'J&K political process is already underway': LG Manoj Sinha

Manoj Sinha has been in the news since taking over as lieutenant governor of J&K. Besides presiding over the smooth conduct of DDC polls, he has successfully pushed for expanding the reach of central government schemes and has personally been driving vaccination in the UT with an impressive speed. He spoke to Bharti Jain ahead of the dialogue between the Centre and political parties from J&K. Excerpts from the interview:
An all-party meeting has been convened by the PM on J&K on June 24. Is this the start of a political process?
When I was sent to J&K, the PM stressed on two things: First, there should be constant engagement with the common people and political formations; second, a conducive environment should be created for early restoration of political process. Accordingly, the DDC polls were held. Delimitation Commission is doing its work. In the last few days, the commission has sought information from all district heads of J&K on 18 parameters. The all-party meeting has been convened by the PM and it will not be right for me to comment. But this reflects faith in the democratic process and is meant to take it forward with the involvement of maximum people. There should be a constant dialogue in politics.
Many parties in J&K complain that political activity is on hold since the abrogation of Article 370. Your view?
Political activity in J&K started much before. DDC polls were held in a free and fair manner, with good participation of people. For the first time, a three-tier panchayati raj system was installed in J&K. Why it was not implemented earlier is something for the people to ponder. We have not only held local body polls but are also doing everything to empower them. This time we held wide consultations, involving DDC members, while approving budgets for new projects and infrastructure upgrade in districts; we have more than doubled the budget to Rs 12,600 crore from Rs 5,162 crore. So political process is already underway in J&K and the people's participation and trust is growing.
Many political leaders were detained. Do you think this has created an element of mistrust?
I feel there is no mistrust among the common people of J&K. I say it with full responsibility that in the past 10-11 months, not a single decision of J&K government was guided by bias or discrimination.
Will delimitation be complete by March 2022, when the extended tenure of the Delimitation Commission ends?
It is not right for me to comment on the work of a constitutional body. I am sure both Delimitation Commission and Election Commission will carry out their mandate.
Will polls follow soon after delimitation?
Nobody should have any doubt as the PM himself has declared that polls in J&K will be held after delimitation. Similar assurance was given by the home minister in Parliament. The country and people of J&K have faith in these assurances. As for the timing of polls, the decision lies with the Election Commission.
There has been talk of further reorganisation of J&K. What is the correct position?
When some people run out of issues to criticise, they rely on rumours and emotions. They cannot criticise the development that is happening at a fast pace, social security schemes have reached 100% saturation, tourism has broken records, new industrial policy has given hope to the people, horticulture and agriculture sector is doing well, Covid management is on track. Disillusioned parties, both within J&K and abroad, are spreading such rumours as part of a conspiracy. I refute these firmly.
Will J&K's statehood be restored soon?
The home minister has given a statement on this in Parliament. Restoring statehood is the domain of the government and it would not be appropriate for me to say anything.
J&K has done well on the vaccination front. How was this achieved?
As on Saturday, over 78% of the population of J&K in the 45-plus category has been vaccinated. The strategy is focused on a dedicated workforce and how to reach maximum number of people. We were in touch with the home ministry and the PM on vaccine availability. We followed a strategy of connecting with priority groups, deploying sufficient workforce, mobile vaccination and equitable allocation of vaccine to every region. We have achieved 100% vaccination in four districts of Shopian, Ganderbal, Jammu and Samba.
How has door-to-door vaccination helped J&K?
If we follow J&K's topography, it will be hard to expect all the people to come to vaccination centres. Hence, we decided to go to them with a door-to-door plan. Asha workers, PRIs, anganwadi workers and lambardarwere roped in to identify priority groups within three days. With the prepared data, which was matched with the voters' list, we could achieve a good vaccination rate.
How has J&K tackled vaccine hesitancy?
In the initial stages, there was vaccine hesitancy in J&K. Thanks to some media reports, there was more fear of the 'info-demic' than the pandemic. We got our eminent doctors to put out messages on electronic media that vaccine is necessary and safe. We also involved religious leaders and grassroots administration.
Are there any timelines for vaccination in J&K?
We hope to complete 100% vaccination for the 45-plus population (at least one dose) by June 30 and 30% for those aged 18-44 years (first dose) by July.
How will you rate the current security situation in J&K?
The security situation is much better than last year. We will focus on investigation, engagement of youth and also updating school curriculum to include scientific education. We are also ensuring more employment for our youths through programmes like 'Mission Youth'. Our unemployment figure was 19% when I took over as LG, in March, it came down to 9%, though now it has risen to 11%. J&K is better placed than Delhi, Bihar, Goa or Rajasthan.