Will foil all terror designs: LG

Srinagar, Aug 15: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday said the J&K administration and security forces would foil all terror designs.

Addressing the 78th Independence Day gathering at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, the LG said that the J&K administration and the security forces would never allow the neighbouring country to revive terrorism in J&K and that the people of Jammu should help the security forces wipe out terrorism from the region.

In his address, he said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all of you on the auspicious occasion of the 78th Independence Day.

Today, we celebrate the spirit of freedom, unity, and resilience that defines our great nation. On this joyous occasion, we stand together to honour and remember the countless sacrifices made by our brave freedom fighters and martyrs. I solemnly remember our great national leaders and revolutionaries with gratitude and reverence and pay obeisance to their sacrifice for the liberation of our motherland,” he said. “Our history is etched with the blood and toil of those who, against all odds, fought bravely for our nation's independence. Their indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom have paved the way for the vibrant democracy we are privileged to be a part of today. As we hoist the tricolour today, we are reminded of the struggles, the pain, and the ultimate sacrifice of those who fought against oppression and tyranny. They envisioned a free nation, and through sheer dedication and courage, they turned that vision into our reality. Their sacrifices were not in vain, and we must ensure that their legacy continues to inspire and guide us.”

LG Sinha said: “Let us take a moment to reflect on the values and principles that our freedom fighters and martyrs held dear—values of justice, equality, and patriotism. As we celebrate this day, let us renew our pledge to uphold these ideals. Let us strive to build a nation that not only cherishes its hard-won freedom but also works tirelessly to ensure justice, equality, and prosperity for all its citizens. In their memory, let us vow to contribute towards the betterment of our nation, to stand united against any threat to our sovereignty, and to work towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all. Their sacrifices have given us this day; let us honour it by dedicating ourselves to the service of our nation and its people.

I pay homage to the valiant soldiers and officers of J&K Police, Army and CAPFs, who have always displayed magnificent heroism and the spirit of sacrifice in protecting the land of Jammu and Kashmir and ensuring its all-round development. They had only one dream – J&K with its ageless cultural-spiritual heritage must become synonymous with achievement and march with confidence towards the goal of good governance. We have built a memorial-‘Balidan Stambh’, to immortalise the police personnel and soldiers who laid down their lives to protect the soil of J&K. This monument will always inspire the new generation to reflect on the ideals and values of patriotism and sacrifice of the martyrs.

On this auspicious occasion, we gather to celebrate not just the freedom of our great nation but also the unparalleled beauty and heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. This land, the ‘Paradise on Earth’ is a testament to nature's splendor and humanity's indomitable spirit. Jammu and Kashmir, with its majestic mountains, serene lakes, and lush valleys, is a canvas painted by the divine. The snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, standing tall and proud, inspire us to rise above challenges and reach for the skies. This place symbolises peace and tranquillity, reminding us that at the end of the darkest of tunnels, there is always light.”

He said: “I congratulate you all for the monumental strides we have taken in reinforcing the democratic fabric through the recent General Elections of 2024. The work done in the past five years has strengthened the common man's faith in democracy. The peaceful conduct of these elections amidst challenging circumstances stands as a testament to our resilience and determination to build a prosperous and harmonious Jammu and Kashmir. The people of Jammu and Kashmir reaffirmed the solemn pledge to uphold the principles of democracy and demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusivity, evident through robust participation from first-time voters, women, the elderly and tribal communities. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every citizen who exercised their democratic right and contributed to making these elections a resounding success. Jammu and Kashmir witnessed its highest voter participation in the last 35 years.”

The LG said that the combined voter turnout of 58.46 percent across J&K, not only signifies the robust democratic spirit of our people but also underscores their commitment to shaping the future of the region through the power of the ballot.

“Kashmir, a focal point of our electoral journey, witnessed a remarkable increase in voter turnout. Rising from 19.16% in 2019 to an impressive 50.86 percent in 2024, this surge reflects a renewed faith in the democratic processes. The success of these elections is also a testament to our collective efforts in promoting peace and civic engagement,” he said. “The roots of democracy have deepened in the past five years. Today I appeal to the citizens of J&K now it should be our collective resolve to ensure that the ideals of democracy become an important part of our consciousness and our innate nature.

We have to walk on the path of democracy with the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. Jammu and Kashmir was not called heaven on earth only because of its mountains, rivers and valleys. It was termed paradise because of its quest for knowledge, spirituality and ideals of equality among all religions, which made its natural beauty unique across the world. The experience of this totality makes this land Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram. May the resolve of our minds be successful - this should be our prayer.”

