Says His Govt Will Avenge Every Drop Of Blood Shed On The Behest Of Neighboring Country
Jammu- Asserting that Jammu and Kashmir is the “life blood” of the country, the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha said on Thursday that the G-20 meeting being held in the Union Territory is a message to the enemies of humanity who were attacking the interests of “our citizens through cowardly acts of terrorism for decades”.
“Today, Jammu and Kashmir is marching forward on the path to progress. I urge every section of the society to come forward and make the G-20 an inclusive event,” Sinha said in his Republic Day address here on Thursday.
“Jammu and Kashmir is the life blood of India. It is the guiding lamp of the civilization and eternal sound of our social consciousness,” he added.
Sinha said that under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, J&K is standing tall with self-confidence, encompassing the great heritage and cultural values of the world’s largest republic.
He said that J&K is not just a geographical entity but a vibrant and radiant ecosystem where different faiths are the guiding force of inclusive culture.
“It is the living embodiment of our oldest ideal Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah. Jammu and Kashmir is a rhythmic dialogue of social, cultural values, plurality and tolerance. Jammu and Kashmir is the aura of self confident India,” he said.
‘Will Avenge Every Drop Of Blood’
Mincing no words in attacking Pakistan, the LG said that his government will avenge every drop of blood shed in J&K due to barbaric killings of innocents at the behest of the neighboring country. He also hailed the brave policeman, soldiers and central security forces for displaying unmatched heroism and the spirit of sacrifice in defending the motherland.
He assured the families who lost their loved ones that the entire nation stands with them and that his administration will take concrete measures to ensure that the families of bravehearts live a life of comfort and dignity.
“Sustained efforts of our security agencies have resulted in a marked decrease in terrorist incidents in Jammu and the security grid has been strengthened and anti-terror operations have been intensified through direct attacks on the ecosystem that supports and finances terror,” he said.
Last year, he said, 180 militants were killed and there has been a corresponding reduction of 55 percent in civilian killings and 58 percent in the killings of security forces.
‘Safety Of KPs Our Topmost Priority’
Reiterating that the safety of Kashmiri Pandits was the topmost priority of his administration, the LG said that all PM package and minority employees working in the valley have been deployed at safe places. Besides, he said, a nodal officer has been appointed in the Raj Bhavan and in every district to resolve issues related to their security and other problems.
“The long-standing issue of availability of land for their accommodations has been resolved, and construction of 3000 accommodations for our Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters shall be completed this year,” he said.
He said although recruitment under the PM package and reserved categories is on the strength of the Kashmir Division cadre, the issue of their transfer was being examined by an empowered committee.
“The Kashmir Migrant Portal, which was launched in September last year for registering grievances for illegally encroached properties during the 1990s, has registered 8408 applications and action has been taken on 6336 applications, resulting in removal of encroachment on2608 kanals of land,” he added.
J&K Witnessing Industrial Revolution
Claiming that J&K was witnessing an industrial revolution for the first time since independence, the LG said that new private investment proposals worth Rs. 66,000 crore have been received within a period of around one year, during which 1455 industrial units started their operations
“This is, by far, the biggest industrial campaign in the history of Jammu and Kashmir in a year.The foundation stone of Emaar Group Shopping Mall and IT Tower shall be laid in March, 2023 and 52 other industrial units will also start their operations during the same month,” Sinha said.
“Further, land has been allotted to 1711 industrial units which is also a new record in the industrial history of Jammu and Kashmir. Another 77 industrial units are being developed on private land and in the last three years, 500 start ups have come up which have ushered in a new social revolution,” he added.
The LG added that sincere efforts are being made to revive the handloom and handicraft sector. He said his government is committed to provide training, design, technology inputs like GI tag and such other infrastructural support as are required for quality, branding and boosting global demand for the handicraft products.
‘Youth Power Is The Strength’
Speaking about the initiatives taken for the youth of J&K, the LG said that In the last three years, 5.5 lakh youth have been empowered through Mission Youth, Financial Institutions and Central and State Government Institutions in this direction.
“Youth power is the strength of Jammu and Kashmir. Our youth are impatient and enthusiastic for rejuvenation of the Union territory. The administration has taken concrete steps to fully support our young men and women in building a bright future for themselves,” the LG.
In the last three years, Sinha said, 33,000 posts have been filled on the basis of merit and the decades-old practice, where “jobs were sold to the highest bidder in the market, has been eliminated”.
“I am aware that due to the harsh actions of the administration, job mafias are in disarray and they are attempting to incite sentiments of masses by spreading misinformation. I want to reiterate to our young men and women that no one will be allowed to compromise their future. The administration will ensure that merit is rewarded,” he added.
‘Tourism Sector Special In J&K’s Economy’
Upbeat over the footfall of tourists in the UT last year, the LG said that the tourism sector has a special place in the economy of Jammu and Kashmir. He said a record 1.88 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir last year, which is the highest since independence.
“After the launch of the New Film Policy in 2021, Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as the favorite shooting destination for film industry and permission has been granted for shooting of 150 films and web series in less than two years,” he added.
He also added that his administration was strengthening facilities & infrastructure keeping in view the increasing number of devotees coming to visit Mata Vaishno Devi. Besides, he said, the work on Tawi Riverfront is going on in full swing.
“In the last two years, Mansar and Surinsar have been placed on the tourism map of the country. This year Sanasar Tulip Garden shall be opened for local people and tourists,” he added.
‘Reforms Made In Power Sector’
The LG said that his government had inherited a regressive legacy in the power sector, marred by losses and poor infrastructure. However, he added that unprecedented reforms have been launched to bolster and rejuvenate this ailing sector.
“The UT is likely to see a capacity addition of 3400 MW in the Hydro Power sector within few years from now. Availability of electricity has been enhanced in both Jammu and Kashmir Divisions,” he said.
In his address, Sinha also listed achievements of his government over the last two years. In the health sector, he said, his government is spending Rs 2 Crore daily on the treatment of common masses.
“Health Insurance cover has been provided to 97% of the population and 80 lakh golden cards have been issued,” he said.
Besides, Sinha said that promotions of over 2000 officers of important government departments which were “stalled” for more than two decades have been cleared by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission.
“The culture of stop-gap arrangements which plagued departments for decades is being brought to a gradual end and efficiency, ability and hardwork of employees is being duly After a hiatus of 10 years, sixteen officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services have been promoted to the Indian Administrative Services,” he added.
Speaking about the operations of educational institutions, Sinha said that after three decades of stagnation, schools were operational for 200 days last year, which is a statement of an emerging vibrant society that has broken free from shackles of the past.
The LG also spoke in detail about the measures taken for the benefit of tribal communities.
“The Prime Minister has built a Jammu and Kashmir in which Tribal Communities are not only freed from economic deprivation, but are also enjoying the fruits of social justice,” he said.
The LG also listed developmental works, like road connectivity, water supply executed under the UT administration and central government schemes.
“The year 2022 was a year of achievements for Jammu and Kashmir. However, we have higher aspirations and bigger goals for J&K.We have to capitalize on the present opportunity and take a pledge to build a competitive Jammu and Kashmir which will be prosperous, safe and peaceful; where daughters are given equal rights and opportunities for development; where the rural and urban divide is diminished. Unitedly, we have to realize a fear-free, corruption-free, drug-free and employment-rich Union territory and build a glorious Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
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