“Laudable Is The Impressive Voter Turnout In Recent Elections As A Reflection Of People’s Faith In Democracy
“Peaceful Elections A Milestone For Restoring Democratic Governance,
Assembly’s Restoration Embodies Aspirations Of J&K People”
“Encouraged Collaboration Among Stakeholders To Fulfill People’s Aspiration, Govt Keeping Focus On Sustainable Dev, Job Creation Through Economic Reforms”
“Committed To Rehabilitating Kashmiri Migrants, Promoting Local Culture & Heritage, Enhance Infra , Road Connectivity, Public Services”
“There Is Need Of Fiscal Reforms To Improve J&K’s Financial Position, Govt Committed To Equitable Treatment For All Regions, Communities In Dev Initiatives”
“Tourism A Major Pillar For Economic Growth In J&K, Committed To Enhance Healthcare Particularly In Rural Areas”
“Plans In Offing to strengthen educational infra , access to quality education”
Srinagar: In his inaugural address to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday, Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha emphasized the pressing need for restoring Statehood to the region.
The Lt Governor commended the local populace for their impressive voter turnout in the recent elections, said that government will make all efforts for the restoration of full Statehood and constitutional guarantees available to the State. “It would be a befitting reciprocation of the faith reposed by the people in our democratic institutions, reflecting their enduring belief in democratic processes.” The Lieutenant Governor opened his speech by acknowledging the successful and peaceful conduct of the first democratic elections in over a decade. These elections marked the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and the subsequent reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory. He described this moment as a critical milestone in restoring democratic governance following a period of political uncertainty, highlighting it as a testament to the resilience of democracy, the strength of institutions, and the trust that the people of Jammu and Kashmir place in their democratic representation through the Assembly. “Witnessing the restoration of this esteemed house is a privilege,” Sinha said “as it once again reflects the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.” One of the most encouraging aspects of the 2024 elections was the notably high voter turnout, which the Lieutenant Governor cited as evidence of the people’s enduring faith in democratic processes.
He noted that the turnout was especially significant in areas that had previously been stifled by a vocal minority sympathetic to separatist sentiments. This, he indicated, illustrated that the people of Jammu and Kashmir continue to view electoral participation as a vital means of voicing their concerns and aspirations. Lt Governor said that successful completion of the electoral process represents an epoch in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. This session and the swearing-in of the newly elected government symbolize a moment of immense pride, strengthening not only the democratic fabric of the nation but also becoming a beacon of hope for a brighter and more inclusive future. “When I assumed the responsibility of leading the administration four years ago, my foremost priority was to conduct Assembly elections to ensure an elected government,” he said. LG also credited the successful achievement of this objective to the collaboration of political leaders, civil administration, security forces, and, most importantly, the people. “This accomplishment is a source of great satisfaction as I look forward to working together with all of you to strengthen democratic institutions and provide the governance and future that the people deserve.”
