Launches ‘J&K Sambhaav Utsav -2024' in New Delhi
Jammu Tawi, Feb 13: Without naming any regional political party, the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Tuesday said though there are few elements trying to spread chaos and confusions about J&K, but there is no need to pay heed, support or join their ranks.
Lieutenant Governor Sinha was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of ‘J&K Sambaav' event held at Prithvi Raj Road, New Delhi. “There are few elements spreading wrong information about J&K, but I want to say there is no need to support and join their ranks,” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said.
He said Jammu and Kashmir has seen a massive change in last 4 to 5 years under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and exhibiting this reformation to the people of country and abroad the government has held seven-day long J&K Sambaav event here today. “After independence, J&K has seen a huge influx of tourists including foriegners. Before two years J&K recorded 1.87 cr, then 2.17 lac tourist flow respectively. Also there has been 2.5 percent increase in foriegner tourist arrivals,” LG Sinha said.
In last few years, the UT of Jammu Kashmir has witnessed a complete turnaround in the development scenario. A big section of the population in J&K who were neglected earlier, have been empowered. People's participation is now shaping the future of J&K's growth journey, he said.
Today, J&K is seen as a model in urban transformation, innovation, start-ups, agriculture, industrial development and has created a niche in tourism. The achievements of the youth, women and farmers of J&K are inspiring the country, the Lt Governor observed.
Now, the UT of Jammu Kashmir is seen as a hot-spot of tourism and not the hotspot of terrorism. Last year, a record 2.11 crore tourists visited Jammu Kashmir. The arrival of foreign tourists in the UT has also increased manifolds. Gurez and Lolab Valley were chosen as the most beautiful offbeat destinations of the country in last two years, he added.
Replying to a query, LG Sinha said the aim of granting reservation to Paharis of J&K was to bring them into mainstream class to utilise their endeavors in nation building. “This was an effort that those left in past decades to rope in them into mainstream part. I believe there should a role and contribution of every person if we wish to make India a Viksit Bharat,” he said.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said appealed to media to play its role in making people of country and abroad aware about changes happened in Jammu and Kashmir in last 4 to 5 years.
Earlier, on the eve of Basant Panchami, the Lieutenant Governor launched ‘J&K Sambhaav Utsav-2024', organized by Resident Commission Jammu Kashmir at J&K House, New Delhi today.
The Lt Governor also launched Information-cum-facilitation hub ‘Hello J&K'; Digital Photography, Painting and Singing competitions for Youth on the theme “Know Jammu Kashmir” and inaugurated various new projects undertaken by J&K's Resident Commission.
He said the new beginning by the J&K Resident Commission will provide glimpses of a new and resurgent J&K to the visitors.
The Lt Governor said the ‘Hello J&K' initiative launched today will connect the youth of Jammu Kashmir with domain experts from various fields, both online and offline, facilitating a rich exchange of knowledge, insights and opportunities.
It will be a one-stop center for education, entrepreneurship, livelihood, health and wellness, tour and travel guidance, safety & security of citizens of Jammu Kashmir living outside the UT, he said.
Products of diverse range, featuring ODOP items, Handmade GI-tagged carpets, GI-tagged Pashmina shawls, silk sarees, chain stitches, authentic Kashmiri suits, paper mache, crewel woodcarving items etc have been put to display for the visitors and the potential buyers.
On the occasion, Naya Jammu Kashmir Short Film Making competition by Department of Information & Public Relations J&K was also launched.
The Information Department invited the filmmakers and citizens of J&K to participate in the competition and submit their short films highlighting development in Jammu Kashmir over the last four years. The Winners will have the opportunity to interact with leading filmmakers in Mumbai. The contest will remain open till February 28, 2024.
The facilities inaugurated by the Lt Governor today include Officers' Transit Accommodation at Rajaji Marg, Office- cum- Utility Area at J&K House, Chanakyapuri and Fitness Centre at JK House, 5- Prithviraj Road.
