Honest administration key to human happiness: J

Srinagar, Jul 13 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra today called for efficient, transparent and honest governance and satisfactory delivery of public services for enhancing the quality of life and human happiness.

Participating in a discussion on the ''Jammu and Kashmir Human Development Report (HDR)'' organised by the Universities of Kashmir and Jammu here this morning, Mr Vohra hoped the report would contribute in establishing a credible baseline for mapping further progress in vital sectors of development, like health and education.

It would also serve as an instrument in serving more sophisticated planning process with a particular focus on enhancing the levels of growth and development which were reported to be lagging behind, in the analysis put forward in the report.

The Governor cautioned against getting depressed about some of the less satisfying conclusions brought in the report.

''Instead of getting obsessed by dismal evaluatory findings, let's look forward in a determined and positive manner'' he said.

The Governor observed that it may be well to remember, in the context of Jammu and Kashmir, that there have been varied problems and disadvantages which have been beyond the control of the people at large.

Such drawbacks featured in the planning process, should move forward objectively.

The Governor said in past the planning authorities were essentially pre-occupied with grave problems of extreme food scarcity, large scale poverty, unemployment, disease, hunger and illiteracy.

Thanks to the enormous developmental gains achieved, including the outstanding success of the Green Revolution, we had reached a stage where we are concerned with the issues of human happiness.

He urged everybody to work and see that Jammu and Kashmir becomes an example of 'Paradise Regained' instead of 'Paradise Lost'.

The Governor complimented the Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Professor Riyaz Punjabi and Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof Amitabh Mattoo besides Dr R L Bhat, who had steered the preparation of the report.

Among others, Prof Abhijit Sen, Member Planning Commission, Dr Haseeb Drabu, Economic Advisor to the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Jayanti Ghosh, Member of the National Knowledge Commission and Mr S S Kapur, Chief Secretary spoke on the occasion.

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