Sinha Shines: LG Sinha ranks 53 in Indian Express’ 100 Most Powerful Indians List 2024

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has clinched the 53rd spot in the esteemed Indian Express 100 most powerful Indians list for 2024.
Recognized for his pivotal role in steering the region, Sinha’s influential presence highlights his impactful leadership during his three-year tenure. The Indian Express commends his commitment to efficient administration, citing initiatives such as the widely acclaimed “Awaam Ki Awaaz” feature, and underscores his dedication to governance through regular video-conferencing meetings and prompt grievance resolution via the LG’s grievance cell. Having led Jammu & Kashmir for over three years, the Lieutenant Governor has intensified public engagement, frequently participating in numerous events within a single day. Addressing critical issues like targeted killings, protests by Kashmiri Pandits, and challenges faced by the Gujjar/Bakerwal communities, his role has been pivotal, particularly in the absence of elected leaders in the region. Guided by the central government under Prime Minister Modi, he has taken charge of spearheading infrastructure development, showcasing commendable leadership. Notably, the successful hosting of the G20 tourism group meeting in Srinagar stands as another significant achievement under his tenure.
LG Sinha’s emphasis on efficient administration is evident throughout his tenure. The widely embraced “L-G Mulaqat,” a fortnightly feature, has gained popularity among the populace. The entire administration convenes through video-conferencing, and grievances submitted via the LG’s grievance cell are promptly addressed, as highlighted in a concise introduction by IE. Having assumed office as the second LG in Jammu and Kashmir on August 6, 2020, he is poised to mark four years in August this year. From the outset, LG Sinha displayed optimism, orchestrating the DCC elections for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir, fostering peaceful participation to fortify grassroots democracy. In the last four years, the cessation of street violence, once a persistent concern, has now become a distant memory. Militant incidents in the region have dwindled, attributed to a robust crackdown by Jammu & Kashmir Government on its ecosystem. Enhanced coordination among security agencies has facilitated positive transformations, culminating in the establishment of peace in the region The LG administration has spearheaded numerous development projects, including the establishment of 2 AIIMS, 2 cancer hospitals, 7 medical colleges, IIT, IIM, NIFT, and various highway and tunnel initiatives, amounting to 1.50 lakh crore rupees.
In the past year, the Union Territory experienced a surge in tourist footfall, welcoming over 1 crore 88 lac visitors. This uptick has generated economic opportunities for hotels, taxi drivers, shikara operators, and others, invigorating the J&K economy. A notable achievement includes hosting over 3.20 lac pilgrims at the holy cave, with the collaborative efforts of all societal segments, particularly Kashmiri Muslims, playing a pivotal role in the Yatra’s success. Under LG Sinha’s leadership, cinemas in Kashmir have been reopened, turning J&K into a focal point for filmmakers. With the improved ground situation, the region is once again becoming a preferred destination, attracting around 300 films and serials in different languages since the launch of the new film policy by the J&K government two years ago. With filmmakers returning, J&K is reclaiming its status as a preferred film shooting destination following the launch of a new film policy in 2021, reminiscent of the cinematic era of the 1980s when Hollywood and Bollywood films graced Kashmir.
LG Sinha is the architect of a groundbreaking industrial policy that attracted significant investments to the region, ushering in a golden period of industrial development facilitated by the Prime Minister’s Industrial Development Policy. The Jammu and Kashmir government has received investment proposals exceeding 90,000 crores, and the administration is committed to transforming these proposals into tangible reality, prioritizing this pivotal task. Highlighting the remarkable progress, LG Sinha mentioned that private investments in the industrial sector of Jammu and Kashmir were a mere Rs. 14,000-15,000 crore until 2021. The region has also received proposals for healthcare projects from prominent entities like EMAAR Group, Noon.com, Al Maya Group, GL Employment, MATU Investments, and others. In 2023, the UT administration approved the ‘Land to Landless’ scheme, emphasizing that agricultural land cannot be purchased by non-domiciles. Simultaneously, investments in industries, hotels, hospitals, educational institutions, and infrastructure development are strongly encouraged. Under LG Sinha’s tenure, over 30,000 vacant government jobs have been filled in the last three years, and over six lakh youths have received technical and financial support to pursue entrepreneurship. LG Sinha spearheaded a slew of groundbreaking initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir, introducing the Polytechnics ranking portal, the JK Innovation Hub portal, Centralised Academic Monitoring & Improvement System, and aligning the curriculum with the National Educational Policy 2020. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID pandemic, J&K demonstrated positive economic growth compared to other states, with GST collections surpassing the national average. Efforts to enhance connectivity are evident with ambitious highway projects worth 1.50 Lakh Cr underway, significantly reducing travel time between key destinations. The inauguration of Kashmir’s first electric train by PM Modi signals a milestone in railway connectivity. The region witnessed a surge in air connectivity, with a notable increase in flight operations at Srinagar and Jammu airports under LG Sinha’s leadership, revolutionizing regional connectivity.
Focused on youth employment, over 6 lakh rural women have been empowered through self-help groups, contributing to the socio-economic development of Jammu & Kashmir. A strategic focus on agriculture and horticulture sectors is evident, with significant investments and initiatives aimed at boosting productivity and increasing GDP. The ‘Yellow revolution’ in oilseed crops marks a transformative shift in Kashmir’s agricultural landscape. The Back to Village and My Town My Program initiatives, launched by the LG administration, serve as effective platforms for bridging the gap between the government and the people, ensuring prompt redressal of grievances and fostering direct communication between the administration and the masses.