Ajas Residents Decry Delayed Services Due to Lack of Permanent Tehsildar

SRINAGAR: Residents of Tehsil Ajas in Bandipora district have expressed frustration over the prolonged delays in receiving basic revenue services, attributing the issue to the absence of a permanent Tehsildar. 

Currently, the Tehsildar of Hajin is holding additional charge of Tehsil Ajas, a situation locals claim has led to inefficiency and neglect in the functioning of the Tehsil.  

Under the Public Service Guarantee Act, services such as income certificates and revenue extracts are to be provided within a stipulated period of 30 days. However, locals allege that even simple tasks like issuing income certificates take the full 30 days, with no effort to expedite the process.  

“We are suffering due to the lack of a permanent Tehsildar. For a simple income certificate, we have to wait for weeks. The additional charge system is just an excuse for delays,” Mohammad Amin, a local resident told Kashmir Dot Com.

Another resident, Fatima Begum, echoed similar concerns, stating, “The government claims that services are being delivered online and in less time, but on the ground, nothing has changed. We are still running from pillar to post for basic documents.”  

The absence of a full-time Tehsildar has also impacted the issuance of revenue extracts, with locals claiming they have to wait for weeks to get their work done. “The reluctance of the Tehsildar and the additional charge system are taking a toll on the functioning of the Tehsil. We feel neglected,” said Abdul Rashid, a farmer from Ajas.  

When contacted, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Manzoor Qadri, acknowledged that the Tehsildar of Hajin is currently handling the additional charge of Tehsil Ajas. However, he stated that he has not received any direct complaints from locals regarding the delays. “If there are genuine grievances, we will address them promptly,” he assured.  

Meanwhile, locals have appealed to the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister, and Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir to intervene and appoint a permanent Tehsildar for Tehsil Ajas. “We urge the authorities to look into this matter and post a dedicated Tehsildar here. The additional charge system is not working for us,” said a group of residents. (KDC)