They form the most important pillar of ‘Viksit Bharat Plan’. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already called upon the country’s youth to join politics, saying it would be transformative for India’s future.
Street Talk
Expert Opinion
Let me begin with a statement of the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, from the archives. The Home Minister during an interaction with Kashmiri youth and children in a programme organised last year in February by an NGO Sarhad at Pune stated that the Kashmiri youth have the capability of not only leading the country but also the world.
The encouragement of the Home Minister to Kashmiri youth came at a time when the ground situation in the J&K region, particularly in Kashmir, has drastically changed for betterment. In fact, it was a booster dose of confidence to channelize the power of Kashmiri youth deep into the national mainstream and assure them of a secure and bright future. The statement served as an assurance to the youth that their exploitation and persecution is a thing of the past and they won’t face challenges in carving a safe space for themselves with dignity anywhere in the country.
Actually, reproducing the 20-month old statement of the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, has a reason in my personal visit to Pulwama district last week where I witnessed an assembly of youth thronging an office building in a festive mood in the vicinity of the district headquarters. The people, particularly youth, in large numbers were entering into the building with enthusiasm visible on their face. Though a group of security guards was manning the main gate, nobody was frisked while making their way into the office building.
Even as there was no signage placed on any part of the building to reveal the exact identity of the nature of the office housed in it, I could spot from a distance MLA Pulwama, Waheed-ur-Rehman Para coming out of the building mingled with a group of youth. The MLA also spotted me and hurried towards me.
After exchanging greetings, I asked him: “Are you here to address your party workers?”
“No. This building houses my office exclusively for listening to the people of my constituency on a daily basis irrespective of their party affiliations and resolving their issues in a time-bound manner,” he said.
It was heartening to see a young politician in the capacity of a lawmaker generating festive mood among people around him in the constituency. I could see it clearly that he was not forcing himself on the people, but the people were gladly and fearlessly swarming him to feel the warmth of mainstream politics. Precisely, a radical change through the transfer of ownership of mainstream politics to youth was visible through this young 1988-born MLA from Pulwama constituency.
Before sharing my unscheduled, but useful conversation with the lawmaker, Waheed-ur-Rehman, let us revisit the role of youth in our political system. Actually, in the journey towards achieving the status of a Viksit Bharat, there is a need to encourage political participation of the youth beyond the casting of a vote through reservation for them in political parties as well as in the parliament and legislative assemblies. By striking the right balance of young talent and young politicians, we can drive change in perception of politics and build public faith in the political system. Our youth force is aware of the issues confronting our country, and it makes sense to provide them a political space beyond being voters so that they would be ready to change the political landscape of the country and make our country a better place to live.
To be precise, the participation of youth in mainstream politics as lawmakers is throwing exciting opportunities to transform and help the country to achieve its target of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed nation) by 2047.
Remarkably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi,in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio broadcast on August 25 (Sunday), called upon the country’s youth to join politics, saying it would be transformative for India’s future. The PM in his Independence Day speech from Red Fort had urged one lakh youth not from a political background to connect with the political system. This call from the PM witnessed good response.
Now coming back to the conversation with Waheed Para, his presence in the heart of his constituency to get attached to the grassroot developmental issues hints at redefining of public services through systemic efficiency and public grievance redressal. With a structured, technology-driven approach, this lawmaker’s office, which is no ordinary political outpost in the heart of Pulwama is a model for inclusive and responsive governance, transcending the geographical confines of his constituency.
Professionally set up, it boasts a spacious hall, private chambers for consultations, fully functional washrooms, and an efficient heating system—amenities designed not just for functionality but also for the comfort of visitors. At the core of this operation are professionals equipped with modern technology, working on computers to address a myriad of issues brought forth by the public.
What sets this office apart is its meticulous record-keeping. Each visitor’s purpose is logged, along with detailed information such as contact details, the nature of the grievance, and follow-up actions. This systematic approach ensures not only transparency but also traceability, making it possible to monitor progress and hold the office accountable.
As I glanced through the records, I found over 8,000 individuals have visited the office since the lawmaker took oath, impressing its role as a vital conduit between the populace and the bureaucracy.
The concept of the initiative, as explained by Para, is that the office operates with a proactive philosophy that prioritizes swift grievance redressal. Whether it’s through issuing Directional Official (DO) letters or making direct phone calls to concerned officials, the mechanisms in place are both responsive and effective. “To date, over 150 DO letters have been issued, and more than 9,000 phone calls have been made to government officials, facilitating solutions to a wide range of issues,” he said.
The nature of grievances addressed is as diverse as the people who bring them. From landless individuals seeking rehabilitation to disabled persons fighting bureaucratic apathy, the office serves as a sanctuary for those marginalized by the system. This inclusivity, coupled with the efficient deployment of technology, has significantly enhanced the trust between the people and their representative.
Remarkably, the impact of Para’s initiatives is not confined to Pulwama alone. His office has become a beacon of hope for people across the region, attracting visitors from Budgam, Rajpora, Pampore, Srinagar, and even as far as Jammu. This cross-constituency appeal hints to the credibility the lawmaker has cultivated in a short span of time. His willingness to assist anyone who seeks help speaks volumes about his broader vision of public service.
By creating a structured system that combines professional efficiency with a humane touch, he ensures that no grievance goes unheard. Observing the office in action reveals a striking sense of orderliness and purpose. The staff, equipped with technology and guided by clear protocols, work diligently to address issues ranging from administrative hurdles to urgent social concerns.
Moreover, it is uniquely welcoming to the underprivileged and marginalized. Disabled individuals and economically disadvantaged groups often find themselves at the forefront of his attention. This inclusivity not only addresses systemic inequities but also reinforces the perception of his office as a space for justice and equity.
In an era where politics is often mired in cynicism, Waheed Para’s model offers a glimpse into what representative governance can achieve when driven by integrity and innovation. His ability to combine grassroots accessibility with systemic efficiency has set a new benchmark for political offices. By leveraging technology and creating an atmosphere of accountability, Para is perhaps redefining the role of an MLA, transforming his office into a hub of problem-solving rather than mere politicking.
If his current trajectory is any indication, Waheed Para is set to leave an indelible mark on the politics of the region, inspiring others to follow suit in prioritizing the needs of the people over the exigencies of power.
(The author is aveteran journalist/columnist. He is former Head of Corporate Communication & CSR and Internal Communication & Knowledge Management Departments of J&K Bank)