‘Awaam Ki Awaaz’ radio prog goes on air
People’s participation in governance has further deepened with this prog: LG
Jammu: ‘Awaam Ki Awaaz’, a radio programme in Jammu and Kashmir aimed at seeking public feedback to make the process of governance interactive, participatory and people-centric, went on the air on Sunday, an official spokesperson said.
The 30-minute programme, to be aired every third Sunday of the month, is an initiative of Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha.
During the radio programme on Sunday, Sinha voiced valuable insights from the general public for crafting and formulating a strategy to draft development policies that are reflective of people’s aspirations, and making the governance more inclusive and sensitive to the needs of the people.
“The roots of ‘Janbhagidari’ (people’s participation) in the governance process have now further deepened with the launch of ‘Awaam ki Awaaz’ (voice of the people) programme, which went on the air on all channels of the All India Radio (AIR) J&K. The programme was also telecast on Doordarshan Kashmir,” an official spokesman said.
The first episode of ‘Awaam ki Awaaz’ programme received “huge response” from across the Union Territory with people in big numbers tuning to their radio and TV sets, the spokesman said.
Since the launch of the web portal of the radio programme, he said suggestions have kept pouring in from the people from all walks of life.
“Out of these, some of the suggestions received special mention by the Lt Governor during the ‘Awaam ki Awaaz’ programme,” he said. The LG expressed his gratitude to all the citizens for making valuable contributions in making the developmental process more people-centric.
Speaking on the suggestions sent by Nasira Akhtar, from Khonmoh on the outskirts of Srinagar, about development of small companies, promotion of women entrepreneurs and loan assistance to the entrepreneurs of J&K from Small Industrial Development Bank of India (SIDBI), Sinha said the four types of incentives extended to both small and big companies in the new Industrial Development Scheme of Rs 28,400 crore for Jammu and Kashmir by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will benefit both new and extant industries and businesses.
“We are determined to create an ecosystem for budding and existing women entrepreneurs across the Union Territory by providing financial assistance and training.
“A new scheme ‘Tejaswini’ was announced on International Women’s Day, under which interest-free financial assistance will be provided to women between the age group of 18 to 35,” the LG responded during the programme.
The LG mentioned Nazneen of Srinagar, a skilled artist associated with the Pashmina and Kani craft, who made valuable suggestions for promotion of local craft.
Her suggestions included ensuring special loan assistance and supply of raw material to skilled artisans associated with Kani shawls.
The LG assured all those associated with handicrafts that the administration is committed to the development and promotion of these world-class products of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said MoUs have been signed with FlipKart and Amazon, besides GI tagging of various products is also being done to provide a global market to the local handicraft products.
The country’s well-known design houses would also be roped in so that they can buy the products directly from the weavers, he added.
Referring to a suggestion sent by Dr. Jasleen from Jammu for prioritizing reimbursement to cancer patients and retired government employees over the routine reimbursement; and providing incentives to the frontline warriors, who are serving the society selflessly in this era of Corona epidemic, the LG acknowledged the huge contribution of frontline health warriors in the fight against Covid pandemic.
Sinha asked the top officers of Health department to take Dr. Jasleen’s suggestions on priority.
On healthcare facilities, the LG observed that the Ayushman Bharat –SEHAT has been launched with a noble objective of providing universal health coverage in J&K with free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh without discrimination. He also urged everyone to get themselves registered in the health scheme at the earliest.
The LG also observed that ‘Azaadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav’ is also being celebrated to commemorate the 75th year of the country’s Independence. The national festival holds the spirit of freedom movement and expresses gratitude to the great personalities of J&K, who have made invaluable contribution in the freedom struggle, art, literature, social service and economic development. The younger generation is also being made aware of their sacrifices and contributions.
Nipun from Jammu, a civil services aspirant, vowed to reaching out to 75 next generation children of the region, and shall share 75 heroic tales of freedom struggle with them. Varun from Rajouri promised to gift 75 books on freedom struggle to the under privileged children.
“Jammu and Kashmir has always been a sacred land on which Shaiva Darshan, Buddhist, and Sufi philosophy flourished. We should diligently carry out our duties with utmost dedication and take pledge for the welfare of the society, the good of the country and the bright future of Jammu and Kashmir in this ‘Azaadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav’,” the LG urged.
The LG conveyed his best wishes to Uma Sharma from Basohli for composing 75 poems on the ‘Azaadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav’ in the next 75 weeks, and also urged her to create a wide marketing network by connecting the people associated with Basohli paintings with the Self Help Groups, and also assured full cooperation of the administration, the spokesman said.
“I am very happy to read these suggestions. Awareness among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir about cultural consciousness along with economic development shows that along with material progress, we are also aware of our traditions and spiritual values,” said the LG.
Mentioning the suggestions received from Masrat Kausar, a Baramulla resident, in the field of agriculture pertaining to starting a high-tech greenhouse, a subsidy for an anti-hail net, a model nursery in every district and at least five cold storages in every district, the LG said that some of her suggestions can be included in the policies currently underway and her other suggestions would also be looked into on priority.
Agriculture and Horticulture sector has immense growth potential and the UT administration is making all efforts to provide best facilities to our farmers, the LG remarked.
Soliha Yusuf, coach and captain of the Jammu and Kashmir Women’s Rugby team, suggested speeding up the work on Srinagar rugby turf, basic facilities for women players, and appointing women coaches and trainings of the players abroad for international exposure.
The LG maintained that Rugby turf and synthetic turf for hockey which were unveiled at Polo Ground last year are expected to be completed during the current financial year.
Addressing Ramdev Sharma, a senior citizen from Jammu who suggested the administration should further expand the work being done on village-centric policies, besides providing employment to youth of the village to stop their migration to the cities, the LG maintained that the J&K government has devised a plan for sustainable and stable development of villages.
‘Now, the development of the villages will be decided by the villagers themselves. This year, the funds allocation to Panchayats has also been doubled. I hope all the people will come together to formulate a people-centric development plan and work with full enthusiasm for the betterment of fellow citizens,” said the LG.
“COVID cases are witnessing an upsurge. Steps are being initiated to curb the spread of the virus. I urge the people to follow Covid SOPs and extend their cooperation with the corona warriors in this fight against the deadly virus,” said the LG.
“Vaccination drive is going on from the administration, but any kind of laxity can prove fatal for the whole society. We should follow the mantra given by the Hon’ble Prime Minister to fight corona – Dawai Bhi , Kadai Bhi,” the LG maintained.
In this difficult period of Covid pandemic, “our rural areas have emerged as role models for the whole country. Many examples have come to the fore, which make us realize that the ultimate duty of life and the greatest prayer is human service,” observed the LG.
The LG also mentioned ‘Padwoman’ Irfana Zargar of Srinagar who selflessly started distributing free sanitary pads to women in these difficult times of pandemic.
The LG extended his gratitude to the doctors, medical experts, scientists, police forces and other frontline warriors engaged in the fight against the corona pandemic.
He also quoted a slogan given by Ritu from Kishtwar: “Corona Ko Harana Hai Toh Saathi Samaj Se Kaam Lo; Haath Dhona, Mask Pehanna Hai Zaroori Jaan Lo”
During the programme, the LG also extended his heartiest greetings to the people on the occasion of Navratri and the holy month of Ramazan.
He called upon the people to participate in the mega celebrations of the Prakash Utsav of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji for the next one year, for which preparations are being made across Jammu and Kashmir. He also urged the people to follow the path shown by Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Ambedkar for creating equal and just society.
“I express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone listening to this program”, concluded the Lt Governor.
