This week, Omar Abdullah took an important step, administering the Vigilance Awareness Oath to his cabinet colleagues and officials as part of the national Vigilance Awareness Week observance. Symbolically, this is an admirable gesture, especially in a time when public trust hinges on transparency and accountability within the corridors of power. But while taking the oath may be a sign of commitment, it is only the beginning of a much longer, more challenging journey toward integrity and effective governance.
Words alone are never enough. Public service ultimately rests on action, particularly in the timely delivery of services without bureaucratic delays or under-the-table dealings. For ordinary citizens, their interactions with the government are marked by the assurance that services will be provided without hassle, as guaranteed by law. This brings to mind the Service Guarantee Act, an initiative of the previous administration aimed at delivering services promptly, without unnecessary delays or complications.
The citizens of Jammu and Kashmir desire genuine change that goes beyond symbolic pledges. They want to see the reinstatement and strengthening of laws like the Service Guarantee Act, where service delivery is fast, reliable, and accessible to all without hidden costs. The focus should be on addressing delays that often push people into corrupt systems to expedite their work.
If the National Conference and its administration are serious about delivering on the promises implied by this oath, they should prioritize transparent and punctual service delivery, supported by a strong framework to hold officials accountable for delays. Vigilance is as much about preventing corruption as it is about maintaining efficiency. Only by providing prompt and dependable services can the government truly embody the spirit of the Vigilance Oath and earn the trust of the people they are meant to serve.
In the end, the real test lies not in the words recited but in the actions taken. Honesty, when coupled with efficient service delivery, would provide a model worth upholding. To regain and build upon public trust, this administration must show that vigilance is not merely a theme for one week but a standard for every day.
