Diplomat Desk
Jammu,(DD), Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today laid out an ambitious and comprehensive roadmap for the future of Jammu and Kashmir, underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment to creating a prosperous, peaceful, and democratic J&K.
With a focus on local governance, economic advancement, and robust security measures, the Lieutenant Governor’s vision encapsulated a collective effort to foster sustainable growth, improve quality of life, and eliminate the barriers of division and violence.
Addressing the R-day parrade in Jammu, Sinha began by announcing that elections to Local Bodies will soon be held to establish a 3-tier governance structure, empowering citizens at the grassroots level. This move marks a significant step toward strengthening democracy in Jammu and Kashmir, which has been without Panchayats, Municipalities, and Urban Local Bodies for over a year. The decision reflects the government’s deep belief in the power of democratic participation and people-driven governance, ensuring that the aspirations of the region’s citizens are met and their voices heard.
As the region continues to chart a course towards progress, Sinha highlighted the renewed expectations of the people, who now aspire to a thriving environment marked by meaningful employment, sustainable development, and inclusive growth. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir now look to the government with renewed hope, seeking an environment that promotes not only economic growth but also social inclusivity, innovation, and a better quality of life,” Sinha remarked. This collective desire for change is evident in the successful conduct of the recent assembly elections, which were a clear testament to the region’s growing faith in democratic values.
The region’s economic growth has been encouraging, with the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) projected to reach Rs 2.45 lakh crore for 2023-24, marking a significant rise from the previous year’s figure. This positive trajectory is attributed to sustained government initiatives, business-friendly policies, and advancements in infrastructure. Sinha also emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir has experienced a 9.5% growth rate, which is a direct result of strategic policy measures and strong government support for businesses and industries in the UT.
On the security front, Sinha assured that the government is committed to eliminating co-terror networks and drug syndicates that have plagued the region. Under the “whole of Government approach,” efforts are being made to tackle these challenges head-on, with comprehensive strategies in place to reduce drug addiction, eradicate terror cells, and protect future generations from these dangers. The introduction of the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan are key components of this strategy, aimed at making Jammu and Kashmir a “Nasha Mukt” (drug-free) region.
The Lieutenant Governor also addressed the ongoing progress in infrastructure development, particularly in road connectivity. Several critical projects are underway, such as the Jammu-Akhnoor-Poonch National Highway, Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri National Highway, and the construction of vital tunnels like the Z-Morh and Zojila tunnels. These developments will significantly improve transportation, reduce travel time, and facilitate the smooth movement of goods and people across the region. Notably, the upcoming Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway will reduce the distance between Delhi and Katra to just six hours, heralding a new era of connectivity and tourism potential.
In the power sector, Jammu and Kashmir is set to achieve remarkable progress with several mega hydropower projects like Pakal Dul, Kiru, and Ratle slated to be completed by 2026, which will add over 3,000 MW of generation capacity to the region. Additionally, other major hydropower projects are in the pipeline, and work is ongoing to improve the transmission and distribution network, including uninterrupted power supply to the holy shrine of Shri Amarnathji through underground cabling.
Jammu and Kashmir’s industrial sector is also undergoing significant transformation, driven by new policies aimed at boosting investment, creating jobs, and fostering growth. The launch of a Rs 28,400 crore Central Sector Scheme in 2021 has already encouraged industrial investment in the region, with 889 industrial units beginning groundwork, and 324 expected to start production soon. The creation of 46 new industrial estates is another step toward providing state-of-the-art facilities to attract more industries and provide ample job opportunities for the youth.
Recognizing the importance of youth empowerment, Sinha emphasized the government’s efforts to provide employment opportunities and fast-track recruitment processes. Over the past four to five years, more than 40,000 government appointments have been made, based on transparency and merit. Additionally, 10,616 positions have been referred to the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB), ensuring that the youth of the region can access government employment opportunities.
Sinha also highlighted the government’s initiatives to support displaced families, including the construction of 6,000 flats for Kashmiri migrant employees, with nearly half of them already completed. Financial assistance has been provided to over 33,000 displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and Chhamb, along with support for West Pakistani refugees, ensuring that their lives are made more secure and dignified.(DD)
