Jammu- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that the government is focusing on transforming Jammu and Kashmir into an educational hub with strategic investments in higher education.
Addressing the first Budget session of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in seven years, Sinha said the government is dedicated to strengthening healthcare infrastructure across the Union Territory, ensuring quality, accessible and affordable medical services for all.
“Prestigious institutions such as AIIMS – Jammu and AIIMS – Kashmir, along with newly-established paediatric and cancer hospitals, are transforming tertiary healthcare delivery. The expansion of critical care facilities, dialysis centres and telemedicine services is significantly improving access to affordable and specialised care, ensuring that every citizen benefits from enhanced healthcare facilities,” he said.
Under the universal health coverage scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana SEHAT, 15.35 lakh free treatments have been provided, offering critical medical support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha said.
This initiative has resulted in savings of approximately Rs 2,765 crore in out-of-pocket expenses for patients, ensuring financial protection and improved access to quality health care for all.
To ensure swift and accessible medical assistance, 489 ambulances have been integrated into the 102-108 ambulance network, providing immediate transportation and emergency care, according to the lieutenant governor.
“This initiative has already benefited 4.50 lakh patients, reinforcing my government’s commitment to strengthening emergency healthcare services across Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The lieutenant governor said AIIMS – Kashmir was nearing completion and expected to become operational soon, significantly enhancing healthcare infrastructure in the region.
To further strengthen medical education, the government is taking steps to increase MBBS and postgraduate seats in the 2025-26 session, expanding opportunities for aspiring doctors, he said.
The government is intensifying its effort in the fight against substance abuse by expanding functional drug de-addiction centres, reaffirming its commitment to addressing this critical issue, Sinha said.
“This initiative adopts a comprehensive approach focused on rehabilitation, awareness and prevention, with the ultimate goal of creating a drugs-free and healthier society,” he added.
‘J&K To Tap Water, Energy Reserves With Centre’s Help’
Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir was endowed with an abundance of water resources that were yet to be fully harnessed.
“My government is committed to harnessing the full potential of these water resources so that their economic dividend enhances people’s lives and Jammu and Kashmir’s financial position. My government will seek the support of the central government to make a significant leap in our energy sector,” he said.
Sinha said the Union Territory’s energy sector was undergoing a transformative phase, with the government committed to ensuring early completion of key hydroelectric projects, including the Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar and the Ratle.
“These projects will collectively add 3,014 megawatt capacity, significantly strengthening the region’s energy security. Several other projects such as the Dulhasti-II and the Kirthai-I are in the pipeline, further reinforcing Jammu and Kashmir as a hub of renewable energy,” the lieutenant governor said.
He said significant strides had been made in strengthening the Union Territory’s power infrastructure.
“Transmission capacity has increased 50 per cent with the successful completion of 28 projects. The distribution capacity has gone up 40 per cent with the execution of 194 projects. Additionally, construction of several receiving and grid stations are being expedited by the government, further fortifying the transmission and distribution network, minimising power losses and enhancing efficiency,” Sinha said.
The Abdullah dispensation is committed to installing solar panels on all government buildings in phases, promoting sustainable energy adoption, he added.
Under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, solar panels are being installed in more than 80,000 households in the Union Territory, ensuring access to affordable and clean energy while advancing the region’s renewable energy goals, Sinha said.
The government is also committed to achieving 100 per cent smart metering to ensure the reduction of aggregate technical and commercial losses and increasing revenue generation, he added.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
