Shafqat Shaheen Sheikh
From the posting of Shri Angrez Singh Rana KAS as District Development Commissioner Kishtwar, a new Kishtwar came in existence which previously was sailing and drenched in boat of corruption, nepotism , and selfishness in and around government offices as well as trade market. Though it was not easy to eradicate such evils in a short span of time but with the grit, honesty , unfathomable dedication and devotion this dynamic officer proved that transparency, responsiveness and accountability can be achieved inside the corridors of government offices, if there is strong will and determination .
Since the last one year Kishtwar district is running on its path of development and glory which in fact is an open book for all its citizens. It can be well imagined what Kishtwar changed in one year surpassed its achievement during rest of the years starting 2007 when district Kishtwar was carved out from erstwhile district Kishtwar .
Though some miscreants and black mailers whose illegal shops got shattered with the action of the Officer always remained hell bent backed by their political masters to malign the dignity and image of such an honest officer who is down to earth and whose journey starts from a middle class family. This could be gauged from the fact when any poor or middle class person approaches DC Kishtwar for help who in turn provide them all the assistance and rapidly solve their problem. Few weeks back , he arranged a chopper for a child to shift him at Jammu for better treatment and parents when talked with the writer gave him status next to God who have done extraordinary help and came as saviour of their children .
History speaks that everyone who treads on right way become target of some selfish persons but fact is that DC Kishtwar is performing his legitimate duties relentlessly for betterment of society irrespective of so much of hurdles created by unscrupulous elements of society. He is known as king for quick action against corrupt mafia.
During last year, under the able guidance and supervision of Angrez Singh Rana Municipality and Panchayat election were smoothly conducted and there was no complaint received and in upcoming Parliamentary Election which are scheduled on 18 April, in respect of this district Shri Angrez Singh Rana conducted lot of awareness through rallies, awareness programmes, democracy run, nukkad natak, live demos, SVEEP express etc. with an aim that no voter to be left.
Few days ago some Sarpanches hold protest against DC Kishtwar and demanded his transfer. What they were protesting was their right but their protest indicates that they are not getting hefty and undue benefits from departments and RDD on account of commission because DC Kishtwar has tightened noose of corrupt Officers and Officials and thus bringing transparency in district. In all public meeting, He seeks cooperation from all sections of society in eradicating the menace of corruption and other irregularities as there is no visiting hours for public and the door of DC Kishtwar Shri Angrez Singh Rana is thrown open for every citizen.
A KAS or IAS spent his half life in studies for preparation and after passing such tough exams he often face great despair when a political leader or MLA who even has not passed class 10th while calling himself as a lawmaker and representative of public for his personal gain or otherwise pressurises an officer to do things even in violation to rules.
It is high time to debate on this crucial issue that there need to be a specific qualification required for becoming lawmaker or representative of public including Panch, Sarpanch , Member of Legislative Assembly , Member of Parliament and even Chief Minister or Prime Minister so as the hurdles in the path of development can be removed and corruption free environment can be seen in society.
As far as poor and voiceless masses all are praising DC Kishtwar Shri Angrez Singh Rana for his outstanding support towards poor masses and tough stance against corrupt and so-called leaders.
The author is Freelance Journalist, Columnist and Human Rights Activist from Jammu and Kashmir and can be reached at shafqatshaheensheikh@gmail.com