Our focus remains on sustainable dev, fostering innovation, empowering every J&K citizen: LG
Sinha extends greetings on Republic Day
STATE TIMES NEWS
- J&K’s economy records growth rate of 9.5 percent: LG
- Centre implementing ‘Whole of Govt approach’ to eliminate terror, drug syndicates in J&K: LG
JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday reiterated that the focus of the government shall remain on sustainable development, fostering innovation, and empowering every citizen to realize their potential.

“As we look to the future, let us pledge to work together for a prosperous Jammu and Kashmir”, the Lieutenant Governor said in his address to the people of the Union Territory on the eve of the 76th Republic Day.
He said: “The essence of democracy lies in the participation of its people, and your involvement is vital in shaping a brighter tomorrow.”
The Lieutenant Governor touched all the aspects including development and good governance. ,
He extended his heartfelt greetings to every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir, saying this day reminds us of the enduring values enshrined in the Constitution of India. It is a day of pride, reflection, and reaffirmation of our commitment to democracy, justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. Let us honor our freedom fighters and martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice to protect and preserve our motherland. I extend my deepest tribute to the valiant soldiers of the Indian Army, Para Military Forces, and Jammu and Kashmir Police, whose relentless dedication and sacrifices ensure the unity, integrity, and security of our nation. Beyond safeguarding our borders, they stand as pillars of peace and stability for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Their extraordinary valor and service inspire us to work towards a united, secure, and prosperous India.
“On this momentous occasion, I would like to express my gratitude to every individual contributing to the progress of our Union Territory – farmers, artisans, teachers, healthcare workers, security forces, sportspersons and government officials. Your dedication and hard work are the cornerstone of our collective success. Jammu and Kashmir has always been a land of unity in diversity. We take immense pride in our composite culture and centuries-old traditions of brotherhood. It is our collective responsibility to maintain peace and harmony, ensuring that the dreams of our youth are not hindered by divisive forces. Our journey has been one of resilience and determination, marked by unparalleled achievements in every sphere. Jammu and Kashmir, with its rich heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant culture, has always been a vital part of this journey, the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said the successful conduct of Assembly Elections underscores the positive change and this achievement is credited to all the citizens who participated in this democratic exercise, demonstrating their faith in our democratic values and future of Jammu and Kashmir. The people now look to the Government with renewed expectations, aspiring for an environment that promotes meaningful employment, sustainable development, social inclusivity, and robust economic growth – paving the way for an enhanced quality of life for all. For further strengthening and ensuring peoples’ participation at a broader level, elections for Local Bodies will be conducted for establishing 3-Tier Governance structure.
Good governance is the cornerstone for a prosperous and harmonious future and is pivotal to fostering peace, development, and inclusivity in the region. By focusing on transparency, accountability, and citizen-centric policies, the government has prioritized empowering local communities through participatory decision-making and equitable resource distribution. Initiatives like digital governance, streamlining public services, and promoting socio-economic programs aim to bridge developmental gaps and strengthen public trust, he added
“J&K has taken lead in making 1,166 online public services available on e-Unnat portal and 501 e-services have been integrated with Rapid Assessment System (RAS). 387 services are covered under the Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA), and 104 Government services have been integrated with DigiLocker for enhanced document security and accessibility. J&K is targeting to achieve 100% compliance of reforms for ease of doing business. Jammu and Kashmir has created JK SAMADHAN platform, for online redressal of public grievances. About 300 grievances are processed per day. Another initiative launched by the Government, Raabta, is a landmark program aimed at fostering stronger connections between the government and the people.
Jammu and Kashmir’s economy has recorded a growth rate of 9.5% which is driven by sustained government initiatives and strategic policy measures. GSDP of J&K is estimated at ?2.45 lakh crore for 2023-24, up from ?2,20 lakh crorein 2022-23. This positive trajectory highlights the effectiveness of ongoing economic development strategies, infrastructure advancements, and business-friendly policies.
Our Union Territory has witnessed remarkable progress in various sectors of development. From infrastructure development to social welfare, from education reforms to healthcare advancements, our administration has been relentless in its pursuit of growth and equity.
Significant strides have been made in road connectivity. Work on Jammu-Akhnoor-Poonch National Highway, Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri National Highway and Chenani-Sudhmahadev-Khellani-Kishtwar-Khanabal National Highway is under progress. Work on Banihal bypass on Srinagar-Jammu NH has recently been completed and opened for traffic. Work on Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway is under progress, which will reduce the distance between Delhi and Katra to 6 hours only. Srinagar and Jammu Ring Roads are in advanced stages of completion. Z-Morh tunnel has been completed and is being dedicated to the nation soon. Construction of Zojila tunnel is also under progress.
Works on development of Baramulla-Kupwara-Trehgam National Highway, Baramulla Uri NH, Pattan Bypass and Baramulla Bypass have been started. 8 tunnel projects are in the advanced stages and are likely to be completed by December 2025. SudhmahadevDranga tunnel and SinghporaVailoo tunnel are being taken up.Unconnected habitations having population more than 250 as per 2011 census are being taken up under the newly launched PMGSY-IV programme.144 Road and Bridge projects are being taken up under NABARD.
