Delivering faster governance

The review of administrative reforms by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo highlights an important reality for Jammu and Kashmir, i.e. modern governance cannot depend solely on new portals, rules and digital platforms. The real measure of reform is whether these interventions make the government faster, more transparent and more responsive to citizens. The proposed operationalisation of the online Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) Portal is therefore a welcome step. Digitising the promotion process, with defined Maker, Checker and Approver levels, can reduce procedural delays and improve transparency. However, technology will succeed only when departments adopt the system seriously and officials ensure that files do not remain stuck at different stages. Equally significant is the ongoing effort to finalise Recruitment Rules. With 36 services cleared through the Standing Committee and 13 through Executive Orders, progress has been made, but the remaining services cannot be allowed to linger indefinitely. Clear recruitment rules are essential for timely appointments, career progression and effective manpower planning. The Chief Secretary’s direction to ensure optimum utilisation of seats in professional courses is also important. Empty seats represent not merely an administrative gap but an underutilisation of expensive infrastructure, faculty and educational resources. BOPEE must use data-driven counselling and additional rounds wherever required, while institutions should adapt courses to changing employment demands. The Government Press presents another area requiring attention. With only 65.53 per cent of printing jobs completed and revenue significantly below the annual target, operational efficiency needs closer scrutiny. Recovering outstanding dues and considering outsourcing for heavy workloads may help improve performance. Ultimately, administrative reform must move beyond digitisation for its own sake. Recruitment rules, promotions, professional admissions, training and government services should become measurable, time-bound and citizen-oriented. The challenge now is implementation. If these reforms translate into fewer delays, better utilisation of resources and quicker decisions, they can significantly strengthen the culture of governance in J&K.