Media Delegation Meets Puducherry LG, Discusses Governance, Infra, J&K Development

Puducherry| Sept, 16 : A media delegation recently met Puducherry Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, IAS (Retd.), for an interaction covering governance, infrastructure, investment, employment and welfare delivery, besides drawing comparisons with development priorities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Kailashnathan, who has had a long administrative career in Gujarat and Puducherry, spoke about his experience in urban development, industries, water resources, ports and major infrastructure projects.
According to the Puducherry government’s official profile, Kailashnathan joined the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office in 2006 as Principal Secretary to then Chief Minister Narendra Modi and served in senior positions in the Gujarat administration until June 2024. He subsequently took charge as Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.
During the interaction, he referred to several infrastructure and development initiatives associated with his administrative career, including the Raska Water Project, Gujarat’s drinking-water pipeline network, GIFT City, the Narmada project and the redevelopment of Gandhi Sabarmati Ashram.
The discussion also covered the importance of strengthening basic civic infrastructure before pursuing larger economic ambitions. Reliable roads, rail connectivity, electricity, water supply and digital infrastructure were identified as important requirements for attracting investment and reducing the cost of doing business.
Kailashnathan also emphasised employment generation and the role of transparent recruitment processes. He underlined the need to create adequate vacancies and ensure free and fair examinations to provide young people with opportunities in government employment.
The interaction also covered private-sector employment, technology-driven opportunities and the potential for expanding the IT sector. The delegation discussed the need for skill development and vocational training to improve employment prospects for young people.
Welfare delivery was another area discussed during the interaction. Kailashnathan referred to mechanisms such as direct benefit transfers and food support for vulnerable households. Support for fishermen during the off-season was also discussed as an example of targeted welfare assistance.
On Jammu and Kashmir, the discussion focused on the region’s need to attract investment and expand employment-generating sectors. Kailashnathan referred to the use of tax incentives by Union Territories such as Daman and Diu during their earlier industrialisation efforts, while stressing that incentives need to be supported by adequate infrastructure and a conducive business environment.
The discussion identified infrastructure, investment and human capital as interconnected areas for J&K’s development. Improved connectivity and basic services can support industrial and private investment, while education, skill development and transparent recruitment can strengthen employment opportunities.
The interaction also covered the potential of sectors such as manufacturing, tourism and IT to contribute to employment and economic diversification in J&K.
The delegation noted that Kailashnathan’s administrative experience spans nearly two decades in Gujarat’s Chief Minister’s Office, besides his subsequent role in Puducherry. His experience includes urban administration, water infrastructure, industrial development, ports and major public projects.