Jammu: Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday shared inspiring stories of the change-makers and highlighted the efforts of his administration to realize the “true growth potential” of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at his monthly “Awaam Ki Awaaz” radio programme, he said the Jammu and Kashmir administration with citizens’ participation is steering the change in the socio-economic landscape of the Union Territory.
“Our collective effort is to create a more progressive, growth-oriented, and aspirational society and lay a strong foundation for the journey of the next 25 years,” the LG said.
Sinha said the Kashmir division is witnessing the ‘Yellow Revolution’ with oilseed crops registering significant growth.
“There will be additional opportunities for oil extraction and value addition and therefore more entrepreneurial opportunities for people,” the LG said.
According to an estimate, he said mustard oil worth Rs 800 crore will be produced this year alone in Kashmir. “Jammu and Kashmir will move towards self-sufficiency in the production of mustard oil.”
Congratulating the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the GI-tagging of the famous Basholi painting, he said it is a significant landmark in preserving and promoting the artistic and cultural heritage of the Union Territory.
“Basohli Painting has become the first independent GI-tagged product from the Jammu region. It will provide access to customers to the authentic product and a huge boost to the local economy,” he said.
The LG shared the inspiring journey of a self-made women entrepreneur, Shalini Khokhar from Rajouri and Pattan’s Shamshada Begum. “With commitment, conviction and courage, they are making significant contributions to a modern, strong, and self-reliant J&K,” he said.
Sinha also lauded the efforts of progressive farmers in improving agricultural productivity and encouraging the adoption of new agriculture techniques.
The LG commended the “Give Plastic and Take Gold” campaign launched by Sarpanch Farooq Ahmad Ganie of Sadiwara village of Anantnag to transform the Swachh Abhiyan into Janbhagidari and fulfill the dream of Swachh Bharat.
He called upon the PRI representatives to replicate the noble initiative and ensure community participation in cleanliness drives. “Youth clubs also have an important role to play in promoting swachh abhiyan.”
The LG congratulated the sarpanch, panch, and district administration of Sira gram panchayat of Udhampur, Phalmerg of Kupwara, and Fatehpora of Baramulla for receiving awards in different categories at the National Panchayat Awards 2023.
Sinha appreciated the work of Sonia Verma of Gurah Brahmana village in Akhnoor on the outskirts of Jammu for planting more than 60,000 saplings. He asked the citizens to follow this inspiring example of environmental consciousness.
Sharing the suggestions of Priya Varma from Reasi on women-exclusive haats, the LG reiterated the administration’s commitment to promoting women-led enterprises.
“Women entrepreneurs are the backbone of J&K economy and we have taken appropriate steps for capacity building, easy access to credit & marketing linkage,” he observed.
Referring to the suggestion of Sunil Chowdhary, Sarpanch of Panchayat Bhawani, Rajouri for the development of the world-famous Mangala Mata Shrine, the LG instructed the district administration to hold a meeting with public representatives and community leaders for augmentation of facilities at the shrine area. Sunil Chowdhary also suggested important initiatives to make organic manure from dry leaves.
The LG also shared inputs of Waqar Shah from Kralgund, Kupwara for an integrated and holistic strategy for the revival of theater in Jammu and Kashmir; Samba’s Sushil Khajuria for giving a fillip to the rural economy through opening up cinema halls; Ubaid Qureshi from Baramulla regarding the introduction of classical music in schools, and Jammu’s Advaita Goel on introducing a district-level award for Good Samaritans. The Lt Governor directed the concerned departments and officers to take necessary action on the valuable suggestions received.