LG Sinha said that there had been a significant decrease in violence in the J&K, marked by the absence of organised stone pelting and hartal and bandh incidents.

“The new wave of development, increased voter turnout in elections, and the almost complete cessation of indoctrination of locals have frustrated the biggest sponsor of terrorism, our neighbouring country. They, struggling for even two meals a day, now want to spread unrest in the Jammu region by sending foreign terrorists, who have carried out heinous acts. We have lost brave officers, soldiers, and civilians. Our hearts go out to their families. I salute their martyrdom. We have given a free hand to the J&K Police and security forces and want to assure the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the nation that we have intensified our efforts to crush terror. The people of Jammu have fought against terrorism with vigour before, and this time too, they will help in ending it,” he said. “Five Shaurya Chakras were awarded to J&K Police officers this year. On the eve of Independence Day, J&K police was bestowed with 31 Medals for Gallantry (GM), 17 Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM) 2 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service. Their actions reflect the highest standards of commitment and valour and their recognition at the national level not only honours their heroism but also highlights the collective strength and resilience of the Jammu and Kashmir Police force. Each of these officers has shown an unwavering dedication to the nation, risking their lives to protect the citizens and uphold the law, embodying the true spirit of service and sacrifice. In our efforts to deal with crushing blows to narco-terrorism, we have adopted a multi-pronged strategy involving Comprehensive Enforcement and Coordination, Community Involvement, Strategic Operations, Data Analytics, Setting up of Special Courts for Trial of Offences, Surveillance and Intelligence and robust Rehabilitation Programs.I am confident that through these comprehensive strategies, we shall not only disrupt the supply chain but also address the root causes of addiction, paving the way for a safer and healthier society.

The LG said that four years ago, on this very day, he stood before the people and took the resolve for the reconstruction of J&K.

“I promised you that the administration will create a Jammu & Kashmir where there is equality, equal opportunities, social justice, citizen empowerment, peace and prosperity. These resolutions have been pursued with complete honesty. We have aimed to foster a J&K where every citizen can thrive and contribute to the nation's prosperity. This commitment is reflected in a multitude of initiatives aimed at developing and enhancing agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other economic opportunities. Our solemn vow is to secure a future where peace and progress are the hallmarks of this beautiful region,” he said.

LG Sinha said: “For the complete transformation of J&K, five big dreams have been realized in the past five years. The stigma of discrimination that has been plaguing this land for seven decades has been washed away. We have built a skilled J&K, paving the way for a self-reliant J&K. The gap between resources and aspirations of citizens has been bridged. Every citizen is at the centre of the policies, intentions and decisions of the administration. The administration is dedicated to empowering the poor, the disadvantaged and the marginalised. The wheel of time has turned rapidly. The existence of displaced persons from West Pakistan and PoK was attempted to be erased. With resolute determination, they have been fully granted ownership rights. Discrimination against the people of Jammu under the name of ‘Gair Mumkin Khad’ has been eliminated, and the revised policy to demarcate such land has been approved. J&K of today is a testament to these transformative efforts, standing firm as a symbol of progress for the entire country.”

He said that historically J&K had faced challenges in fiscal management due to the unabated pressures of externally sponsored terrorism.

“The high levels of committed expenditure and ATC losses in the power sector had accentuated these challenges.  Hence, over the past year, the administration has stressed revenue augmentation, improving project execution, reducing ATC losses, and improving the quality of governance. During the past few years, the J&K administration has improved budgetary transparency. For the first time in 77 years, J&K contributed to the contingency funds created by RBI; the Consolidated Sinking Fund and Guarantee Redemption Fund. During 2023-24, J&K improved its fiscal discipline and curtailed the culture of raising Hundis and overdrafts. It has now focused on increasing capital expenditure and leveraging the central sector and centrally sponsored schemes,” the LG said.

He said that the J&K administration had improved its revenues, reduced wasteful expenditure, and improved fiscal transparency.

“These initiatives coupled with the judicious welfare measures and infrastructure development have helped the GDP of J&K double from Rs 1.17 lakh crore in 2017 to Rs 2.45 lakh crore in 2023-24. The GDP is expected to touch Rs 2.63 lakh crore in 2024-25. The complete turnaround of J&K Bank also reflects the accelerated growth and strengthened foundations of J&K’s economy. During the last four years, from a loss of Rs 1139 crore in the year 2019-20, the bank has reported a profit of Rs. 1,700 Cr in the year 2023-24; the NPAs have been reduced from 11 percent to the current level of 5 percent. The bank is focusing its efforts to improve professionalism, efficiency and transparency in its business operations,” LG Sinha said.

