Inter-district competition will pave path for J&K’s prosperity: LG Sinha

Jammu, Jan 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Sunday said that the inter-district competition would take Jammu and Kashmir on the path of prosperity and inclusive development.

Dedicating the 34th edition of ‘Awaam Ki Awaaz’ programme to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their participation in ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’, the LG said, “I am confident that the Janbhagidari and the healthy competition among the districts will continue to take the extraordinary journey of J&K forward on the path of prosperity and inclusive development.”

He said that the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, a powerful Jan Abhiyan initiative to reach out to the vulnerable section of society, would create a new future for developed India.

Sinha said that the participation of 40 lakh citizens of J&K so far in this journey had laid a strong foundation for progress in both rural and urban areas of J&K.

Sharing the inspirational success stories of the people, he appreciated the effort of Bikram Singh of village Jhankar, Kathua for teaching new methods of farming to the people in his village.

“He is a living encyclopedia on integrated farming and is always ready to help others who want to secure the benefits of diversification,” the LG said.

He said Ghulam Hassan Sheikh of Chamboora, Budgam is full of unyielding determination.

“The strategic expansion or business diversification in his professional career such as handling the business of ‘Carpets to Kashmiri Lal Mirch’ is inspiring the other entrepreneurs,” Sinha said.

He made a special mention of Ghulam Hussain Wani, a skilled carpet artisan from Srinagar, who has become a household name for his expertise in carpet repairs and is playing an important role in preserving the finesse of this rare art form.

”Nari Shakti is capable of creating possibilities from nothing. The story of Kaushalya Devi of Chenani, Udhampur reveals that Self-Help Groups have made a significant impact on the economic empowerment of women in rural areas,” the LG said.

He commended the ‘no helmet no petrol’, a road safety campaign by district administration Anantnag and Petroleum Dealer Association.

Sinha also appreciated the unique endeavours of Nisar Ahmad of Mattan, Vishal Roudhan of Udhampur, and Kulgam’s Mahmooda Akhtar to connect fellow citizens and youth with social campaigns and promoting the ancient traditional art of hand embroidery.

Highlighting the efforts of the J&K administration to facilitate the creation of amenities for tourists in rural and far-off areas, he said that the recent surge in the registrations for homestays shows immense potential for offbeat tourist destinations.

The LG called upon the people living in rural and border areas to take advantage of this opportunity and assured every support from the administration to them.

He voiced the suggestions received from Balwinder Salaria from Billawar, Kathua; Bandipora’s Yasir Rashid; Varun Bharti from Kathua; and Arjamend from Nowpachi, Kishtwar regarding waste management in rural areas, clean cooking fuel, renewable energy and provision of telemedicine services in villages, and steps to ensure public participation in the extension of telemedicine services.

Sinha directed the concerned departments to take immediate and appropriate action on the valuable inputs received from the citizens.