Kishtwar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today visited Kishtwar and paid obeisance at holy Shri Chandi Mata Machail shrine.
The LG was accompanied by Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary Higher Education; Mukesh Singh, ADGP Jammu, Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to LG and Sunil Sharma, former minister.
During his visit, the LG took appraisal of the facilities extended to the pilgrims and also interacted with the deputations of local residents, an official press release informed.
It said at Gulabgarh Paddar, the LG addressed the representatives of PRIs and the citizens and shared the efforts of the UT administration for holistic development of Kishtwar.
He said the administration is committed to equitable development, meeting the needs of the communities and ensuring that no section of society is left behind.
“In the last three years we have taken many steps to address the concerns of people of Kishtwar, to expand employment opportunities and to improve connectivity in the rural areas,” the LG said.
“Revival of cinema theatre after the gap of three decades, better road and communication connectivity, augmented power infrastructure, better health, sports and education facilities are the testimony to our commitment towards transforming the standard of living of the people of the district,” he said.
Speaking on the measures taken to strengthen the infrastructure and facilities for Holy Machail Mata pilgrimage, the LG reiterated the resolve of the UT administration to ensure smooth and seamless pilgrimage for the devotees.
Construction of road, solar power and tented accommodation for pilgrims has spurred the influx and this year’s figure has already crossed more than one lakh pilgrims, he added.
The LG expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India for extending the support for survey, gemological studies of Sapphire mines in the area.
“In next one year, we will be in a position to auction the Sapphire mines in a scientific way that will give a boost to the local economy and it will also become one of the major contributors of growth of Jammu Kashmir,” he said.
Addressing the issues put forth by PRIs and the locals, the LG assured time-bound and appropriate action on all public demands projected during the interaction. He also directed the Principal Secretaries Higher Education and Public Works (R&B) to take concrete measures, in consultation with all stakeholders, to address the concerning issue of their respective departments at the earliest.
The LG sought active participation of PRIs and the people in implementation of all the initiatives of the UT administration to push forward the development of Kishtwar.
He also called upon the youth of the district to avail the benefits and incentives under home-stay schemes of the government.
The LG also visited the Buddhist Gompa at Paddar, where he sought blessings of the Lord Buddha and interacted with the members of the Buddhist community.
“Buddhist community is an integral and equal part of our society. They have all the rights on the resources. Administration will provide all possible assistance for the all round growth and empowerment of the families,” the LG said.
Students of Government Degree College and Himalayan Cultural School Gulabgarh presented the Padari and Buddhist folk dance performances.
Dr. Devansh Yadav, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar; PRI representatives, senior officers and locals in large numbers were also present on the occasion.