He said that the capital expenditure had doubled in the last five years, which has brought new impetus to the completion of projects.

“Furthermore, the tax and non-tax revenue of the government has grown significantly, from Rs 13,726 crore in 2019 to Rs 20,362 crore in 2023-24, marking an increase of 48 percent. With the introduction of the new J&K Excise Policy 2024-25, duties and fee structures under various categories have been revised to achieve the broader objective of increased revenue realisation. More than 2.5 lakh projects have been completed in the past 5 years. I am grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Finance Minister for providing a special fund of Rs 17,000 crore to J&K in this financial year to maintain the pace of development,” the LG said. “This robust economic growth is a clear reflection of our strategic planning and effective implementation of policies aimed at fostering economic development. These numbers not only underscore our commitment to building a strong and sustainable infrastructure that supports long-term economic growth and development but also highlight the sound financial management and robust revenue base which translates into development and welfare of our citizens.”

He said that agriculture was integral to J&K’s economy, not only providing employment and contributing to GDP but also shaping the socio-economic fabric of the region.

“Investments in agricultural development and modernisation hold the key to bolstering its role as the economic backbone. Through the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) and J&K Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors (JKCIP), with a combined budget of ?6,813 crore, we are on our way towards revolutionizing agriculture in J&K over the next 5 years. These initiatives would double the contribution of the agricultural sector towards GDP. The 29 projects under the scheme shall ensure livelihood security for 13 lakh farmer families, with special emphasis on 3 lakh weak and marginal farm families, creating 2.87 lakh jobs, 18,861 enterprises, and skill development for over 2.5 lakh individuals to foster agri-preneurship,” LG Sinha said. “PM Fasal Bima Yojana has been extended to all 20 districts, covering almost 2.50 lakh farmers. 500 Kisan Khidmat Ghars have been launched and a total of 2,000 Farmer Service Centers will be operational within this financial year. These centres will serve as one-stop service hubs, offering comprehensive support, from input supply to marketing and technological assistance to the farmers. The area under diverse crops has increased from 12.55 lakh hectares to 13.07 lakh hectares, and registration of organic clusters has increased eight-fold from 33 to 294, with the area under organic farming expected to expand to 5860 hectares, benefitting 14,550 farmers. The government has introduced End-to-End Online licensing services under the Business Reform Action Plan, underscoring our commitment to revitalise the sector.”

He said 4.69 lakh women had been linked to integrated farming and livestock management through the 'Women Farmer Empowerment Project'.

“Women farmers have developed 2.25 lakh agri-nutrition gardens, 40 integrated farming clusters, 12 women farmer-producer organizations. 287 Mini Custom Hiring Centers have been set up to provide mechanical support to women farmers. Through campaigns like Krishi Sakhi, and Pashu Sakhi, not only financial security has been provided to women farmers in agriculture and allied sectors but it has also been ensured that they will play an active role in giving further impetus to the developmental journey of J&K,” the LG said. “Before 2019, J&K faced significant challenges in its industrial development, marred by limited infrastructure, restricted investment opportunities, and political uncertainties that hindered growth. The landscape of industrial development in J&K has undergone a transformative shift. Post reorganisation, the government has introduced a range of progressive policies and incentives to stimulate industrial growth. “

He said that J&K had received 6934 investment proposals worth Rs 1.26 lakh crores with a projected employment generating potential of 4.74 lakh.

“Industrial units with an investment of Rs 6600 crore have started production. Groundwork for Investments worth Rs 18,185 crore has started and units with investments worth about Rs 10,000 crore will become operational in this financial year. The New Industrial Scheme is ending in September this year but based on talks with the Government of India, I want to assure all the enterprises and entrepreneurs that this scheme will be extended for at least one year.46 new industrial estates are coming up and the New Startup Policy, 2024-27, shall provide much-needed fiscal and non-fiscal support to startups, thus spearheading the rise of J&K entrepreneurs in the National and Global Startup ecosystem. DPIIT registered startups increased to 825 in 2024 with 296 women-led startups and a total of 1600 startups have been registered with EDI,” LG Sinha said.  “J&K has achieved first rank among all States and UTs in India in respect of projects established under PMEGP for the year 2023-24. During 2023-24, employment has been generated for 1,20,296 persons through the disbursement of margin money of Rs 281.06 crores for setting up 15,037 self-employment enterprises. Private Industrial Estate Development Policy, 2021-30, has been amended and notified with new incentives and investor-friendly provisions. J&K is the first UT to achieve 97 percent reform implementation under Ease of Doing Business. 185 Online Services have been developed and integrated on Single Window. Handloom and Handicraft exports have doubled from Rs 563 crore in 2021-22 to Rs 1162.29 crore in 2023-24.”

