‘Foundation of new society laid out in last 4 years’
Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar Oct 31: Lt Governor Manoj Sinha today said that nationalism has become ingrained in the culture here and the lost communal harmony has been re-established.
Addressing a gathering at SKICC on 5th UT Foundation Day, Sinha said praising nationalism has become a common practice among the people here, and it seems to have become ingrained in our culture.
The LG said that lost traditions of communal harmony have been successfully reestablished, and the path of development has been paved.
Sinha said that over the last four years foundation for a new society has been laid by the administration and they have strived for continuous growth. “This is truly an inspiration for all of us,” he said.
He said that credit for all this goes to the elected representatives, his colleagues in the administration, police, security forces, and the bravehearts of the Army. He said they have shown immense patience and dedication in promoting development, brotherhood, and peace.
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“Many personnel from Jammu and Kashmir have made the ultimate sacrifice for national security, becoming prime examples of the transformation of the region. These sacrifices, which would eventually benefit the entire country, are becoming a reality,” the LG said.
Sinha said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a new era of development.
“The last four months in this Union Territory have been transformative, offering equal opportunities to all citizens without discrimination. The resolution for Jammu and Kashmir’s inclusiveness has been a central focus,” he said.
The LG said that the sun of development now shines on the elderly, widows, and disabled individuals who receive pensions, thanks to the diligent efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir administration.
He said previously, only a few families benefited from these initiatives, but now every effort is being made to ensure that everyone gets their fair share. “We acknowledge that we haven’t achieved everything and that no one is perfect. We are actively addressing system shortcomings, listening to people’s concerns, and making plans to rectify them,” he said.
“Our goal is development, and we are dedicated to meet the aspirations of the common people of Jammu and Kashmir. The administration is working on people-oriented programmes to unlock their potential and enhance their self-reliance and honour. Let the people judge whether the state of Dal Lake and Jhelum has truly changed, as the residents of the region are the best judges of that,” he added.
The LG said that the progress in Jammu and Kashmir spans various sectors, from empowering common citizens to preserving cultural heritage and fostering business growth. “With modern facilities, Jammu and Kashmir is advancing, and efforts to strengthen trust between the administration and the people are ongoing,” he added.
“While we may not have fully succeeded in this endeavour, our intentions are sincere. People from different sectors have reported positive changes in their lives over the past four years, and there are countless such stories in Jammu and Kashmir. We strive to ensure development reaches every corner, with funds reaching the intended recipients without any leaks,” he said.
Sinha said that all forms of discrimination have been eliminated, and the administrative duties will be carried out with the utmost responsibility, ensuring a better future for every citizen in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the central government for their support in bringing Jammu and Kashmir at par with other states in India. The previous state of electricity and roads is no secret, but today, roads are being constructed everywhere, tunnels are being built, and the world’s highest bridge stands in Jammu and Kashmir. A new railway line is being laid, and Kashmir will be connected to Kanyakumari in March next year. New power projects, airport terminals, industrial estates, cinemas, shopping malls, and startups are emerging regularly, and Jammu and Kashmir is emerging from the shadows into a new era of light,” he said.
“It’s a fact that just four years ago, 9,000 projects were completed, but today, over 52,000 projects are reaching completion. These policies are not dictated solely by Jammu or Srinagar but are based on the needs of the people, thanks to the 3-tier Panchayat system. Many projects have been initiated and are currently in progress”.
The LG said that the traditional Darbar move system has become obsolete and has been replaced by digital governance, significantly benefiting the common man and enhancing transparency.
“I remember visiting the Secretariat when 270 trucks loaded with files moved from Srinagar to Jammu. In contrast, in May, not a single truck made the journey to Srinagar, and the offices were fully functional in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
He said that Jammu and Kashmir leads the country in online services, surpassing even Madhya Pradesh.
The LG said that the successful conduct of the G20 meeting and the enthusiastic participation of the people demonstrate their willingness to move beyond old divisions, images, and boundaries.
He said that the foreign tourist arrivals have increased by 350% compared to the previous year, and domestic tourism is also on the rise, with over 1.85 million tourists having visited Jammu and Kashmir so far, and this number is expected to exceed 2 crore.
“The concept of nightlife is becoming a reality, and efforts are underway to ensure the freedom of every citizen. Conflict profiteers are being addressed, and the goal is to have businesses open all year round, schools operating on a full academic calendar, and individuals living life on their terms,” he added.
Sinha said that the top priority of his administration is ensuring that the benefits of these changes reach the most disadvantaged sections of society.
Junaid Azim Mattu, Mayor SMC; Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor; Lt General Rajiv Ghai, GOC 15 Corps; Administrative Secretaries, senior officers of security forces, civil and police administration, and prominent citizens from all walks of life were present.
Chairpersons of District Development Councils, Vice Chancellor of various Universities and public representatives also attended the UT Foundation Day celebrations.
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