Srinagar- Asserting that Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of the country and there was no question of engaging with any third party, the Union Territory Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Thursday said that his administration and the government of India has a clear cut policy of engaging with the citizens of J&K.
“UT administration and GoI has a clear cut policy of engaging with the citizens of J&K. J&K is an integral part of our country and there is no question of engaging with any third party, Sinha said.
He was replying to a question on dialogue with Pakistan in a television programme.
When asked about the termination of government employees over militant links, Sinha said that no government jobs and facilities will be given to anyone who is even remotely associated with militants and militancy activities.
Speaking about the political roadmap for J&K in Network 18 India’s Chaupal Conclave, the LG said that the Union Home Minister during his recent J&K visit has already announced that elections will be held after the Delimitation exercise culminates and after that Statehood will be restored.
“Only Parliament can restore statehood. Both the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Home minister have spoken on this issue in detail in Parliament and to the country,” he said.
When asked to spell out the benefits of Article-370 revocation, the LG claimed that reservation benefits have percolated to all eligible communities who remained deprived since long. Besides, he said, Forest Rights Act has been implemented in toto, marginalised communities are being brought into mainstream and domicile rights to women have been restored after 370 abrogation.
“Certain communities of J&K (Khatri, Mahajans etc) were not allowed to purchase agricultural land, that has been changed now,” he said.
Replying to another related question as to what has changed in J&K since August 2019; the LG said that 11000 candidates have secured government jobs in the most fair and transparent recruitment process in the history of J&K. He also said that average income of farmers in J&K is around Rs 19000, which is fifth highest in the country.
“In 2018-19, after spending Rs 67000 crores less than 10000 projects were completed, whereas in 2019-20, we have completed more than 21000 projects after spending only Rs 63000 crores. Executing more projects with comparatively less expenditure is what has changed in J&K,” Sinha said.
In road construction, the LG said, 3 years back J&K used to be at 11th, 12th in the whole country and in the last two years, J&K has graduated to 3rd place achieving road construction 2.5 times the previous years.
Giving more details, he said, in comparison to an average 2500-2600km road that used to be macadamised in a year, last year his administration macadamised 5600 kms and this year a target to complete 8000 kms has been set. Besides, he said, 25 national Highways are under construction in J&K
“More domestic flights in J&K and International flights to Sharjah started from Srinagar, ” Sinha said.
The LG also spoke of new Industrial Policy saying that the proposed investment that the government has already received has crossed Rs. 31,000 Cr, double than expected. He also said that proposals worth Rs.15000 Crore have already been approved.
“Tourist footfall increased manifold in the UT during winter months. From 1935 tourists in June 2020, the number increased to 1282572 in September 2021. Winter season witnessing 100% high-end-hotel occupancy in Srinagar and at prominent tourist destinations,” the LG said.
Speaking about the recent targeted killings in the Valley, the LG said that the civilian killings were a result of frustration, reaction to growing peace, progress, prosperity and normalcy in the valley.
“We have eliminated all those who were responsible for civilian killings as I had promised. Work on to eliminate the entire terrorism ecosystem. Our strategy is not to eliminate terrorists only but demolish the entire terror ecosystem,” he said.
Replying to a question on the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, Sinha said that the PM employment package has been implemented fully and 6000 vacancies have almost been filled.
Also, he said, out of 6000 houses, 3500 houses are under construction, while rest within a year. He also said that encroached Migrant properties are being restored to original owners across the valley.
The LG also said that mainstream political parties have full freedom and security for conducting political activities. The Constitution of India, he said, gives freedom to everyone.
“All political parties participated in the last DDC elections. It was totally free and fair, without violence,” Sinha said, adding that the DDC polls witnessed more voting than assembly and parliament elections.
Sinha also highlighted the first ever widespread celebrations on Independence Day in Jammu and Kashmir
“Tricolor was hosted for the first time in all schools, colleges, panchayats across Kashmir,” he said.
When asked how he sees ‘Naya J&K’, the LG said that it will be fear-free, corruption-free, democratic, and developed J&K contributing for a developed India.
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