J&K Govt will make all efforts for restoration of full statehood: LG

Govt committed to provide 200 units of free electricity to deserving households, free drinking water to all

STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said the Union Territory’s newly elected government “will make all efforts for the restoration of full statehood” and this would be a “befitting reciprocation” of the people’s faith in democratic institutions.
In his maiden address to the first-ever legislative assembly after the state was downgraded to a Union Territory, Sinha said the government is “fully geared up to realise” the hopes and expectations of people and “the aspiration for a return to the statehood remains strong”.

He said: “The aspiration for a return to the Statehood remains strong! 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. 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. It would be a befitting reciprocation of the faith reposed by the people of Jammu and Kashmir in our democratic institutions. In the meantime, I urge all stakeholders to work together as one team and extend full support to my government in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people”.
Welcoming all the newly elected members of the Legislative Assembly to the inaugural session of the Assembly, the Lieutenant Governor said: “We gather here after the successful and peaceful conduct of the first democratic elections in over a decade. These elections, the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory, are a critical milestone in restoring democratic governance after a period of political uncertainty. This is a testament to the enduring spirit of democracy, the strength of our institutions, and the faith that the people of this region have in their democratic representation through this Assembly. It is a privilege to witness the restoration of this august house, which once again reflects the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir”.
“One of the most encouraging aspects of the 2024 elections was the high voter turnout, reflecting the enduring faith of the people in democratic processes. The high turnout, particularly in regions that traditionally couldn’t participate fully because of a vociferous minority sympathetic to separatist sentiments, indicates that the people of Jammu and Kashmir continue to see electoral participation as a means to voice their concerns and aspirations. The successful completion of the electoral process marks an epoch in the history of Jammu and Kashmir”, he said
Sinha said the swearing in of elected government in Jammu and Kashmir, marks a moment of immense pride, as it has not only strengthened the democratic fabric of our Nation, but has also become a beacon of hope to all, for a brighter and more inclusive future.
” For me personally, this is a moment of huge satisfaction. When I assumed the responsibility of leading the administration four years ago, my foremost priority was to hold Assembly elections so that there is an elected government. With the support of our political leaders, civil administration, security forces, and, most importantly, the people, we have successfully achieved this objective. This accomplishment is a matter of great satisfaction, as I look forward to work together with you all, for strengthening the democratic institutions, and providing the people the Governance and the future they deserve!”, he added
The LG said: “My government is fully committed to implementing the promises made to the people for further political empowerment and for creating an enabling environment for employment, sustainable development, social inclusiveness and expansion of the economy for enhancing the overall quality of life. It will work relentlessly on the three principles of Economy, Ecology and Equity that will shape our future. We commit ourselves to this balance for a better and brighter future for all.”
” Jammu and Kashmir is growing at an annual growth rate of about 7 percent. My Government is committed to give push to this trajectory of growth and create more avenues of employment through policy interventions and infrastructure development. My Government will also work on various reforms to strengthen the fiscal position of J&K. Huge natural resources endowed in J&K will be sustainably developed without harming our ecosystem that will ensure protection of these resources. Further, every section as well as every region of J&K will be treated equally and developed for ensuring inclusiveness and equity for balanced development, which will be a solemn and sacred commitment of my Government. I believe that the new Legislators, the administration, and all other stakeholders will work together to handle the challenges before us for a better and prosperous society.
My Government is committed to decision-making that will be marked with transparency and accountability for ensuring efficient and effective use of resources with justification. This policy will be applied rigorously by my government to ensure integrity in public life. Any inefficient use or misallocation of resources will be re-examined, and necessary course correction will be undertaken to ensure that the benefits of every penny are fully harnessed by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
My Government will invest in building capacities of the youth for their gainful employment and will also foster their entrepreneurial capacities. The expectations of the people for improved living facilities like roads, public transportation, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, schools, healthcare facilities, healthy and congenial environment, internet connectivity etc., which enable them to lead a happy life, will also be fulfilled.
Connectivity is crucial for the economy. While improvements have been made in the road network, more efforts are required to connect the remaining inaccessible areas. My Government will fully leverage funds from centrally sponsored schemes like PMGSY & NABARD funded programs to realize the vision of connecting every habitation with a road.
The Lieutenant Governor said. “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. 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”.
Sinha said that his Government is committed to provide 200 units of free electricity to deserving households for which modalities are being worked out.
“J&K is endowed with 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. 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 selfsufficient 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.
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. Effective collaboration with the Government of India would be essential to mobilize resources, funding, and requisite support necessary for realizing many of these reforms.
My Government will solarize all Government buildings with a tentative cumulative capacity of 300 MW. Under the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna, 84,000 households will be solarized initially. Small hydro power projects will also be given the required focus to harness their full potential.”
