J&K driving forward to become core of ‘Viksit Bharat': Advisor Bhatnagar

Jammu, Aug 15: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar Thursday stated that J&K was moving forward on its journey to peace and progress so as to emerge as the axis of youth-driven ‘Viksit Bharat’, as envisioned by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“In line with this vision, youth, besides farmers, women and poor, formed the core of all policies and decisions of the UT government led by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha,” he said.

He was addressing the gathering after hoisting the National Flag on the occasion of 78th Independence Day, in M A Stadium.

While lauding the resolve of security forces to maintain peace in the region and safeguard integrity of the country, Bhatnagar said that the safety of citizens was the priority of the ruling dispensation.

“Our security forces and law executing agencies work with an unflinching commitment to maintain peace and rule of law. Our army, Central Armed Police Forces, police and different agencies work day and night to defend the country and its citizens from internal and external threats. This is the time to express our gratitude to them. Let’s resolve to fully support them (security forces) and extend cooperation to fulfil the resolve to preserve the country's sovereignty and integrity," Advisor exhorted the citizens.

He also inspected the parade and took the salute from the contingents of JKP, JKAP, SSB, IRP, women contingent, Forest Protection Force, Fire & Emergency Services NCC and various several school contingents, Brass and Pipe Bands and Band Troops (Girls and Boys) of different schools.

Bhatnagar paid glowing tributes to freedom fighters, who made the supreme sacrifice for the independence. He also paid homage to the freedom fighters and security forces of J&K, who made immense sacrifices, laying down their lives for the nation's integrity and sovereignty.

“Their sacrifice inspires us to cherish principles of justice, freedom and equality, which define our country and its ideology,” he said.

He said that J&K was witnessing a new era in the last five years, while charting a journey towards peace, progress, harmony, prosperity and development.

While enumerating the achievements in different sectors, he also referred to 29 schemes under ambitious Holistic Agriculture Development Programmes and said that they would bring revolutionary changes in J&K. “They will provide secure livelihood to 13 lakh farmer families in J&K besides generating 2.87 lakh jobs and providing opportunities to more than 2.5 lakh youth for skill development. This will help in enhancing the region’s growth rate to 11-12 percent and give an impetus to agri GDP,” Bhatnagar said.

He underscored that Jammu and Kashmir was rapidly moving towards comprehensive development in all sectors of life and emphasised that the UT was evolving into a realm free from fear and corruption.

Advisor also enlisted significant achievements in tourism (including religious tourism), power, entertainment, education, science and technology sectors.

An impressive display of dance performances showcasing the history and heritage of Jammu Kashmir and celebrating the spirit of unity in diversity and national integration marked the occasion.

Later, winners of the National Anthem singing competition were also felicitated by the Advisor. The competition was conducted by the Information Department in ‘Above 18’, ‘Below 18’ and group categories.

MP Jammu-Rajouri Jugal Kishore Sharma, DDC chairman Bharat Bhushan, Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, ADGP Jammu Anand Jain, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Commissioner JMC Rahul Yadav along with judges, ex PRI members, senior officers from civil and security forces, former legislators were present on the occasion.