‘Balidan Stambh to be promoted as major destination’
*Hosting G-20 events unique opportunity for J&K
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Dec 18: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today announced that a mechanism will be developed for all public offices to have WhatsApp numbers, Help Desks and email for addressing public issues and disposal of grievances.
In another important announcement, he said ‘Balidan Stambh’ in Jammu will be promoted as major destination by Army and administration. This was a long pending demand of the people of Jammu which has been fulfilled.
Addressing the people of Jammu and Kashmir through 21st edition of monthly Radio programme ‘Awaam Ki Awaaz’ this morning, Sinha while referring to a suggestion on help desks in the Government offices, said e-office is operational in nearly 300 offices of the Union Territory and districts where disposal rate of files is 96 percent.
Hailing the suggestion, he said a mechanism will be developed so that all Government offices have Help Desks, WhatsApp numbers and emails for disposal of complaints.
Sinha announced that ‘Balidan Stambh’ in Jammu will be promoted as major destination jointly by the Army and civil administration.
A large number of people besides social and political organizations had been raising demand in Jammu from time-to-time for developing and promoting ‘Balidan Stambh’ as major tourist destination so that people can see how many soldiers have sacrificed their lives for the cause of nation and fighting militancy in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sinha said India’s G-20 Presidency is an opportunity for Jammu and Kashmir to “showcase its cultural richness and tourism potential” across the world and called upon the youth and women entrepreneurs to come together for the purpose.
Terming India’s Presidency of G-20 as a unique opportunity to showcase the potential of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, he said the India’s G-20 Presidency is an opportune moment for Jammu and Kashmir to “showcase its cultural richness and tourism potential” on the world stage.
“The youth clubs, women entrepreneurs, Start-ups, industry, Self Help Groups, tourism entrepreneurs and innovators need to come together to showcase vibrant and progressive Jammu and Kashmir during India’s G-20 Presidency,” Sinha said.
He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is headed towards becoming global superpower and entire world is looking at it with attraction.
He also invited suggestions and ideas from the citizens for the G-20 events to be conducted in the Union Territory.
Sharing his thoughts on recently concluded ”My Town My Pride’ campaign, the Lieutenant Governor said the urban connect movement was celebrated as a festival of vibrant urban local self-governance.
‘Jan Bhagidari’ is reflection of a progressive society. It paves the way for ‘bottom-up’ approach in governance and helps us formulate the policies as per public needs. ‘My Town My Pride’ campaign was aimed at energizing Urban Local Bodies and directing development efforts in urban areas through community participation,” Sinha said.
He said awakening of people’s power in the direction of inclusive development is the first step. “We all have to make our contribution to bring a positive change in the expansion of infrastructure facilities, cleanliness campaigns, environmental protection, economic activities and green space, lake, river and heritage conservation.”
He also shared inspiring stories and voiced several suggestions of citizens received from across the UT.
Noting that around five-and-a-half lakh rural women are associated with handicrafts, household and small-scale industries, besides looking after their families and contributing in farming activities, Sinha called on all sections of the society to come forward and contribute in the development of women power.
“Only through social cooperation and encouragement, the whole country will be able to appreciate and acknowledge the wonderful work done by the women,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said many brave martyrs of J&K have made immense contribution in the freedom struggle and have ensured the unity and integrity of the country.
‘The youth of Jammu and Kashmir should be reminded of the glorious history and sacrifices of great men and women. It is imperative to motivate the younger generation to contribute towards nation building with a greater sense of responsibility and zeal,” he said.
Referring to the suggestion of transforming district libraries, Sinha announced that soon new books will be added to the existing stock of all district libraries in the UT.
“In the last one year, work has been done on priority for renovation of all the district libraries, besides stocking of better books and facilities,” he added.
An official handout said: –
The Lt Governor also shared inspiring stories and voiced several suggestions of citizens received from across the UT.
Making a special mention of Dr Sanya Khan from Doda who is dedicatedly working for women empowerment & gender equality, the Lt Governor congratulated her for special focus on inclusiveness and hoped her work will inspire others to greater effort and success.
The Lt Governor complimented Rankaj Sadotra from Bishnah, Jammu who is providing an enabling environment for youth club & building a bridge between administration and public.
“Saima Shafi from Srinagar has made an immense contribution to popularize pottery. Artist always works from inner source of inspiration. We must appreciate & applaud the creativity of our artists who are an intrinsic part of our priceless artistic and cultural heritage”, he said.
Highlighting that Self- Help Groups have become vital agents for bringing about change in the society, the Lt Governor said the success story of Yasmina Jan from Pulwama makes us feel immensely proud, who with the help of Rural Livelihood Mission, became Tral’s first dry fruit seller.
He also mentioned about Self Help Groups of Prabha and Aasia Bano who are doing outstanding work and making their villages centres of trade & commerce and eventually turning Kathua district as a leader in furthering Women Empowerment.
He lauded the efforts of Sajan Gupta, Nikhil Randhawa, Sohan Lal, and Raman Gupta from Jammu, who have been identified as outstanding Agri-Entrepreneurs and have emerged as role models for the younger generation.
The Lt Governor also shared suggestions received from Sachin & Raman Jotshi from Jammu, Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh from Anantnag, Rashid Chowdhary from Rajouri and Mehreen Altaf from Srinagar on various issues including measures to promote the iconic Balidan Stambh complex, connecting youth with stories of freedom movement, interventions for soil health management, transforming district libraries into vibrant centres of knowledge & wisdom, making morning assemblies in school more engaging and establishing helpdesks in Government departments with expansion of e-office.
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