LG extends Republic Day greetings to people of J&K
Jammu: Extending his wishes and congratulations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on 72nd Republic Day, Manoj Sinha Lieutenant Governor, in his Republic Day address stated that the year 2020 had been a year of unprecedented change in Jammu and Kashmir. “Through a continuous process of change, the roots of progress have been planted in the new Jammu and Kashmir. With the Constitution of India in one hand and the Tricolour in the other, all the people of villages and towns, with dreams of progress in their eyes, have started building a new Jammu and Kashmir to fulfil their ambitions and those of the nation,” the address said.
Sinha, in his address, further added that for a long time, the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir were denied grassroots democracy. “We have been successful in conducting a violence free, free and fair elections to District Development Councils. The high turnout of voters broke the records of many previous elections,” he said as the LG congratulated citizens, voters, Central Security Forces, Army, Police and Administrative officials for this. “We assure all the elected representatives that with your support, the Jammu and Kashmir Administration will bring the fruits of development to the last person standing in the queue,” Sinha said in his address.
“On the auspicious occasion of Republic Day today, I bow down to the bravery of police personnel and our security forces working day and night for maintaining a peaceful environment. “On behalf of entire Jammu and Kashmir, I pay homage to all the warriors who have sacrificed everything for the honour of our Tricolour,” Sinha said in his address.
Stating that the political conspiracies and nefarious designs of a neighbouring country will never be allowed to succeed, Sinha said that security agencies had effectively controlled violence and those who are trying to fulfil their political motives with the help of this proxy war, are being given a befitting reply.
Terming the corona virus as ‘horrific tragedy’, he further said that the darkness has been dispelled now. “We are taking forward the economy and the social welfare programs of Jammu and Kashmir. With the spirit of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhina,Sarve Santu Niramaya” . We have started the corona virus vaccination programme in Jammu and Kashmir giving top priority to public health workers.
Sinha further said that health facilities were being remodeled as per the world class standards and these were being implemented on the ground. “Raj Bhawan Helicopter has been provided for treatment of poor people in far-flung areas who often get stranded due to heavy snowfall,” Sinha added.
He further added that people had made programmes of mass participation including ‘Back to Village’ and “My Town My Pride” into a mass movement. “Even today, this programme of mass participation is going on continuously as ‘Block Diwas’ and under this programme, the government is reaching to the doorsteps of people,” Sinha added.
Referring to the economic package of Rs. 1350 crore for immediate relief to businesses and people associated with it who were suffering from the distress of corona virus announced in September last year, Sinha said that both small and big businessmen and business establishments were given a record 5% interest subvention. On the other hand, 50% relief was given in electricity and water bills for industrial and commercial consumers besides relief provided to transport, tourism, working class and those connected with the construction sector.
“In the beginning of this year, we have announced a New Industrial Development Scheme 2021 amounting to Rs. 28,400 crores to attract the country’s major industries and investment in Jammu and Kashmir and expand existing industries. This scheme, which will continue till 2037, will take industrial investment to the block level so that the goal of equal, balanced and sustainable economic development can be achieved,” Sinha further added in his Republic Day address.
Stating that JK was fast emerging as a national leader in technology, horticulture and new research, Sinha said that two IT towers will soon be established to boost the IT industry. The fast booming tourism industry has become a symbol of prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha said adding that the number of tourists coming here has surpassed many major tourist places of the country. “To give wings to the huge potential of the tourism industry, tourism promotion schemes will be continued for the next fifteen years,” Sinha said.
Terming access to roads, electricity and water as basic necessities and rights, Sinha said that while the facilities were being provided already, these shall be provided without any interruption in the next three years. The Government has given green signal to an investment of Rs. 52,821 crores in the hydro electric power sector besides new projects that are being set up to strengthen the transmission and distribution infrastructure. “Recently on the 20th of January, under the chairmanship of Honourable Prime Minister, the Union Cabinet has given the green signal to the Rs 5282 crores Ratle Power Project. This 850 MW Project on the Chenab river in Kishtwar will be completed in the next 5 years,” Sinha said.
Referring to the transparency that has been prime focus of the government, Sinha said that whatever works are being done through the budget of the government, every single penny is being accounted for and the pace of development has accelerated due to this transparent mechanism.
