J-K bends but many more hurdles to cross

The jurisdiction of Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is one thing the resolution on Kashmir autonomy does not want to be extended to the State. Add this to the fact that with not much on either industrial or agricultural front to back upon for its economic sustenance — all these years, generous dole from New Delhi has put things in place in the troubled state — New Delhi is treading all the more cautiously on this particular subject.

As a senior North Block official pointed out, “We would, of course, like to know how the J-K Government hopes to cover its huge financial commitment to its people once — and if — the autonomy is granted to the state. Their resolution is clear: barring defence, communications and external affairs, it wants all other powers to be vested with the State Government. How they handle their finances in this scenario, therefore, becomes all the more crucial.”

As for the Prime Minister — and a few other central ministers too — talking in terms of `financial and administrative devolution” to J&K, observers here do not see much into the promise because there is nothing new in it. “As it is,” officials hold, “financial and administrative devolution is one of the major recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission. It has been suggested by the Commission for all States, not just the J&K. It should not be confused with autonomy.”

The group of secretaries entrusted with the task of going through the autonomy resolution has already held several meetings among themselves. But owing to the complex exercise it will be weeks-if not months — before the first draft of their recommendations could be placed before Home Minister L.K.Advani, sources insisted. “Therefore, any hope of a speedy solution to the vexed problem should not be entertained at this stage, even though the final decision in the matter will be political and not bureaucratic,” they added.

Apart from Finance Ministry, the North Block officials are also in “constant touch” with their counterparts in Law, Social Welfare and Education Ministries, it was disclosed. The final stand on the matter, however, would be taken only after thorough dissemination of the view-points expressed by these Ministries, the officials added.