Jammu- The Jammu and Kashmir government is committed to strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies by ensuring timely elections at all levels, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Monday.
The Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Dedicated Backward Classes Commission, established in June 2023 to conduct empirical studies on Other Backward Classes (OBC) representation, submitted its final recommendations to the government last week, brightening the outlook for polls to local bodies.
Municipal bodies, panchayats and block development councils in the Union Territory have been without elected representatives for more than a year.
The term of municipalities ended in October-November 2023 while panchayats and block development councils completed their five-year terms in January 2024.
“My government is committed to strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies by ensuring timely elections at all levels. This will enhance grassroots democracy, promote citizen participation in decision-making and empower local governance for more effective development,” Sinha said during his address in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, which is meeting for a nearly six-week-long budget session.
This is the first budget session of the Omar Abdullah-led government.
Sinha said, “My government has ensured an adequate resource envelope for Panchayati Raj Institutions, enabling them to undertake sustainable and inclusive development in their respective areas. This commitment empowers local governance, strengthens grassroots democracy, and accelerates holistic regional growth.”
He said the government had taken proactive measures to accelerate the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent, merit-based and efficient selection system.
“These efforts aim to streamline appointments across various sectors, providing greater employment opportunities and strengthening the workforce,” he added.
The government is further strengthening the grievance redress mechanism through ‘JK Samadhan’ and ‘Raabta’, ensuring greater accountability, transparency and fairness in service delivery, the lieutenant governor said. “These initiatives enhance citizen engagement by providing efficient and responsive platforms for addressing public concerns effectively.”
Sinha asserted that the government was committed to the dignified rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants into the valley by ensuring a safe and secure environment.
“Efforts will be intensified to accelerate the construction of transit accommodation projects for migrant employees, providing them with suitable housing at designated locations. These initiatives reflect our dedication to restoring confidence, fostering inclusivity and ensuring a stable and prosperous future for all communities,” he 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 govt to seek central help in tapping energy sector’s full potential
The Omar Abdullah-led government will seek the Centre’s support in tapping the full potential of Jammu and Kashmir’s energy sector, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Monday.
Addressing the assembly which convened for the budget session, 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.
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