WHAT WORKED, WHAT DIDN’T
The first BJP government in Haryana, led by a first-time MLA, completed three years in power on Thursday. Here are five highs and lows of its rule
HIGHS
Fair recruitments: Recruitments in government departments during Khattar’s tenure have been done in a transparent manner.
Grievance redressal: With the launch of the CM’s window for grievance redressal, the common man has been empowered.
Improved sex ratio: Impetus on implementing the PNDT Act led to an improved sex ratio. The sex ratio at birth stood at 950 girls to 1,000 boys in March this year.
Online transfers: The online transfer of teachers has brought transparency in the system. The model has also been replicated by Punjab. Other BJP-ruled states are planning to implement it.
Clean image: Khattar, a first-time MLA and chief minister, enjoys a clean image. There are no charges of corruption or impropriety against him.
LOWS
Poor law and order: From controversial sect leader Sant Rampal’s arrest to the Jat stir to the violence after the conviction of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the official machinery exhibited lack of preparedness to tackle law and order problems. Self-appointed cow vigilantes
(gaurakshaks): Since Haryana Gau Seva Aayog chairman Bhani Ram Mangla’s directed sampling of biryani collected in Mewat days ahead of Eid, there have conflicts between “cattle smugglers” and self-appointed cow vigilantes Shelving Dadupur-Nalvi
scheme: Calling off the Dadupur Nalvi irrigation scheme without legal provisions was another miscalculation. It gave the opposition an opportunity to attack the government. Inability to resolve Jat
quota row: The law enacted to grant reservation to the Jat community remains legally untenable and the quota issue has become an albatross around Khattar’s neck with Jat leaders threatening the government every now and then. Sluggish decision-making: The pace of taking decisions and implementing them has left a lot to be desired primarily because of Khattar’s own lack of experience and administrative acumen and too much reliance on a go-ahead from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).