LG Sinha said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir now look to the government with high hopes and expectations. He affirmed his administration’s readiness to realize these aspirations, desire for a return to Statehood remains strong. Prime Minister has reiterated his commitment to restoring Statehood on several occasions, which has rekindled hope and reassurance among the people. The Council of Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir has recently passed a unanimous resolution calling for the immediate restoration of Statehood. This resolution reflects the collective will of the elected representatives, echoing the aspirations of the people for reinstating full democratic governance. “My government will make all efforts for the restoration of full Statehood and constitutional guarantees available to the State. This would be a fitting reciprocation of the faith placed by the people of Jammu and Kashmir in our democratic institutions,” Sinha added. He urged all stakeholders to collaborate as one team and extend full support to his government in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people. “My government is fully committed to implementing the promises made to the people for further political empowerment. The importance of creating an enabling environment for employment, sustainable development, social inclusiveness, and economic expansion to enhance the overall quality of life,” he said. Lt Governor said that government will work towards rehabilitating Kashmiri migrants with dignity, providing safe and secure accommodation in transit projects. “We will leverage technology to promote local culture, heritage, and art, and restore historical monuments through a value-based approach. Support for the development and promotion of traditional crafts will be augmented with global marketing efforts,” he added. LG laid out the government’s vision to operate on three guiding principles: Economy, Ecology, and Equity. “We commit ourselves to maintaining this balance for a better and brighter future for all. The assembly that Jammu and Kashmir is currently experiencing an annual growth rate of about 7%. “My government is determined to accelerate this growth trajectory and create more employment opportunities through policy interventions and infrastructure development,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also stressed the importance of fiscal reforms to strengthen the financial position of Jammu and Kashmir. “The vast natural resources endowed in Jammu and Kashmir will be developed sustainably, ensuring the protection of our ecosystem,” he noted. He assured that every section and region of Jammu and Kashmir would be treated equitably, emphasizing the government’s solemn commitment to inclusive and balanced development. Moreover, Sinha reaffirmed his government’s dedication to decision-making characterized by transparency and accountability, ensuring efficient and effective resource utilization. “Any inefficient use or misallocation of resources will be scrutinized, and necessary course corrections will be undertaken to ensure that the benefits of every penny are fully harnessed by the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. The government’s commitment extends to investing in youth capacity-building for gainful employment and fostering entrepreneurial opportunities. “The people’s expectations for improved living conditions—such as better roads, public transportation, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, schools, healthcare facilities, a healthy environment, and internet connectivity—will be met,” he promised.
LG Sinha said that connectivity is is crucial for economic development. While improvements have been made to the road network, Sinha acknowledged that further efforts are needed to connect inaccessible areas. He assured that the government would fully leverage funds from centrally sponsored schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and NABARD-funded programs to realize the vision of connecting every habitation with a road. The implementation of major ongoing connectivity projects will be expedited through the facilitation of land acquisition, forest clearances, and the removal of encroachments. Projects such as the ongoing Expressway, National Highways, and Ring Road developments for Jammu and Srinagar will be fast-tracked for early completion. LG Sinha also mentioned that work on upgrading and consolidating the Jammu-Akhnoor-Rajouri-Poonch National Highway would be expedited. New National Highway projects will be proposed to the Central Government to improve connectivity to remote and backward areas, aiming to accelerate economic growth. The anticipated rail connectivity to the valley is seen as a pivotal turning point for economic development and prosperity. “The introduction of night landing facilities at Jammu and Srinagar airports will further enhance connectivity and boost the tourism sector,” Sinha noted, pledging that the government would take all necessary measures to ensure that the developmental benefits of these initiatives reach the most remote areas and uplift the lives and livelihoods of their residents. LG Sinha said that government is dedicated to providing 200 units of free electricity to deserving households, and we are currently finalizing the necessary modalities. Jammu and Kashmir is blessed with abundant water resources that have yet to be fully harnessed. We aim to maximize their potential, enhancing both the economic wellbeing of our people and the financial stability of the region. “To achieve significant advancements in our energy sector, we will seek support from the Government of India. The completion of four mega hydroelectric power projects, with a sanctioned capacity of 3,014 MW, will be expedited, with a goal to double our hydropower generation capacity by 2026,” he said.
LG Sinha said this initiative will not only make Jammu and Kashmir self-sufficient in power but also enable us to generate revenue from this vital green resource. We will also rigorously pursue an additional four mega hydroelectric power projects with a capacity of 1,818 MW. “The Rangarajan Committee Report, crafted under the guidance of former RBI Governor Dr. C. Rangarajan in 2011, outlines a roadmap for creating jobs and enhancing economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir.” He said government is committed to implementing this report in collaboration with the Government of India to address structural issues in our economy, support skill-building initiatives, and stimulate inclusive growth.
