Co-terror networks, drug syndicates to be eliminated
*Collective responsibility to maintain peace
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Jan 25: Asserting that people now look to the Government with renewed expectations, aspiring for an environment that promoted meaningful employment, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today announced that elections to Local Bodies will be conducted for establishing 3-tier governance structure.
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Addressing people of Jammu and Kashmir on the eve of 76th Republic Day, the Lieutenant Governor referred to successful conduct of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir last year saying this underscores positive change and this achievement is credited to all citizens who participated in this democratic exercise, demonstrating their faith in democratic values and future of Jammu and Kashmir.
“People now look to the Government with renewed expectations, aspiring for an environment that promotes meaningful employment, sustainable development, social inclusivity and robust economic growth paving the way for an enhanced quality of life,” he said.
Sinha declared that to further strengthen and ensure people’s participating at a broader level, elections to Local Bodies will be conducted for establishing 3-tier governance structure in Jammu and Kashmir.
The UT is now without Panchayats, Municipalities and Urban Local Bodies for last more than a year.
The Lieutenant Governor said it is our collective responsibility to maintain peace and harmony, ensuring that the dreams of our youth are not hindered by the divisive forces.
“Let us pledge to work together for a prosperous Jammu and Kashmir. Our focus remains on sustainable development, fostering innovation and empowering every citizen to realise their potential. The essence of democracy lies in participation of its people whose involvement is vital in shaping a brighter tomorrow,” he added.
Referring to Jammu and Kashmir economy, Sinha said the UT has recorded a growth of 9.5 percent which is driven by sustained Government initiatives and strategic policy measures. The GSDP of Jammu and Kashmir is estimated at Rs 2.45 lakh crore for 2023-24 up from Rs 2.20 lakh crore in 2022-23. This positive trajectory highlights the effectiveness of ongoing economic development strategies, infrastructure advancements and business-friendly policies, he added.
Sinha said the Centre is implementing a ”whole of Government approach” to eliminate co-terror networks and drug syndicates in Jammu and Kashmir
Extending deepest tribute to the valiant soldiers of the Army, paramilitary forces and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the LG said that beyond safeguarding the borders, they stand as pillars of peace and stability for the people of the Union Territory.
“The Government of India is implementing a ‘whole of Government approach’ to eliminate co-terror networks and drug syndicates, ensuring that future generations are freed from the vicious cycle of drug addiction. For this purpose, the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan have been implemented. To make J-K Nasha Mukt, various initiatives are being taken up through monitoring and counselling to combat drug menace, which includes Aadhaar-based dispensing systems, enhance surveillance, and ensure strict enforcement to prevent misuse of medicinal preparations in coordination with NGOs and other stakeholders,” he said.
He said drug de-addiction infrastructure has been created in all 20 districts with availability of anti-drug treatment facilities. As many as 377 Panchayats have been made ‘Nasha Mukt’ and drug awareness camps are being organised in villages, schools and colleges.
“Strict action is being taken against drug peddlers and contraband substances are being seized, FIRs registered and property of peddlers seized,” Sinha said.
For providing transit accommodation to Kashmiri migrant employees, the LG said 6,000 flats have been sanctioned, out of which 2,832 have been completed and 2,016 are at various stages of development.
He said 33,636 displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and Chhamb from the conflicts in 1947 and subsequent years have been provided financial assistance of Rs 1,452 crore, while 3541 West Pakistani refugees have been allocated a financial support of Rs 89 crore.
He said significant strides have been made in road connectivity.
“Work on Jammu-Akhnoor-Poonch National Highway, Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri National Highway and Chenani-Sudhmahadev-Khellani-Kishtwar-Khanabal National Highway is under progress. Work on Banihal bypass on Srinagar-Jammu NH has recently been completed and opened for traffic. Work on Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway is under progress, which will reduce the distance between Delhi and Katra to 6 hours only. Srinagar and Jammu Ring Roads are in advanced stages of completion. Z-Morh tunnel has been completed and is being dedicated to the nation soon. Construction of Zojila tunnel is also under progress,” he added.
The LG said works on development of Baramulla-Kupwara-Trehgam National Highway, Baramulla Uri NH, Pattan Bypass and Baramulla Bypass have been started. 8 tunnel projects are in the advanced stages and are likely to be completed by December 2025. Sudhmahadev Dranga tunnel and Singhpora Vailoo tunnel are being taken up.Unconnected habitations having population more than 250 as per 2011 census are being taken up under the newly launched PMGSY-IV programme.144 Road and Bridge projects are being taken up under NABARD.
“In a historic stride towards progress, the Railway is set to connect the Kashmir valley with the rest of the nation, heralding a new era of development, economic growth, and unity,” Sinha said.
He said J&K is also witnessing rapid development in hydropower generation. “Mega hydro projects like Pakal Dul, Kiru, and Ratle shall be ready by 2026 and Kwar by December 2027 collectively adding 3,014 MWs generation capacity. Another four hydropower projects having 1818 MWs generation capacity (Dulhasti-II, Kirthai-I, Kirthai-II and Uri-II) are in pipeline. Sawalkote HEP is in the techno economic study phase which is being conducted by NHPC. In the transmission sector, a total capacity addition of 310 MVA has been achieved at 220 kV & 132 kV voltage level. In the distribution sector also, 28 No. of Receiving Stations and 503 Sub-stations with capacity addition of 211.44 MVA have been created/augmented. Holy shrine of Shri Amarnathji Baba shall be provided Grid connected uninterrupted power supply through underground cabling during this year, he added.
The LG said Jammu and Kashmir has made significant strides in industrial development, investment, and employment generation in recent years. New policies, including the J&K Export Policy, J&K Logistic Policy, and J&K Procurement Preferences Policy for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), are under preparation to further boost economic growth.
“The Government of India launched a New Central Sector Scheme in 2021 with an outlay of Rs 28,400 crore to boost industrial development in J&K. New Central Sector Scheme package which offers Capital Investment Incentive, Capital Interest Subvention and Working Capital Interest Subvention has encouraged the industrial investment in the UT. 889 units have commenced groundwork out of which 324 industrial units are expected to begin production this year. 46 New Industrial Estates with all the modern facilities are being developed to attract industries and enhance job opportunities,” he said.
“The administration has also taken necessary steps for fast-track recruitment in government jobs. In the past four to five years, 40,000 appointments were made based on transparency and merit. The process for compassionate appointments has also been expedited. A total of 10,616 positions have been referred to JKPSC and JKSSB, out of which notifications for 7,376 positions have been issued. Examinations for 6,090 positions have already been conducted. This year, 1,116 cases under SRO-43 have been approved, while 150 cases are under review,” Sinha said.
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