It should definitely be seen as an encouraging and necessary decision that the Jammu and Kashmir administration has, under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, issued an order for government jobs to be provided to the Next of Kin (NoK) of persons killed in cross-border shelling.
The scheme is fully in the spirit of humanity, in recognizing the unending sacrifices of victims of border hostilities and in offering some forms of assistance to their bereaved families.
In recent times, the sunrise and sunset of life outside the Line of Control (LoC) and International Boundary (IB) has begun its shrill sound in episode of being carried out with uninterrupted fire and shelling from wherever it is coming.
But loose words cannot change the status of those that have been killed, including women and children; they have left families destroyed physically and financially.
The government has not been known to adopt a unilateral decision for a maximum amount of legitimacy in employment of family NoK, as no compensation can ever replace a family loss, but the government’s decision to have NoKs registered for employment is a step towards allowing members of society to support those known families of loss.
This can be useful or serve in many areas. Primarily, it will guarantee security towards securing a secure financial arrangement for family loss of financial means, as well as avoiding developing into the depths of poverty.
Let us recall, first and foremost, that the order of verification of cases along the borders rather than the application of withdrawal and employment scheme generates a few things. Firstly, it makes a tangible acknowledgement and gratitude for the difficulty endured by these borderland-sitters, Secondly, it demonstrates the government’s commitment to improve the circumstances of the most vulnerable classes.
This in itself sets a precedence for both other states and the Centre to follow, It can be safe to say that it adds the human touch to governance so far as giving its wings to development and empathy can have primary importance.
It shows the resolve of the government to be at the side of the people of J&K, especially those suffering from the stresses of circumstances beyond their control.
The LG administration should be praised on this conscious and meaningful policy, that confirms that government, above all, is best utilized by restoring dignity to life and relieving suffering. One could only hope that policies such as this will be able to survive on trust and fraternity between the people and the administration in Jammu and Kashmir,
This is not only a jobs scheme: It is a promise of solidarity, a guarantee of hope, and a way forward for stable peace.