Sinha said that his Government is committed to providing free, clean and safe drinking water to all.
“To achieve this, 3256 water supply schemes at an estimated cost of more than Rs. 13000 crores are under execution which will provide functional household tap connections to all the 19.27 lakhs rural households. This will be completed by March 2025. For quality assurance of drinking water, NABL accredited labs will be established at appropriate levels”, he added.
Sinha said: “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. 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. 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.
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, develop backward regions and expand existing industrial units. 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. 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. Agrobased industries will be developed to utilize local resources sustainably.
The Lieutenant Governor said: “My Government is committed to providing State of the Art Health care 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 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. My 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.
My 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.
He said that his 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. 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. 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 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 selfrealization. This will equip the students with the necessary competencies to thrive in the rapidly changing global landscape.
My 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. 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.
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. 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. 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 added.
Sinha said that spurious seeds, fertilizers and pesticides are a menace threatening both our agriculture and horticulture, as well as our ecology. Apart from upgrading and expanding the testing infrastructure, the available testing infrastructure will be fully utilized to ensure that quality agrichemicals only are used as inputs, and strict legal action will be taken against the peddlers of these spurious inputs. My Government will also promote modern farming techniques such as precision agriculture, drone technology, and data analytics to enhance crop management. Advanced irrigation systems, including drip and sprinkle irrigation, alongside micro-irrigation technologies will be promoted to optimize water usage. High-yielding and disease- resistant seed varieties coupled with organic farming practices will be promoted to improve soil health and minimize chemical use. High-density plantations will be supported, along with the development of cold storage facilities and transportation networks to minimize post-harvest losses.
“Additionally, my government will enhance access to affordable agricultural credit with a fully online end-to-end credit package. Comprehensive crop insurance schemes for both agricultural and horticultural crops will be taken forward to safeguard farmers against climate-induced risks and other unforeseen challenges, providing them financial security during adverse conditions. To further support farmers, the government is establishing a network of 2,000 Kisan Khidmat Ghars (KKGs) across Jammu and Kashmir, which will offer a single-window system for all agricultural services at the community level.
My Government will establish one Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) in each Panchayat so that it operates inclusively and supports local economy. Artisans and weavers will be covered under credit card scheme with an attractive interest subvention of 7% for a period of 5 years.
My Government will ensure completion of all the rural houses sanctioned under PMAY(G). Left out deserving families will also be supported with housing assistance. Government will ensure 100% Convergence for making available PMAY-G houses with all basic amenities besides conducting 100% social audit of all PMAY-G housing units.
My Government will expand and streamline the social assistance programs for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, disabled, underprivileged, down-trodden, backward and vulnerable sections of the society and low-income families.
Women empowerment is one of the priority areas of the government for which various projects and schemes will be further strengthened which will enable them to secure education, health and nutrition, skill development and employability to attain economic independence. 302 villages will be developed under Pradhan Mantri Aadi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY), in J&K whereunder Milk villages, Mini Sheep/Goat farms, Dairy Units / Bee Keeping Units will be established for ST beneficiaries to improve their living standard.
My Government is well aware that entrepreneurship landscape in J&K is diverse with 94% micro-enterprises which are facing challenges at various levels to be competitive. My Government aims to revitalize this sector for creating employment opportunities for the youth through proper policy interventions and business support system up to grassroots level. Suitable interventions for developing a skilled workforce equipped with 21st-century skills, ensuring equitable distribution of economic benefits, especially for women, youth, and marginalized communities will be put in place. Financial support through various self-employment schemes will be further strengthened for enabling youth to undertake self-employment ventures. Outreach and counselling activities will be conducted for aspiring job seekers through Model Career Centres (MCCs).
My Government will make efforts to rehabilitate Kashmiri Migrants back in to the valley with dignity for which safe and secure environment will be created. Work on transit accommodation projects for Kashmiri Migrants employees will be speeded up for providing them suitable accommodation at designated places.
Technology will be used for facilitating promotion of peculiarities of local culture, architecture, art, literature and languages through a robust digital platform. Historical monuments, sacred places and heritage sites will be revived, restored and preserved through a valuebased approach. My Government will augment support for development & promotion of traditional crafts & arts, with global marketing efforts for ensuring sustainability.
For ensuring transparency and accountability, technology will be used fully. More services will be added to already 1140 online services that are available. Grievance redressal mechanism will be further strengthened to ensure accountability, transparency, and fairness in service delivery.
Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies will be strengthened by conducting elections at all levels for ensuring peoples’ participation in the decision making. “In unity and shared purpose, let us move forward with hope and determination, for building a brighter future for all of Jammu and Kashmir”, the Lieutenant Governor said.