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Panchayats, ULB polls to be held soon in J&K: LG Manoj Sinha

He reiterated that the people of J&K had defeated the agenda of terrorists, their collaborators and secessionists with their overwhelming participation in the election process
01:49 AM Jan 27, 2025 IST | SHUCHISMITA
panchayats  ulb polls to be held soon in j k  lg manoj sinha
Panchayats, ULB polls to be held soon in J&K: LG Manoj Sinha___Gk File photo
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Jammu, Jan 26: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Sunday asserted that to meet renewed expectations following successful assembly polls, elections to Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) would be held soon, for further strengthening people’s participation at a broader level.

He reiterated that the people of J&K had defeated the agenda of terrorists, their collaborators and secessionists with their overwhelming participation in the election process.

Stating that the crucial Z-Morh tunnel at Sonamarg was dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this month, LG Sinha said that eight tunnel projects were in the advanced stages and were likely to be completed by December 2025.

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Sudhmahadev Dranga tunnel and Singhpora Vailoo tunnel were also being taken up, he said.

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Lieutenant Governor was addressing the gathering at the main function in the Union Territory on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day at M A Stadium, Jammu.

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Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was the chief guest at the event.

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In his address, the Lieutenant Governor reiterated that to ensure that future generations were freed from the vicious cycle of drug addictions, co-terror networks and drug syndicates would be eliminated following the “whole of government approach.”

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He stated that the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) was established to regulate the real estate sector and land was identified for mass housing colonies, including Shahjar Heights and satellite township at Rakh Gundaksha.

Sharing ambitious projects aimed at public welfare, LG Sinha said, “The government plans to transform 40,000 Potential Lakhpati Didis (PLDs) into Lakhpati Didis which shall promote the livelihood and empowerment of rural women.”

FIGHT AGAINST DRUG MENACE

Referring to another crucial challenge of drug menace, being confronted by J&K, the Lieutenant Governor said that strict action was being taken against drug peddlers and contraband substances were being seized, FIRs registered and property of peddlers seized.

“The Government of India is implementing a “whole of government approach” to eliminate co-terror networks and drug syndicates. For this purpose, the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan have been implemented. To make J&K Nasha Mukt, various initiatives are being taken up through monitoring and counselling to combat drug menace which includes Aadhaar-based dispensing systems, enhance surveillance and ensure strict enforcement to prevent misuse of medicinal preparations in coordination with NGOs and other stakeholders,” he said.

LG Sinha informed that drug de-addiction infrastructure was created in all 20 districts with availability of anti-drug treatment facilities and 377 Panchayats were made Nasha Mukt.

RAMP TO FACILITATE MSME ENTREPRENEURS

Referring to support MSME sector, the Lieutenant Governor said that a significant Government of India initiative, called Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP), aimed to improve the access of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to finance, technology and markets would be implemented in J&K for the welfare of MSME entrepreneurs.

SUCCESSFUL ASSEMBLY POLLS INDUCED POSITIVE CHANGE

LG Sinha reiterated that the successful conduct of assembly elections underscored the positive change. “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 and rejecting the secessionist agenda. 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 people’s; participation at a broader level, elections for Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies will be conducted for establishing a 3-tier governance structure very soon.”

SIGNIFICANT STRIDES IN ROAD CONNECTIVITY

Lieutenant Governor said that J&K in the past few years saw remarkable strides in road connectivity and work on Jammu-Akhnoor-Poonch National Highway, Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri National Highway and Chenani-Sudhmahadev-Khellani-Kishtwar-Khanabal National Highway was 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. Construction of Zojila tunnel is also under progress,” he said.

TRAIN TO KASHMIR

Referring to successful completion of Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, he said, “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.”

GRID CONNECTED UNINTERRUPTED POWER SUPPLY TO SHRI AMARNATH SHRINE DURING 2025

LG Sinha announced that the holy shrine of Shri Amarnathji Baba would be provided grid connected uninterrupted power supply through underground cabling during this year.

SWIFT PROGRESS IN CRUCIAL PROJECTS

He said that work on Shahpur Kandi dam project was in advanced stage and J&K was likely to add irrigation potential of more than 32,000 hectares which would benefit catchment areas of Samba and Kathua districts.

