National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today counselled Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to remain within the framework of Raj Dharma and not cross the red line by adopting policies that discriminate among cadres of civil services in Jammu and Kashmir “In a democratic setup, each organ should perform in a defined manner, especially in sensitive Jammu and Kashmir, Sadhotra said in a statement, hoping that the Raj Bhavan will work as per aspirations of the people and their mandate. He also hoped that nobody should overstep powers enshrined in Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act.
Sadhotra took strong exception to the growing tendency of sidelining officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) and placing officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in all crucial and decision-making positions. Such unhealthy practices will not only demoralize the local officers but also adversely impact the overall work culture of the administration, he added.
The NC Additional General Secretary observed that JKAS officers have equally been the backbone of governance in Jammu and Kashmir for decades. Having risen from the grassroots, they possess invaluable knowledge of ground realities and enjoy a strong rapport with the people across regions. Their long-standing connect with local issues and aspirations makes them indispensable for effective governance and public service delivery. Ignoring this cadre in favour of another will not only be an injustice but also tantamount to weakening the very foundation of administration where officers of both the services had been over the years working and contributing in tandem with due regard to hierarchy, seniority, subordination and discipline , he said.
Sadhotra cautioned that pampering one cadre while neglecting the other is a dangerous approach which could create an avoidable wedge in the administrative set-up. This, he said, would ultimately harm larger public interest, as a divided and demotivated bureaucracy can never deliver its best in implementing policies or addressing the grievances of the people. Mr. Sadhotra emphasized that the principles of Raj Dharma underline justice, equality, and fair play. Any attempt to tilt the balance in favour of one cadre against the other runs contrary to these time-tested principles. “The duty of those at the helm is to ensure harmony, cohesion, and confidence among all wings of governance. Only then can the administration function effectively to meet the developmental aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
The NC Additional General Secretary called for correcting this imbalance by providing a level playing field to both IAS and JKAS officers. He reiterated that the interests of the public must remain paramount, and this can only be achieved by treating all cadres with fairness, dignity, and respect in keeping with the true spirit of Raj Dharma.