Srinagar- Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Monday said that his government will make all efforts for the restoration of Statehood and the constitutional guarantees to J&K. The LG also said that he was hopeful to work with the new government and members of the Legislative Assembly as “One Team.”
Addressing the Legislative Assembly in Srinagar, the LG said that he is looking forward towards full support from all the members of the House so that all work as “One Team.”
The LG said that the aspiration for a return to the Statehood remains strong. “The Prime Minister, on several occasions, has already expressed his commitment to restoring statehood, which has been a source of rekindled hope and reassurance for the people,” he said. “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 the reinstatement of full democratic governance. My Government will make all efforts for restoration of full Statehood and Constitutional Guarantees available to the State.”
The LG said that it would be a befitting reciprocation of the faith reposed by the people of Jammu and Kashmir in “our democratic institutions.”
Sinha announced 200 units of free electricity for the deserving families stating that the modalities are being finalised in this regard.
Addressing the Assembly, the LG said that his government is working out the modalities to provide 200 units of free electricity to deserving families. “We have decided to provide 200 units of free power to deserving families. Modalities in this regard are being worked out,” he said.
He said that J&K is endowed with an abundance of water resources that are yet to be harnessed fully.
“My government is committed to harnessing their full potential so that their economic dividend enhances people’s lives and J&K’s financial position. My government will seek the support of the Government of India for a significant leap forward in our energy sector,” he said. “Completion of four Mega Hydro Electric Power projects, with sanctioned capacity of 3014 MWs, will be expedited for doubling the hydro power generation capacity by 2026 to not only make J&K self-sufficient in power but also to enable us to generate revenue from this vital green resource. Another four Mega Hydro Electric Power projects of 1818 MWs will be followed rigorously to get the work on these power-generating projects started.”
He also said that all government buildings will have solar rooftop power connections shortly under Prime Minister’s Surya Ghar Scheme (PMSGS).
He also said that his government will make serious efforts for the safe and security return of Kashmiri Migrant Pandits back to valley and also provide the Kashmiri Migrant employees safe accommodation.
Connectivity
The LG said that the implementation of major ongoing connectivity projects will be fast tracked by facilitating the acquisition of land, forest clearances and removal of encroachments. “On-going Expressway, National Highways and Ring Road projects for Jammu and Srinagar cities will be speeded up for their early completion. Work on the upgradation and consolidation of the Jammu Akhnoor Rajouri – Poonch National Highway will be expedited for its early completion,” he said. “New National Highways projects will be taken up with the Central Government to improve connectivity to remote and backward pockets to accelerate economic growth.”
The LG said that the connectivity of Rail to the valley, which will be a reality soon, will be a turning point for economic development and prosperity. “Night landing facilities at Jammu and Srinagar airports will further enhance connectivity and boost the tourism sector further. My government will take all necessary measures to ensure that the development dividend of these initiatives reaches the remotest pockets and uplifts their lives and livelihoods,” he said. “My Government will pursue implementation of projects for rail connectivity to important unconnected areas including the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, with the Government of India.”
Jobs
The LG said that the Rangarajan Committee Report, crafted under the guidance of former RBI Governor Dr. C. Rangarajan in 2011, recommended a roadmap for creating jobs and enhancing economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir. “My government will pursue the implementation of the Report with the Government of India to address structural issues in the economy, support skill-building initiatives, and stimulate inclusive growth,” he said. “Effective collaboration with the Government of India would be essential to mobilize resources, funding, and requisite support necessary for realizing many of these reforms.”
He said that all the vacancies in the Government Sector will be identified and filled up on a fast-track basis. “My Government is committed to expedite the process of compassionate appointments as well,” he said.
Tourism
The LG said that the tourism sector is a major pillar of the economy of J&K, which can boost various services and industrial sectors like transport, hospitality, horticulture and small-scale industry thereby, generating incomes and job opportunities for the local population.
