Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of projects worth more than Rs 155 Cr under Jammu Smart City today.
Dedicating the projects to the public, the Lt Governor said, it is a historic day for Jammu and provides a significant opportunity to ensure that the City of Temples is ecologically sustainable, economically productive and socially equitable.
“New projects are part of our systematic effort to improve quality of life, create smart economy by fostering productivity and improved city services,” the Lt Governor observed.
The Lt Governor said, the Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC), as a nerve centre of civic operations, will bring together all different departments to manage the city’s utilities, civic services. “ICCC will ensure quick response in the time of emergency,” he added.
“Intelligent Traffic Management System equipped with latest traffic technology will make the city traffic safer and more efficient. The technological solutions will improve integrated and networked mobility, increase road safety and congestion-free traffic flows on busy routes,” the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor highlighted the efforts made in the last three years to establish a citizen-centric system in J&K.
“Under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the modern infrastructure has improved access to government services. Our aim is to develop future-ready cities and ensure ease of living and ease of doing business,” said the Lt Governor.
“Citizens are the heart of the city. Greater attention should be paid to the participatory approach to urban development. Each one of us has to discharge our responsibilities & contribute to protecting the civic amenities and preserving our heritage,” the Lt Governor observed.
“We have kept the interests of the citizens’ paramount and have sought suggestions from the people on property tax. Better resources & sufficient funding will empower the Urban Local Bodies and people’s representatives to serve the needs of the growing population,” the Lt Governor said.
Jammu city is emerging as one of the best cities in the country. It also provides a significant opportunity for development and growth, he added.
Speaking on the issues of the Services Selection Board, the Lt Governor said that earlier we had received complaints and without any delay the case was investigated internally and subsequently handed over to the CBI.
“I assure the young aspirants anyone found guilty will not be spared. We have ensured transparent selection process. Some youth have raised questions and I want to tell them that certain people with vested interests are trying to derail the recruitment process,” said the Lt Governor.
“In the last three years, 30,000 recruitments were made. We are hoping that a minimum of 12,000 recruitments will be done this year,” he noted.
The Lt Governor said the recent fast-track recruitment process by the Public Service Commission is an example of a transparent system. Within three hours of the interview of the last candidate, the results were declared. “Such transparency is unheard of in any other region of the country,” he added.
The Lt Governor said that government will ensure fair and transparent recruitment. Jobs will be given on the basis of merit and not on the recommendation. “If there is any irregularity the government will take the strictest action,” he added.
The Lt Governor also distributed QR Based Digital Number plates to the residents of Jammu.
“Unique digital IDs for residential and commercial properties will help in delivering efficient services in a sustainable manner,” said the Lt Governor.
The projects inaugurated today by the Lt Governor also include various projects of Jammu Municipal Corporation under the AMRUT scheme worth Rs 23.83 Cr and construction/improvement of drains & nallahs under Languishing at a cost of Rs 7 Cr. These projects will improve the drainage system of Rajeev Nagar, Sundar Nagar, Trikuta Nagar, Nanak Nagar & other areas and benefit the lakhs of citizens. The Lt Governor also laid the foundation stone for a parking facility at Town Hall, JMC.
H Rajesh Prasad, Principal Secretary Housing & Urban Development Department, and Rahul Yadav, Commissioner JMC gave a detailed briefing on the projects.
Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Baldev Singh Billawaria, Deputy Mayor JMC; ULB representatives; senior officials, and prominent citizens were present on the occasion.