The gaps in the field of primary education are being filled to change the economic fate of the new generation of Jammu and Kashmir. “This year, a total number of 8 lakh scholarships have been given through direct benefit transfer, arise of 250%. We are also working to implement the New Education Policy in Jammu and Kashmir,” Sinha said adding that government wanted to assure all sections of UT of JK that all will be treated equally in all social, economic and political matters.
“We are implementing the Forest Rights Act for our tribal brothers and sisters living in the forests, especially the people of Gujjar and Bakerwal communities and by completing this process by the March of this year, we will be able to give just rights to a large community dependent on forests,” Sinha said.
Putting an end to the hollow announcements in Jammu and Kashmir, we have given a new slogan “Vaada Nahin Iraada” , Sinha said adding that the implementation of the Prime Minister’s Development Package has gained tremendous momentum. “Out of 54 projects, 20 important projects have been completed and 16 others will be completed by March 2021. Eight other projects will be completed by December 2021,” Sinha said.
Saying that the UT will soon see a Metro Rail running on 23 km long route in Jammu, and 25 km in Srinagar, Sinha said that the works are being carried out at a fast pace in AMRUT Mission and Smart City Mission.
Kashmir has got a historic opportunity to become a pioneer in the field of agriculture and horticulture. The government is making every effort to double the income of farmers and special attention is being paid to both traditional agriculture and horticulture, Sinha said adding Rs. 1700 crore will be invested to boost the production of apples, walnuts, cherries, exotic vegetables and other horticulture products over the next five years. “Three cold storage clusters will be setup at Kathua, in North Kashmir and South Kashmir with an investment of Rs. 500 crores,” he added.
Stating that under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme, financial assistance of Rs 1130 crores has been provided directly to the farmers of Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha added that for the convenience of farmers growing apples, cold storage to the tune of one lakh sixty-five thousand metric tons had been added, which will be further enhanced to 5 lakh metric tons in the near future.
Stating that there was a need to give right direction to the immense energy and talent of the youth to usher in the 4th Industrial Revolution, Sinha said that 69% of the population of Jammu and Kashmir was under 35 years of age and with their creativity, they can take the Union Territory to new heights. The government has also launched a Mission Youth for the multi dimensional development of the youth, he added. The Government is also in talks with the leading companies of the country to provide employment opportunities with skill development and soon, concrete results will be visible, he said adding that the aim was to provide employment opportunities to 80% of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir in the next 5 years.
To provide an immediate opportunity for sustainable livelihood to youth in rural and urban areas, the government has launched the “Mumkin” program. Under this program, 2021 youth are being provided mini commercial vehicles at zero margin money. Under this scheme, mini commercial vehicles costing Rs 7.04 Lakh shall be provided for Rs. 5.85 Lakh to the youth, Sinha said.
Sinha further said that a major step towards conservation of environment, the Government had abolished 9% tax on electric vehicles. This will prove to be a major initiative to save the environment and promote maximum use of electric vehicles, Sinha said.
The government is determined to enable the honourable return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Kashmir Valley. As per the instructions and commitment of Hon’ble Prime Minister, we are working continuously for providing 6000 houses and 6000 jobs to them, Sinha said adding that the government was pursuing on a policy of zero tolerance against corruption.
The achievements of the last few months are a matter of great pride, but much work remains to be done. We are striving for the overall development of every part of Jammu and Kashmir. I am confident that we will face the upcoming challenges on the foundations of good governance and public participation. Apart from this, we will also accelerate the pace of development and ambitious reforms in new areas. With deep faith in the core values of the Constitution and following high ideals and the path of duty, we will be successful in taking Jammu and Kashmir to the new heights of glory, Sinha said extending his best wishes to the masses of Jammu and Kashmir UT on the occasion of Republic Day.
Sinha concluded his Republic address by wishing the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to achieve their goals. “With this wish, I once again wish you all a happy Republic Day. Let us take our steps forward with these words of revered Sh. Atal Bihari Vajpayee-
“Baadhayein aati hain, aayein
Ghirein pralaye ki ghor ghatayein
Paon ke neechey angare
Sar par barsey yadi jwalayein
Nij hathon se hanste hanste
Aag laga kar Jalna hoga
Kadam mila kar chalna hoga”
Jai Hind”
