Decentralization key to governance, need new divisions in J&K: PDP leader Waheed Para

Jammu, Mar 27: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed-ur-Rehman Para on Friday advocated for a major administrative overhaul of Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the creation of new divisions and districts was essential for ensuring grassroots governance and decentralisation.

The MLA from Pulwama said the focus should be on administrative efficiency rather than any political motive, emphasising that far-flung and border areas needed governance structures closer to the people.

“It is not a matter of dividing Jammu and Kashmir. The idea is to provide grassroots governance and decentralisation. Chenab is such an area that is very far off and is in trouble. If there is a division in Rajouri, it will be beneficial for everyone,” MLA Para said.

He highlighted the hardships faced by residents of remote areas, stating that people currently have to travel long distances for basic administrative work. “If we are capable of decentralising the government, why should we not do it? Accessibility will increase,” he said.

The PDP leader called for the creation of a division for the Chenab region and another for Pir Panchal in Rajouri. He also pitched for new districts, including in Ashmukam to coordinate yatra tourism, and pointed out that areas like Sopore, Handwara, and Trar already have police districts and deserve full administrative status.

MLA Para further stated that if delimitation was required, the number of MLAs and Lok Sabha seats could be increased accordingly, adding that the discussion was part of a long-standing process.

“This is not an event, it is a process. We have started a discussion on administrative decentralisation in Jammu and Kashmir. The idea is to provide good governance and grassroots governance,” he added. (KNS)