“Effective collaboration with the Government of India will be essential to mobilize the necessary resources, funding, and support required for these reforms. In our efforts to harness renewable energy, my government plans to solarize all government buildings with a tentative cumulative capacity of 300 MW,” he said. Under the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna, we aim to solarize 84,000 households initially, with a focus also on small hydropower projects to fully realize their potential. “We are committed to providing free, clean, and safe drinking water to all. To achieve this goal, 3,256 water supply schemes, at an estimated cost of over ₹13,000 crores, are underway, which will provide functional household tap connections to all 19.27 lakh rural households by March 2025. To ensure the quality of drinking water, we will establish NABL-accredited labs at appropriate levels,” he said. LG Sinha said that tourism sector is a major pillar of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, capable of boosting various services and industrial sectors such as transport, hospitality, horticulture, and small-scale industries, thereby generating income and job opportunities for the local population. “My government will treat tourism as an “industry,” extending all necessary benefits to ensure growth in investment, infrastructure, and services. We will focus on enhancing the quality of tourist experiences and managing tourist inflows effectively,” he said. LG Sinha said Tawi Barrage Project, an artificial lake, is progressing well and is expected to enhance tourism potential in Jammu City. Additionally, the upcoming railway connectivity to Kashmir, which is nearing completion, will significantly boost tourism in both Kashmir and the Pir Panjal region. “Our J&K Industrial Policy 2021-30 aims to encourage private investment and boost the industrial sector. A new central sector package of ₹28,400 crores is also available to stimulate investment. Recently, the Jammu and Kashmir Council of Ministers passed a unanimous resolution to review the J&K Industrial Policy 2021-30 to further achieve these objectives,” he said.
Lt Governor said that they are mulling to develop 46 new industrial estates with modern facilities to attract industries and enhance job opportunities. Additionally, we will focus on establishing industrial parks or clusters to provide shared facilities and resources, making it easier for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to thrive, he said. He said that handloom and handicraft sector will receive significant support, including through e-commerce platforms to boost production and exports. G.I. tagging of crafts will be promoted to provide them with global market access. We will continue to support local artisans by improving their access to markets and credit to promote traditional crafts. “This includes facilitating marketing of local products through trade fairs, exhibitions, and online platforms. In 2021, Srinagar was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, acknowledging its rich heritage and excellence in crafts, particularly its world-renowned Kashmiri handicrafts,” he said. Lt Governor said that government is committed to providing state-of-the-art healthcare facilities to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir. We will focus on enhancing healthcare services in rural areas, particularly regarding maternal and child health. Critical care blocks will be established in districts to strengthen emergency services,” he added. “The government will create a Chief Minister’s Medical Trust to provide financial assistance for terminal illnesses like cancer and support for kidney and heart transplants. Facilities for dialysis will be established at the sub-divisional level to meet rising demands,” he said. The Lt Governor said that drug menace in Jammu and Kashmir is a complex challenge, deeply intertwined with socio-economic factors and historical context. “Government aims to transform Jammu and Kashmir into an educational hub, focusing on attracting investment and creating employment opportunities. The establishment of IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu marks a significant milestone in advancing higher education in the region,” he said. He said the upcoming operationalization of the Srinagar campus of IIM Jammu will further enhance access to quality management education in the region. We will strengthen the infrastructure of colleges and universities while ensuring adequate manpower and resources for research facilities for faculty and students, as outlined in the National Education Policy 2020.