“Work on Tawi barrage (artificial lake) conceived for tourism purposes in the heart of the Jammu city, is expected to be commissioned this year,” he hoped.

JKCIP TO BENEFIT 3 LAKH HOUSEHOLDS

Referring to strides in agricultural sector, LG Sinha said that the government would also implement JK Competitiveness of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) focusing on four key components i.e., climate-smart and market-led production; agri-business ecosystem development support; support to vulnerable communities and project management. “This initiative will benefit about 3 lakh households,” he said.

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN J&K

LG Sinha pointed out that the Government of India launched a new Central Sector Scheme in 2021 with an outlay of Rs 28,400 Cr to boost industrial development in J&K.

“New Central Sector Scheme (CSS) package which offers capital investment incentive, Capital Interest Subvention and working capital interest subvention has encouraged industrial investment in the UT. 889 units have commenced groundwork out of which 324 industrial units are expected to begin production this year. 46 New Industrial Estates with all the modern facilities are being developed to attract industries and enhance job opportunities,” he said.

START UP POLICY

Lieutenant Governor said that the Startup Policy 2024-27, notified in February 2024, aimed to establish 2,000 startups in the UT by 2027 and included the creation of a Rs 250 Cr Venture Capital Fund, with an initial infusion of Rs 25 Cr.

TOURISM BOOM

Pointing out that J&K witnessed a record-breaking 2.36 Cr tourist footfall till November, 2024, he said that Gulmarg Gondola witnessed 7.68 lakhs tourists and earned a revenue of Rs 103 Cr during 2024.

“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,” he said.

“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. 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,” he said.

STRIDES IN EDUCATION SECTOR

Highlighting another ambitious project on the anvil in the education sector, the Lieutenant Governor said the “School Complex” system would 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,” he said.

WELFARE SCHEMES

He said that 25 lakh families (about 99 lakh individuals) were being provided ration under NFSA. Under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), free ration was being provided to 16.62 lakh households, encompassing 66.51 lakh beneficiaries. Pensionary benefits were being provided to 9.09 lakh beneficiaries.

MISSION YUVA TO ESTABLISH J&K AS HUB OF ENTREPRENEURIAL EXCELLENCE

LG Sinha said that the government was working on Mission YUVA, which aimed to establish Jammu & Kashmir as a “hub of entrepreneurial excellence and employment generation.”

“The initiative seeks to create over 1,37,000 enterprises and generate about 4,25,000 jobs over five years,” he said.

FAST TRACK RECRUITMENTS

LG Sinha said that the administration had 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,” he shared.

 

 

BOLSTERING SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE

Referring to efforts to bolster sports infrastructure and promote talent in J&K, the Lieutenant Governor said, “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 Centres will be developed in every district in a phased manner to enhance athlete training and performance. Gymnastics Academy will be established at the Gindun stadium in Rajbagh, Srinagar for providing specialized training to the aspiring gymnasts,” LG Sinha said.

He said that after successfully hosting four editions of Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg, J&K was looking forward to hosting the 5th Edition in February, 2025.

During the event, the Lieutenant Governor unfurled the National Flag and inspected the contingents of the Republic Day Parade and took the ceremonial salute.

The Republic Day Parade consisted of smart contingents from Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, IRP (Women and Male), J&K Police, JKAP, UT Disaster Response Force, J&K Fire and Emergency Services, J&K Forest Protection Force, Excise and Taxation Department, Ex-Servicemen, NCC (Boys and Girls), Bharat Scouts and Guides (Girls & Boys) and several school contingents, Brass and Pipe Bands of Army, BSF, J&K Police and Band Troops (Girl & Boys) of different schools.

Tableaux by different departments on cultural diversity of J&K, PM-Surya Ghar, Swarnim Bharat ki Virasat, Fit India Movement, War against Drugs and impressive Motorcycle Acrobatic display by JKP dare-devils and cultural pageantry based on the different themes were the main attractions of the celebrations.

Prior to the main event at M A Stadium, the Lieutenant Governor laid wreaths at Police Martyrs Memorial and Balidan Stambh and paid tributes to the valiant martyrs of the Police, Army, and CAPFs who made the supreme sacrifice for the motherland.