levels, ultimately leading to a decline in governance and adversely affecting the people.
While acknowledging that the police officer assigned to the civilian slot may be competent in their professional field, Sadhotra stressed that the principle behind this move was fundamentally flawed and unnecessary. He warned that such actions would breed discontent among officers in the two premier administrative services and hinder the career growth of deserving candidates. Additionally, Sadhotra expressed concern that this decision sent a troubling message, suggesting a transformation of Jammu and Kashmir into a police state.
Sadhotra called upon the Lieutenant Governor’s government to reconsider its decision and rectify the situation promptly. He urged the authorities to roll back the order of posting in order to restore confidence in the civilian administration and ensure that the civil character of Jammu and Kashmir was neither undermined nor compromised.
As of now, the Lieutenant Governor’s response to these concerns remains unknown. However, Sadhotra’s press statement has sparked a debate surrounding the posting of ex-cadre officers and its potential implications on the governance and functioning of the civil administration in Jammu and Kashmir.
