News Kashmir Exclusive
In a major development, Veteran politician, Shri Satya Pal Malik was recently sworn-in as the 13th Governor of Jammu and Kashmir .J&K High Court Chief Justice, Justice Gita Mittal administered the oath of office to Shri Malik at a simple but impressive function at bedecked sprawling lawns of Raj Bhavan here.The warrant of appointment of Shri Malik was read out by the Chief Secretary, B V R Subrahmanyam. A poet and author, Shri Malik was previously the Governor of Bihar and Odisha and was appointed J&K Governor by the President of India on 21 August 2018.
Born on 24 July 1946 to a family of agriculturists in village, Hisawada, Baghpat (district Meerut) in Uttar Pradesh, Shri Malik after graduating in science, pursued law degree at Meerut University before joining politics. He also holds a diploma in Parliamentary Affairs from the Institute of Constitutional and Parliamentary Studies run by Parliament of India.
He was a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly during 1974-77. He was also the member of the 9th Lok Sabha and represented Aligarh Constituency from 1989 to 1991. He was member of Rajya sabha from Uttar Pradesh for two terms of 1980-86 and 1986-1992.
Shri Malik served as Union Minister of State, Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism from 21 April 1990 to 10 November 1990.
Former Chief Ministers, Dr Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti; Union Minister of State in PMO, Dr Jitendra Singh, Speaker J&K Legislative Assembly, Dr Nirmal Singh; MPs; Legislators; Heads of Constitutional Bodies; Governor’s Advisors, B B Vyas, K Vijay Kumar and Khurshid Ahmad Ganai; serving and former Judges of the J&K High Court; Director General of Police, Dr S P Vaid; Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir & Jammu; senior civil, police CRPF, BSF and Army officers, political and civil society representatives were among the modest gathering of 400 dignitaries who attended the oath ceremony.
Bilal Bashir Bhat, a young journalist commenting on the development stated “Shri Malik has replaced a heavyweight like NN Vohra . We know he has been member of several Parliamentary Committees including Panel of Chairman, General Purposes Committee, Business Advisory Committee, Chairman, Joint Sub Committee on Telecasting of Proceedings of both Houses of Parliament, Chairman, Committee on Papers Laid on the Table and Parliamentary Consultative Committee.He is also a poet and author and has written two books on poetry and a Political Commentary. We are hopeful that he uses his political acumen to fullest to guide the trouble torn state in right direction especially in these tough times .”
On the otherhand of the spectrum, Having special interest in history and archaeology, Shri Malik is also known for his social activities including establishing day-care centres for the children of poor labourers.
He has also organised several farmers’ and youth movements during his more than six decades long political career.
The pulse is filled with optimism that may his appointment change the fortunes opf state to better times .
