Raja bilal cni
Baramulla, , CNI: Baramulla, once considered a cornerstone of public administration in North Kashmir, is now being openly labelled by residents as a hub of rampant corruption, with even basic public services allegedly sold to the highest bidder.
The most glaring example, Peoples Democratic Party leader and former MLC, Yasir Reshi say, is the issuance of FARD (land revenue records), which has turned into a nightmare for ordinary citizens.
Yasir Reshi alleged that obtaining these essential documents without paying bribes or going through middlemen openly operating in collusion with Tehsil officials, especially the Tehsildar, has become almost impossible. These agents, working fearlessly in the corridors of the Tehsil office, are reportedly the only way for applicants to get files moving.
“Is this the ‘Naya Kashmir’ we were promised? Is this the transparent governance the National Conference-led administration claimed it would deliver?” Reshi questioned expressing deep frustration with the current state of affairs.
He alleged that out of every 100 FARD or related applications, not one is sanctioned without expectations of monetary or other favours. “The Tehsildar’s office has become a symbol of helplessness for the poor and powerless,” he said.
He further lamented the decline of the Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA), which once ensured time-bound delivery of services without harassment. “That Act gave people hope. Today, it has become irrelevant, files remain stuck for months unless someone pays or pleads.”.
Calling the situation intolerable, he made an urgent appeal to Shaleen Kabra (IAS), Financial Commissioner (Revenue), and DC Baramulla Minga Sherpa, urging them to take immediate and strict action against the corrupt machinery operating in the Tehsil office.
Yasir Reshi expected a direct intervention from the office of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) to launch a formal investigation and restore public confidence, which he feels is eroding fast. (CNI)