“My government will ensure that all benefits are extended to the Tourism Sector, as an Industry. This will ensure that this sector witnesses’ requisite growth in investment for improving tourism infrastructure and services,” he said. “My Government will focus on enhancing the quality of tourist experience, and devise appropriate interventions to manage the tourist inflow. Concerted efforts will be made for accelerated development of new tourist destinations both in Kashmir as well as Jammu, so that the immense untapped potential of our beautiful landscape is harnessed for improving the experience of the tourists and lives and livelihoods of the locals.”
The LG said that Work on Tawi Barrage Project, an artificial lake, is also in full swing and likely to be completed soon, which will enhance tourism potential of Jammu City. “The upcoming railway connectivity to Kashmir, expected to be fully operational soon, will indeed provide a significant boost to tourism in both Kashmir and the Pir Panjal region,” he said.
Industry
The LG said that J&K Industrial Policy, 2021-30, has been notified for encouraging private investment and to boost the industrial sector. “New Central Sector package of Rs 28,400 crores is also available for encouraging new investments. My Government will ensure that requisite infrastructure for the development of industrial units is made available on priority, subsidized industrial land is transparently allotted and it actually translates in attracting new investment, creating employment opportunities for the locals, developing backward regions and expand existing industrial units,” he said. The LG said that the Council of Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir has recently passed a unanimous resolution for reviewing the J&K Industrial Policy, 2021-30, to achieve this objective.
“My Government will develop 46 new industrial estates with all the modern facilities to attract industries and enhance job opportunities. These new initiatives will spur employment avenues and enhance economic growth,” he said. “Further, focus will also be on development of industrial parks or clusters to provide shared facilities and resources, making it easier for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to thrive. A suitable procurement policy to further support the MSMEs will also be introduced. Reform process will be further strengthened for ease of doing business. My Government will promote Circular Economy by encouraging industries to adopt sustainable practices and technologies that minimize environmental impact and waste.”
Health
“My Government is committed to providing state-of-the-art healthcare facilities to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir. Healthcare facilities and services in rural areas, focusing on maternal and child health, will be further improved. Critical care blocks will be established in districts for strengthening of emergency services,” the LG said. “The health care sector in Jammu and Kashmir is set to undergo significant advancements as the government prioritizes the expansion of medical education and health services. This initiative aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare for the people of the region.” The LG said that his Government will focus on increasing MBBS, PG and Nursing seats and will add new tertiary care services and advanced courses for strengthening the health care facilities at tertiary level. “It is committed to enhancing the healthcare landscape in Jammu and Kashmir by focusing on two crucial aspects: attracting the best medical professionals to newly established institutions and addressing the challenge of brain drain from the region. This approach aims to build a sustainable and high-quality healthcare system that meets the needs of the population,” he said.
The LG said that his government will focus on strengthening Primary Health Care services for making available medical treatment and drugs at the grass root level. Preventive diagnosis/ screening will be carried forward for timely diagnosis of the non-communicable diseases and their treatment. “Universal health coverage will be carried forward with better services for the benefit of common masses. My government will create a Chief Ministers Medical Trust for providing financial assistance to the needy for terminal diseases like cancer, heart and kidney transplants. Facilities for dialysis will be created at Sub-Divisional level to meet the rising need for it in recent times,” the LG said.
Drug menace
The LG said that the drug menace in J&K represents a complex challenge intertwined with socio-economic factors and historical context. “Drug abuse in J&K has risen over the past decade, particularly affecting the youth. While efforts have been made to combat this issue through law enforcement and rehabilitation initiatives, the problem continues to remain a challenge. The overarching goal is to not only reduce drug dependency in J&K but also to create a robust system that addresses the root causes of drug abuse and fosters a supportive environment for rehabilitation and reintegration,” he said, adding that “By integrating law enforcement with community-based prevention and mental health services, my government is committed to building a healthier, drug-free future for its citizens by leading a War Against Drug Abuse. “
Education
“My Government is aiming to transform J&K into an educational hub focusing on attracting investment and employment opportunities. “The establishment of IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu marks a significant milestone in the advancement of higher education in Jammu and Kashmir. These premier institutions are set to play a transformative role in nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth in the region,” the LG said, adding that “Additionally, the upcoming operationalization of the Srinagar campus of IIM Jammu from its dedicated building will further enhance access to quality management education in the region.”