He said that in the handicraft and handloom sector, a total of 5682 cooperative societies had been registered in J&K, which represents a massive increase of 1800 percent from the year 2020.7.39 lakh rural women had been brought within the fold of 90683 SHGs, and 6976 Village Organisations (VOs) and 574 Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) had been formed as on date.

“To date, we have provided capitalisation of Rs 454.84 crore to 67,754 SHGs across the Union Territory. Under PM Kissan Samrudhi Kendras 123 PACS have obtained licenses to run activities like seed business, fertilizer business and pesticide business. Presently, there are 3714 functional cooperative societies, out of which 894 have been registered during 2023-24 and 250 registered during 2024-25, in the sectors of Dairy, Poultry, Housing, Health, and Education. Programmes like Hausla and Tejaswini have turned the dreams of thousands of women entrepreneurs into reality. Under the Lakhpati Didi scheme, we have identified more than one and a half lakh self-help group households,” the LG said. “We recognise that the youth shall be the torch-bearers of the bright future we have envisioned. Schemes have been designed which shall play a crucial role in stimulating economic growth by creating a workforce equipped with relevant skills, fostering entrepreneurship, and reducing unemployment rates. In the public sector too, over 42,000 selections have been finalised since the year 2019, which includes 4095 gazetted posts. Selections to all Government posts are made fairly and transparently. 10,477 vacancies have been referred to recruiting agencies (JKSSB/JKPSC), out of which 3,594 vacancies have already been advertised and exams in respect of 1516 posts have been concluded. 6780 fresh vacancies have been identified and are in the process of referral to recruiting agencies for making selections. 1100 compassionate appointments pending for many decades have been made, which has provided immense support to the dependent families.”

He said that the schemes of Mission Youth had paved the way for a bright future for the youth.

“In the current financial year, we aim to create more than 8 lakh self-employment opportunities through the synergy of Central and J&K administration schemes. During the year 2023-24, 65,206 units were established and employment was generated for 238,675 young people, and during the year 2024-25, 5489 units have so far been established generating employment for 26,105 people. During 2023-24 and 2024-25, 116 job fairs have been organized in which 1459 companies participated and more than 2300 placements have been made,” LG Sinha said. “In PM Vishwakarma Yojana, Jammu and Kashmir ranks third in the country in terms of registration and second in terms of skill assessment and basic training, and over 1.27 lakh applications have been approved. Under PMKVY 4.0, 18000 youth have been enrolled for skill training with skill hub centres in Universities, Schools, ITIs, JNVs, and KVKs. To skill, reskill, and upskill the youth, all ITI institutions are being developed as model ITIs. An additional 600 seats have been added to Polytechnic institutions. Training in new trades has been started, keeping in mind the demand for new skills. In the Union Budget 2024-25, the PM has given priority to skill development, and a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme has been announced under the Prime Minister's Package. This scheme will significantly boost skill development and employment generation in Jammu and Kashmir. We believe that institutional support is instrumental in enhancing the operational capabilities of all groups, be it farmers, businessmen and women, young entrepreneurs, and aspirants, enabling them to access vital resources, improve their productivity, and contribute meaningfully to local economies. We are not only fostering entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency but also driving sustainable development and social empowerment.”

He said significant investments in infrastructure, including the development of industrial parks and improved connectivity, had created a favourable environment for businesses.

“Focus on sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and tourism, has attracted both national and international investors, spurring rapid industrialization, generating employment opportunities, enhancing economic activity, and positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a burgeoning industrial hub. The strides made since 2019 in this sector, mark a transformation, reflecting the region’s potential and our commitment to achieving sustainable industrial growth,” the LG said. “For the planned development of all sectors, emphasis has been placed on ‘last-mile connectivity.’ Jammu and Kashmir has achieved tremendous strides under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, showcasing exceptional progress in rural connectivity. The implementation of this flagship scheme has dramatically transformed the landscape of our region, ensuring that previously isolated villages are now linked to essential services and opportunities. The construction of new roads and the upgrading of existing ones have not only enhanced mobility but have also significantly contributed to economic development and social integration. “