He said that government recognizes the significance of digital learning tools, such as smart classrooms, in fostering a modern, student-centric educational environment. We are committed to implementing innovative initiatives outlined in the National Education Policy 2020, aimed at creating a learner-centric, inclusive, and future-ready education system. “This will ignite the creative potential of our youth, promoting their holistic development and self-realization, while equipping them with the competencies needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape,” LG Sinha said. “We will further strengthen basic infrastructure in schools and enhance school management through cluster management. Evidence-based learning approaches will be encouraged to improve outcomes at all educational levels. We will devise policies and programs specifically aimed at ensuring access to quality education for girls, differently-abled children, and marginalized communities.” LG Sinha said that vocational labs will be established in all high and higher secondary schools, and initiatives such as Atal Tinkering Labs, ICT Labs, Innovation Labs, and Smart Classrooms will be promoted to develop students’ skills. Prioritizing student health, we will conduct regular health check-ups to address nutritional and health concerns. “We will focus on the holistic development of youth to prevent them from falling prey to anti-social activities and substance abuse. Opportunities and facilities will be provided to increase women’s participation in sports, building on the achievements of women athletes who have excelled at national and international levels. We will also emphasize organizing national and international sports events to showcase the talent of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth,” he added. In addition, we will enhance access to affordable agricultural credit through a fully online, end-to-end credit package and comprehensive crop insurance schemes to safeguard farmers against climate-induced risks. A network of 2,000 Kisan Khidmat Ghars (KKGs) will be established across Jammu and Kashmir to provide a single-window system for all agricultural services at the community level. “To further support local economies, we will establish one Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) in each Panchayat and cover artisans and weavers under a credit card scheme with an attractive interest subvention. We will also enhance irrigation facilities under PMKSY Har Khet Ko Paani, creating substantial irrigation potential and expediting work on the Shahpur Kandi Dam Project, which will provide Jammu and Kashmir with 1,150 cusecs of water from the Ravi River,” he said.
LG Sinha said that government acknowledges that urbanization is a powerful engine of economic growth and social progress. We will develop a comprehensive urban planning framework that incorporates sustainability, cultural heritage, and environmental considerations. “Urban local bodies will be empowered to make decisions that reflect community needs, and we will enhance basic urban infrastructure while strengthening governance at the grassroots level.” Lt Governor said that they are committed to improving service delivery through the integration of 40 online urban services with a single-window portal. Sustainable public transport systems will be promoted, and solid and liquid waste management systems will be strengthened for an eco-friendly and pollution-free environment. We will ensure affordable housing is available for deserving sections of society. About preservation and conservation of water bodies, such as Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake, will be prioritized, along with pollution abatement of rivers and the development of eco-friendly tourist villages. “My government is dedicated to completing all rural housing projects sanctioned under PMAY(G), supporting deserving families with housing assistance and ensuring 100% convergence for basic amenities,” he said. LG Sinha said that they will expand and streamline social assistance programs for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, disabled, underprivileged, and low-income families. Women empowerment remains a priority, and we will strengthen various projects to secure education, health, nutrition, skill development, and economic independence for women. “Reservation benefits will be extended to economically weaker sections and marginalized communities, and major initiatives for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes will be undertaken in health, education, skill development, and livelihoods. The Tribal Research Institute building and hostel will be made functional to support the tribal population, and more transit accommodations will be established for nomadic tribes,” he said. LG Sinha said that 302 villages will be developed under the Pradhan Mantri Aadi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY), establishing milk villages and dairy units for ST beneficiaries to improve their living standards. “We will develop eco-parks and green patches in urban local bodies and focus on completing the second phase of Jambu Zoo. The conservation and rejuvenation of Wular Lake will be prioritized to enhance local livelihoods through ecotourism.” He said they will expedite the filling of all government sector vacancies and the process of compassionate appointments. Understanding the diverse entrepreneurship landscape in J&K, we will revitalize the micro-enterprise sector through policy interventions and business support systems. “We will ensure equitable distribution of economic benefits, especially for women and marginalized communities, and provide financial support through self-employment schemes. Outreach and counseling activities will be conducted for aspiring job seekers through Model Career Centres (MCCs),” LG Sinha said. To ensure transparency and accountability, technology will be utilized effectively, expanding the current 1,140 online services and strengthening grievance redressal mechanisms. We will empower Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies by conducting elections at all levels for effective community participation in decision-making. He said Jammu and Kashmir stands at a pivotal moment in its history, on the brink of a transformative era filled with promise and opportunity. This transformation is a collective journey requiring unity and shared purpose across all communities. “As we embark on this journey, I call upon each one of you to play an active role in building a prosperous, inclusive, and forward-looking Jammu and Kashmir. Together, let us create a society where economic growth is inclusive, social harmony prevails, and opportunities are abundant for all. In unity and shared purpose, let us move forward with hope and determination towards building a brighter future for all of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