In a historic stride towards progress, the Railway is set to connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the nation, heralding a new era of development, economic growth, and unity.
J&K is witnessing rapid development in hydropower generation. Mega hydro projects like PakalDul, Kiru, and Ratle shall be ready by 2026 and Kwar by December 2027 collectively adding 3,014 MWs generation capacity. Another four hydropower projects having 1818 MWs generation capacity (Dulhasti-II, Kirthai-I, Kirthai-II and Uri-II) are in pipeline. Sawalkote HEP is in the techno economic study phase which is being conducted by NHPC. In the transmission sector, a total capacity addition of 310 MVA has been achieved at 220 kV & 132 kV voltage level. In the distribution sector also, 28 No. of Receiving Stations and 503 Sub-stations with capacity addition of 211.44 MVA have been created/augmented. Holy shrine of Shri Amarnathji Baba shall be provided Grid connected uninterrupted power supply through underground cabling during this year.
For the preservation and promotion of region-specific agricultural heritage, G.I. tags have been secured for 07 agricultural products, including Solai Honey from Ramban, Rajma from Bhadarwah, Kalari from Ramnagar, Anardana from Ramban, Basmati from Jammu, Muskbudji and Saffron from Kashmir. 64 patents have also been registered over the past four years by the Agriculture Universities.
Under the Horticulture sector, the government aims to enhance the coverage under high-density, a project that will significantly increase the production and productivity of fruit crops. With this initiative, Government aims to raise yields from 10 metric tons per hectare to an impressive 60 metric tons per hectare, setting a new benchmark for horticultural output in the region.
The government is also exploring establishment of business units in new sectors such as Information Technology (IT) and IT-enabled Services (ITeS), renewable energy, biotechnology and incubation centers, with the goal of creating technology parks to foster innovation. The J&K Startup Policy 2024-27, notified in February 2024, aims to establish 2,000 startups in the UT by 2027 and includes the creation of a Rs.250 crore Venture Capital Fund, with an initial infusion of Rs.25 crore.
A comprehensive package for the development of handicrafts is currently under discussion with the Ministry of MSME, the Ministry of Textiles, shall be further taken ahead. Under Vishvakarma, J&K is ranked 7th in registrations and 2nd leading performer among States/UTs in trainings and effective implementation of the Scheme. 1.24 Lakh artisans have been trained and assessed, leveraging a robust network of 74 Government Training Centers and 117 centers affiliated with National Skill Development Corporation.
To further build on this momentum and enhance the tourism experience, several significant projects are underway. A state-of-the-art water park is being constructed at Dwara Village, near the Sidhra Golf Course, under Public-Private Partnership(PPP) mode. Basohli is also being developed as an adventure tourism hotspot. A vertical lift project is being installed to connect Peerkho to the Mubarak Mandi Complex, enhancing accessibility and making it easier for tourists to visit this historic site.
Our winter sports infrastructure has also seen significant improvements. Drag lifts are now operational in Sonamarg and Gulmarg, two of our premier winter sports destinations. In line with our vision to distribute tourist traffic more evenly across the region and ensure sustainable tourism growth, the Government is working to secure Multilateral funding under the Sustainable Promotion of Emerging Alternate Destination (SPREAD) initiative to develop alternate tourism destinations across J&K, adhering to international standards and easing the pressure on our most popular locations.
To preserve and promote the rich cultural legacy of Jammu & Kashmir, “Writers & Artists Welfare Fund” has been created with a seed money allocation of Rs. 50 lakhs, aimed at reaching out to artists and their dependent family members who find themselves in distress. For preservation of cultural heritage, new archival repository is being operationalized and a fresh survey of heritage monuments and sites will be conducted. Modernization of the SRS Library in Jammu and the construction of the Library-cum-Café building and Dogra Art Museum in the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex are in the final stages of completion. SPS Museum will be made fully functional, adding to the region’s cultural offerings. Moreover, the Sufiyana School in Srinagar and the Culture Centre in Kathua are both set to be completed soon, further enhancing our cultural and artistic infrastructure.
1.50 crore saplings have been planted this year under the scheme “Maakenaamekped”. 36 Nagar Vans are being established. 5 KMs of critically silted Wular Lake has been restored. Second phase of Jambu Zoo is under progress which will have more enclosures enriching the wildlife experience for visitors.
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. Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) screening initiatives shall be further strengthened for early detection and treatment of diseases. 10 districts are expected to be TB free by the end of year 2025.
Under the School Education, the government is promoting collaboration for research and quality education by embracing technology and digitization. Key initiatives include the establishment of smart classrooms, tinkering labs and the integration of digital resources to enhance the learning experience. To improve teaching standards and educational outcomes, there is a strong focus on capacity building for teaching faculty. The “School Complex” System will be implemented across 746 schools, fostering collaboration and better resource sharing.
