Says “Op Sindoor, economic momentum define a decisive shift in policy, strategy
LG projects a future driven by infrastructure, digital governance
Sinha signals a decisive shift towards stability and prosperity.
Jammu : Jammu and Kashmir marked the 77th Republic Day with a powerful narrative of economic resurgence, infrastructure expansion and a recalibrated security doctrine, signalling a transition from recovery to sustained growth and national resolve. In his Republic Day Address the Lt Governor projected the Union Territory as entering a new phase of development, driven by double-digit economic growth, major infrastructure milestones and a hardened security posture against cross-border challenges. LG Sinha said that J&K recorded an economic growth rate of 11 per cent, describing it as a “new dawn” for governance, development and stability in the region.
Security Doctrine Redefined After Pahalgam : In his address the Lt Governor highlighted the transformed security landscape following the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025. He said that launch of Operation Sindoor was presented as a decisive shift in India’s response doctrine, asserting that any attack on Indian soil would be treated as an act of war. LG Sinha also referred to non-kinetic measures, including the termination of the Indus Water Treaty, as a strong diplomatic signal that violence and cooperation cannot coexist. Sinha said that Operation Mahadev led to the neutralisation of those responsible for the Pahalgam attack, reinforcing the commitment to justice, peace and long-term stability.
Economy Shows Resilience, Momentum : Sinha said that despite the challenges of the past year, including natural disasters and security concerns, Jammu and Kashmir’s economy showed strong resilience. He further said that the Gross State Domestic Product for 2024–25 is projected to reach ₹2.62 lakh crore, adding therein tourism remained a key driver with 1.61 crore tourist visits recorded till November 2025. The Lt Governor said nine new international-standard tourist destinations are under development to diversify the sector, adding therein further that Industrial growth also continued, with over 2,200 industrial units becoming operational since 2020 and more than ₹27,613 crore in investments currently in the pipeline.
Youth, Employment, Merit-Based Governance : In his address Lt Governor projected Youth empowerment as a core development priority, with Mission YUVA emerging as the flagship programme for entrepreneurship and employment generation. He said that the mission targets the creation of 1.35 lakh entrepreneurial units, with 1.51 lakh youth already registered in its first year. He also highlighted the completion of 7,650 merit-based government recruitments in 2025 and announced that nearly 24,000 more recruitments are currently in process, signalling a shift towards transparency and meritocracy in public employment.
Infra Push, Connectivity:
Highlighting major infrastructure achievements including the realisation of full railway connectivity linking Kashmir with the rest of the country the Lt Governor said that ₹61,528 crore is currently being invested in national highways, expressways and strategic tunnels, including the Zojila Tunnel. Rapid execution of major hydropower projects is expected to add over 3,000 MW to the power grid, while rural connectivity has expanded under PMGSY-IV, linking 2,400 previously unconnected habitations to the main road network.
Social Justice, Inclusive Development: On the social front, the Lt Governor reiterated a commitment to inclusive development, particularly for marginalised communities. He said that tribal communities have been mainstreamed through institutional initiatives and cultural recognition, while the resettlement process for Kashmiri migrants continues, with over 3,700 flats completed for migrant employees and thousands already allotted. He also highlighted the Agricultural reforms including increased oilseed production under the “Yellow Revolution” and the global branding of local produce through GI tags.
Women-Led Growth, Rural Entrepreneurship: The Lt Governor presented Women-led development as a central pillar of the socio-economic strategy. He said that under the Rural Livelihood Mission, around eight lakh women are now linked to more than 94,000 self-help groups, adding therein that two lakh “Lakhpati Didis” have already been created, with 50 women crossing the million-rupee income threshold, emerging as “Millionaire Didis.” He also highlighted large-scale training programmes and support for micro-startups that he said have further strengthened rural entrepreneurship.
Digital Governance, Financial Reforms: Lt Governor in his address also outlined major progress in digital governance, with more than 1,500 public services now available online and 82 crore e-transactions recorded over the past year. Stating that through Direct Benefit Transfer, ₹9,000 crore was transferred directly to 80 lakh beneficiaries following 100 per cent Aadhaar seeding the Lt Governor also announced the implementation of a comprehensive AI strategy aimed at improving efficiency in healthcare, agriculture and law enforcement. He also said that financial indicators reflected improved institutional health, with GST collections rising to ₹8,586 crore in FY 2024–25 and power tariff revenue increasing by 16 per cent. He cited Jammu and Kashmir Bank as a key example of financial reform, with Net NPAs falling to 0.85 per cent and capital adequacy improving to 14.99 per cent following professional restructuring.
Social Security, Future Vision: Lt Governor in his address also said that strengthening the social safety net remained a priority, with 36.15 lakh workers registered on the e-Shram portal and expansion underway for major pension and social security schemes for labourers and farmers. Concluding his address, the Lt Governor called for unity against drug abuse and the terror ecosystem, asserting that sustainable development requires social discipline and collective responsibility. As the Tricolour unfurled across the Union Territory, the message was clear: Jammu and Kashmir is moving towards a future defined by security, inclusive growth and institutional reform, with women and youth positioned at the centre of its development trajectory.
