These norms, earlier, were never adhered to and those who once used to be elected representatives always found it easy to keep the allotted accommodations to themselves even after they seized to be elected, but over time, from the last few years, that trend seems to be changing; no matter who is on the other side, be it a Chief Minister, or any other prominent politician, if they are not entitled to perks and facilities, it is being ensured they do not have it and rather, manage on their own—out of their very own pockets.
At present, in J&K, there is no Government which means that there are no elected representatives—except for Corporators, DDCs and others who belong to the Panchayati Raj Institutions—and that means that those who used to be once, should not, by any means, occupy the Government accommodations which they have been for decades now. They need to know that they are enjoying the privileges and other facilities on the taxpayer’s money: the Janata, and the present-day administration has to ensure that the money of the Janata is not wasted, and is utilized in the areas needed.
The politicians are not legally qualified for holding on to the accommodations provided to them and they instead of creating a controversy whenever they are told to vacate, should silently hand the premises over to the concerned department and look for something of their own. Similarly, while the administration is duty-bound to ensure the rightful spending of the money of people, they should also desist from providing such accommodations for running the offices of the political parties in J&K, no matter who is on the other side. Better have parity in this regard.