Under the PM Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) Scheme, 396 schools have been approved for upgradation, aimed at enhancing educational infrastructure across Jammu & Kashmir. 45 Tinkering Labs and 159 STEM Labs are nearing completion. 600 ICT Labs, 2000 Smart Classrooms, and 500 Atal Tinkering Labs are being further set up to enhance the educational ecosystem and promoting innovation.
67degree colleges have received NAAC accreditation, and efforts are being made to ensure that all colleges achieve this standard for quality education. Two architecture colleges are under construction in Jammu and Srinagar, enhancing higher education options. Under the RashtriyaUchchatarShikshaAbhiyan (RUSA), 44 infrastructure projects are underway for degree colleges and universities, and 17 new college buildings are being constructed to accommodate the growing student population. As part of the ‘BetiPadhaoBetiBachao’ programme, 91 female students underwent a month-long internship at IIM, Rohtak, promoting women’s education and empowerment.
Under the Smart City Mission, Jammu & Kashmir has successfully completed 260 projects, focusing on key urban infrastructure like the LalChowk redevelopment, Jhelum Riverfront and Polo View High Street. Development of Tawi Riverfront, Ranbir Canal Walkway and Heritage Market Upgrades are also underway.
Intelligent Traffic Management System has been established for better traffic control and road safety, with features like surveillance, e-Bill Pay, e-challans for violations, GIS-based digital door numbering, etc. To promote green transport initiatives, the government have introduced 200 e-buses which are being supplemented with additional 200 e-buses for better eco-friendly public transport facility. E-rickshaws have been also introduced to provide last mile connectivity.
Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) has been established to regulate the real estate sector, and land has been identified for mass housing colonies, including Shahjar Heights and Satellite Township at RakhGundaksha. Under PMAY, 27,793 housing units have been completed, with PMAY-II registration underway for EWS/LIG/MIG families.
The Government has provided transport facility to the tribals along with their livestock for their migration from one place to another. Government has approved a project to establish transit accommodations at 8 places which will cater to the needs of trans-human tribal Populations. Government is in the process of recommending 604 new villages under DhartiAabaJanjatiya Gram UtkarshAbhiyan (DAJGUA) aims to fill critical gaps in social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood.
Urban youths are being provided self-employment opportunities under various self-employment programmes which include National Urban Livelihood Mission, National Rural Livelihood Mission besides creation of Self Help Groups and Skill Development/Training under HIMAYAT. Government plans to transform 40,000 Potential LakhpatiDidi’s (PLDs) into LakhpatiDidi’s which shall promote the livelihood and empowerment of rural women.
Government is working on Mission YUVA, which aims to establish Jammu & Kashmir as a hub of entrepreneurial excellence and employment generation. Designed to address the region’s educated unemployment, particularly among youth and women, the initiative envisions creating a dynamic ecosystem for enterprise development. This comprehensive strategy capitalizes on the region’s socio-economic potential and cultural heritage, driving a transformative journey towards inclusive prosperity.
The program aims for fostering nano-entrepreneurs, with a special focus on first-generation entrepreneurs, women, and youth from remote areas; establishing new MSMEs in growth and sunrise sectors; scaling existing businesses towards sustainable growth; and promoting innovative startups and knowledge-based enterprises. The initiative seeks to create over 1,37,000 enterprises and generate about 4,25,000 jobs over five years.
The administration has also taken necessary steps for fast-track recruitment in government jobs. In the past four to five years, 40,000 appointments were made based on transparency and merit. The process for compassionate appointments has also been expedited. A total of 10,616 positions have been referred to JKPSC and JKSSB, out of which notifications for 7,376 positions have been issued. Examinations for 6,090 positions have already been conducted. This year, 1,116 cases under SRO-43 have been approved, while 150 cases are under review.
4500 children have been provided free training at 92 Khelo India Centers, who are now shining on national podiums. 15,000 sportspersons represented J&K in National & Zonal level competitions in different disciplines during this year. Special focus has been given to women’s participation, with our women athletes winning medals and earning accolades at national and international levels. One of our crowning achievements is the revival of international cricket through the Legends League, hosted in J&K for the first time since 1988, drawing global attention and massive crowds. Water Sports Academy at Nehru Park in Srinagar and the Fencing Academy at MA Stadium, Jammu have been established. Prestigious Khel Gaon in Nagrota, a multi-sports hub with world-class facilities, will soon be completed.
High-Performance Training Centers shall be developed in every district in phased manner to enhance athlete training and performance. Gymnastics Academy shall be established at the GINDUN Stadium in Rajbagh, Srinagar for providing specialized training to the aspiring gymnasts. After successfully hosting 04 editions of Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg, we look forward to host the 5th Edition in February, 2025.
The digitization of revenue records and maps is currently in the finalization stage, having achieved 100% scanning of legacy data. The digitization of Jamabandi records stands at 99.84 percent”, the Lieutenant Governor said.