LG lists Adm’s achievements; expresses resolve to transform Jammu Kashmir
Srinagar, August 14: The Lieutenant Governor, J&K Union Territory, Manoj Sinha in his address wished the people a very Happy 75th Independence Day. Paying rich tributes to the brave soldiers of Army, Para Military Forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police, LG said he is proud of JKP that has received 257 gallantry awards including Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra on the eve of Independence Day. I salute all the gallant heroes of Jammu & Kashmir Police who have kept the unity, integrity of India intact with their amazing valor, courage and sacrifice. Calling upon the misguided youngsters in J&K to shun the path of violence and adopt the path of peace and progress, he said the inimical forces are denying them the life of peace and dignity on this pious soil. “Carrying forward the four resolutions of the 75th year of independence viz; the power of public participation, the resolve of establishing a new Jammu and Kashmir, providing equal opportunities to all and technological development – we along-with youth of the Union territory can transform the entire Jammu and Kashmir into Shalamar garden once again.” He assured the citizens that whoever is trying to mislead the young people through proxy war, shall be given a befitting reply. He said a confident Jammu and Kashmir have completed 13,357 projects under various schemes last year despite Covid pandemic. Several steps for public welfare are being taken as our efforts are guided by the ideals of public participation, accountability, transparency, equitable and inclusive governance. Sinha said highest priority has been given to social equity. The areas which were kept backward since independence are being transformed. The policies that have been implemented on the ground after 2019 have helped the Balmiki Samaj, Adivasis, Gurkha Samaj, daughters of Jammu and Kashmir, West Pakistani Refugees and Backward Classes to finally receive social justice for the first time in the history. In order to restore ancient glory and rights of the women of Jammu and Kashmir, countless schemes in the economic, social and educational fields have been launched. Everyone is being provided opportunities to lead a better life irrespective of religion, caste and class. Infinite doors for socio economic progress of youth have been opened. Recalling the heartbreaking video of Radhika Gill, an educated daughter of the Balmiki community, in November 2018 he said the talent was strangulated by sanctions. He said it has been a Jungle Raaj in J&K all these years prior to 2019. Similarly, certain anti-national and anti-development elements are trying to incite the sentiments of the people regarding the new land laws. Changes have been made in the regressive land laws for the welfare of farmer because they needed permission even to plant and cut an apple orchard on their own land. A farmer with less than 4 Kanals of cultivable land was denied the high density plantation. By removing all these discrepancies, a progressive and development-oriented system has been implemented. We are determined to improve the standard of living of 70% people dependent on agriculture,” Sinha added.
He reiterated that despite having the capacity to generate 20,000 MW hydropower only 3500 MW of electricity was harnessed after Independence. Under the directions of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hydro projects worth 3400 MW have been approved in just two years. We will generate the same amount of electricity in the next four to five years that was generated in the last seven decades.
The dilapidated electricity infrastructure is being improved with the help of Prime Minister’s Developmental Package. If the people in Kashmir Valley were able to witness snowfall and electricity together, the credit goes to the collective efforts made in the last one year. There are other glaring examples of delays. The Sawalakot Power Project was to be commissioned in 1984, but it was delayed and we are completing it now. Similarly, we are completing the Uri-II and Dulhasti-II power projects which were supposed to start way back in 1985 and 1989 respectively. Many transmission projects like Hiranagar-Manwal, Delina which should have been completed a decade back have been completed now. We are buying electricity worth more than Rs 6,200 crore every year, but are able to earn only Rs 2,600 crore as revenue. Therefore, I would also request all the citizens that along with the rights, we have to be mindful of our duties for strengthening the governance.
“Prime Minister earmarked Rs. 1268 crore for the health sector of Jammu and Kashmir, which was Rs 500 crore more than the previous year. This year, the allocation has been enhanced to Rs 1456 crore. The speed and scale at which we have worked in this sector is now visible in terms of achievements. According to the National Family Health Survey, the Neonatal Mortality Rate in 2015-16 was 23.1, in 2019-20, it came down to single digit, 9.8. Infant Mortality Rate was 32.4 in the 2015-16 survey, today it has come down to half i.e. 16.3. The under-5 mortality rate was 37.6 in 2015-16, which has come down by half to 18.5 today, LG said.
In his marathon speech the LG shared the achievement of the new administration under various central government schemes and projects like augmentation of Health infrastructure, Covid vaccination drive; Jal Jeevan Mission target of providing tap water to each house; Shahpur Kandi Dam Project, Srinagar-Leh Corridor; strengthening of highways and expansion into four lanes of the roads, social welfare schemes; Panchayat, BDC & DDC elections, Jan-Bhagidari.
He said the campaign for Financial Prudence, Transparency and Zero Tolerance for Corruption is bearing fruit and despite two COVID-19 waves, J&K Bank, which was always in loss, has earned a profit of Rs. 434 crore.
Sinha said it is their resolve to transform Jammu and Kashmir. Our young boys and girls shall be the makers of this new Jammu and Kashmir. At least 10 lakh job opportunities shall be made available to them in this decade. Administration has removed all restrictions (Lakshman Rehka) for self-employment start-ups. In the last one year 20 thousand youth were made entrepreneurs from all 4290 Panchayats. This year, the target has been fixed at 50 thousand. But, I sincerely hope that this figure reaches 2 Lakh young entrepreneurs. The administration will make sure our youth are provided this opportunity at their doorsteps.
Government is committed to ensure the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandit brothers.
He said that for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir, recruitments in government jobs are being made in a transparent and fair manner. Exams were conducted to fill 12,000 vacant posts of Panchayat Account Assistants and Class 4th within just 6 months, which is a record in the history of Jammu and Kashmir.
In conclusion he gave a clarion call to the people to move forward to the bright future of Jammu and Kashmir with the lines of revered Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
