Jammu Tawi, Feb 2: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said the government remains committed to addressing challenges related to unemployment, infrastructure gaps, and social welfare in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing Members of the Legislative Assembly in the Central Hall of the Assembly complex, the LG said that during its first year in office, the government has focused on combining development with dignity, growth with social justice, and progress with peace. Guided by inclusive governance, he said the administration is working with renewed determination to meet the aspirations of the people.
In his third address to the House since the formation of the elected government in 2024, LG Sinha said a humane and compassionate approach has been adopted in governance. He noted that issues concerning employees, daily wagers, contractual workers, and marginalized sections have been examined with empathy, and corrective measures taken where required.
He said the development strategy of Jammu and Kashmir continues to be guided by the principles of Economy, Ecology, and Equity, ensuring balanced and environmentally sustainable growth. Emphasizing good governance as the cornerstone of development, the LG said transparency, accountability, digital reforms, and citizen-centric service delivery have strengthened public trust and institutional efficiency.
The LG described the past year as a milestone in J&K’s democratic journey with the restoration of an elected government after several years. He said participatory governance has been strengthened, public confidence rebuilt, and representation of all regions and communities ensured. He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions through timely local body elections, improved grievance redressal, and expanded digital governance.
Highlighting welfare measures, LG Sinha said 910 compassionate appointments were made during the year, including 464 appointments to next of kin of terror-affected families, ensuring dignified livelihoods for families impacted by violence.
On economic growth, he said Jammu and Kashmir is among the fastest-growing Union Territories, with GST collections rising from Rs 8,064 crore in 2023–24 to Rs 8,586 crore in 2024–25. The UT is recording an annual nominal growth rate of around 11 per cent in 2024–25, driven by policy reforms, infrastructure expansion, and investment facilitation, with a focus on employment generation for youth and women.
The LG said Rs 1,431 crore has been sanctioned under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Infusion for 222 projects, with Rs 1,083 crore already released. Infrastructure development, particularly in the road sector, has seen investments of over Rs 61,000 crore, including highways, expressways, and tunnels. Major projects like the Sonamarg Tunnel have been completed, while others, including the Zojila Tunnel, are nearing completion.
He said the Kashmir Valley is now connected to the national railway network, a full-fledged railway division has been sanctioned, and modernization of Jammu Tawi Railway Station is underway.
Highlighting reforms in the power sector, LG Sinha said major hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 3,014 MW are under execution, smart meter installation is progressing rapidly, and power losses have reduced while revenue has increased. He also announced approval for providing 200 free electricity units to 2.23 lakh AAY families.
The LG said tourism remains a vital economic pillar, with 1.78 crore tourist visits recorded in 2025. Tourism has been granted industry status to boost investment, employment, and balanced regional growth.
