Govt will pursue implementation of 2011 Rangarajan Committee Report to create jobs in J-K: LG Sinha

Srinagar, Nov 4: The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Monday said that the administration will pursue the implementation of Rangarajan Committee Report to create jobs in the region.

The decision comes fourteen years after the expert group appointed by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh recommended a string of employment generating schemes for the youth in Jammu and Kashmir.

“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,” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said in his address to maiden Legislative Assembly session on Monday.

“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,” he said, adding, “Effective collaboration with the Government of India would be essential to mobilize resources, funding, and requisite support necessary for realizing many of these reforms.”

Terming J-K's tourism sector as 'major pillar of the economy', the LG said that it can boost various services and industrial sectors including 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,” he said, adding, “My Government will focus on enhancing the quality of tourist experience, and devise appropriate interventions to manage the tourist inflow.”

The LG said, efforts will be made to speed up the development of new tourist destinations in both the valley and the plains of Jammu.

“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,” he said, adding, “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.”

The proposed railway lines that are designed to run through the apple rich orchards of Shopian has given the people there sleepless nights as they fear for their livelihoods.

The J&K Industrial Policy 2021-2030 has been notified to encourage private investment, said the LG.

“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,” he said.

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, he said.