He said that infrastructure of colleges and universities will be strengthened besides providing adequate manpower. “Research facilities for faculty and students will be focused as part of National Education Policy 2020. Innovation/ Incubation and Entrepreneurship will be encouraged in inculcating start-up culture among the students,” he said. “My Government recognizes the importance of digital learning tools, such as smart classrooms, to support a modern, student- centric educational environment. It will implement innovative initiatives of National Education Policy 2020 aimed to create a learner-centric, inclusive, and future-ready education system to ignite the young minds with creative potential for their holistic development and self-realization. This will equip the students with the necessary competencies to thrive in the rapidly changing global landscape.”
Agriculture
The LG said that Agriculture and Allied sectors constitute the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, engaging half of its workforce. “J&K has 13 lakh farmer families, with a substantial percentage belonging to economically weaker and marginal sections. My Government is committed to promote farmer’s welfare and enhance their income through transformative initiatives that promote a sustainable, organic, regenerative and holistic practice for profitable agricultural economy,” the LG said, adding that “implementation of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), featuring 29 comprehensive projects spanning agriculture, horticulture, and livestock, will be accelerated, modernization and innovation will be brought in, deep value chains will be developed, competitive advantages will be harnessed, and climate resilient and sustainable agriculture will be promoted.”
The LG said that these initiatives will result in increased seed replacement rate, creation of adequate CA storage, doubling of silkworm seed production, cash crops diversification, saffron, medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation, self-reliance in vegetables, oilseed production, creation of FPOs, increase in honey, milk, mutton, poultry, mushroom, fodder and millet and nutri cereals production. Further, clusters will be developed for milk, vegetables, meat, basmati, walnut, cherries and trout, etc. “Through this program, my government will create about 3 lakhs jobs and 19,000 additional enterprises,” he said.
Urbanization
The LG said that Urbanization is a very powerful engine of economic growth and social progress. Comprehensive urban planning framework that incorporates sustainability, cultural heritage and environmental considerations will be developed by my government to harness the full potential of this powerful force. Urban local bodies will be further empowered to take decisions that reflect community needs and priorities. “My government will strive to develop and enhance basic urban infrastructure with focus on strengthening governance at grassroots closest to the citizens, making them instrumental in planning and delivering various services which the people in urban areas aspire for,” he said.
He said that better service delivery and timely disposal of 40 online Urban Services will be ensured and these will be integrated with Single Window Portal. “All efforts will be made to further improve quality and number of services. The Intelligent Traffic Management System will be strengthened. Sustainable and eco-friendly public transport systems, including electric and water transport will be promoted. Solid and Liquid Waste Management System will be strengthened to make UT environment friendly and pollution free. Affordable Housing will be made available to the deserving sections of the society,” he said.
Waterbodies
“Preservation and conservation of water bodies is a top priority. Conservation of Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake and Pollution abatement of various rivers along with development of ecofriendly and sustainable Tourist Villages, in the surrounds will be taken up on priority,” the LG said
Sports
The LG said that his Government will strive to create world class sports infrastructure to promote sports activities and to tap the constructive and creative energy of the Youth in sports optimally. Holistic development of Youth will be focused on to prevent youth from falling prey to anti-social activities and drug menace.
“My Government will provide opportunities, facilities and counselling to increase the women’s participation in games. Women athletes have secured medals and appreciation at National and International level in the field of Football, martial art, etc which will be promoted further,” he said. “My government will lay emphasis on organizing national and international sports events to showcase the talent of youth of Jammu and Kashmir and highlight the region’s potential at national and international forums.”
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