‘UT witnessed remarkable progress’
*Govt to develop alternate tourism destinations
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 27: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has said that good governance is pivotal to fostering peace, development and inclusivity in the region and credited all citizens who participated in the Assembly elections held last year for positive change in Jammu and Kashmir.
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“Good governance is the cornerstone for a prosperous and harmonious future and is pivotal to fostering peace, development, and inclusivity in the region. By focusing on transparency, accountability, and citizen-centric policies, the Government has prioritized empowering local communities through participatory decision-making and equitable resource distribution,” Sinha said while addressing the main Republic Day function at MA Stadium after unfurling tricolor and taking salute.
“Initiatives like digital governance, streamlining public services, and promoting socio-economic programs aim to bridge developmental gaps and strengthen public trust. Jammu and Kashmir has always been a land of unity in diversity. We take immense pride in our composite culture and centuries-old traditions of brotherhood. It is our collective responsibility to maintain peace and harmony, “he said.
Asserting that Jammu and Kashmir witnessed remarkable progress in various sectors of development, the Lieutenant Governor said from infrastructure development to social welfare, from education reforms to healthcare advancements, our administration has been relentless in its pursuit of growth and equity.
He said our focus remains on sustainable development, fostering innovation, and empowering every citizen to realize their potential. The essence of democracy lies in the participation of its people, and your involvement is vital in shaping a brighter tomorrow, he added.
He said a record-breaking 2.36 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir in 2024 till November and the Government is now working to secure multilateral funding to develop alternate tourism destinations across the UT.
“Jammu and Kashmir is an all-weather tourist destination, offering a diverse range of experiences that cater to every type of traveler. In line with our vision to distribute tourist traffic more evenly across the region and ensure sustainable tourism growth, the Government is working to secure multilateral funding under the Sustainable Promotion of Emerging Alternate Destination (SPREAD) initiative to develop alternate tourism destinations across J&K, adhering to international standards and easing the pressure on our most popular locations,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said one of the most exciting milestones in our tourism journey was the successful launch of the first edition of the ‘Kashmir Marathon’, held on October 20 last year.
“With over 1800 runners from across the globe, the event has firmly placed Jammu and Kashmir on the map of international marathons. The participants included from a common man to Chief Minister of the UT,” Sinha said.
“The tourism sector holds the potential to transform our entire economy, as it plays a pivotal role in generating employment and boosting local businesses. Gulmarg Gondola has witnessed 7.68 lakhs tourists and earned revenue of Rs 103 Crore during 2024,” he said.
To further build on this momentum and enhance the tourism experience, he said several significant projects are underway.
The Lt Governor said a state-of-the-art water park is being constructed at Dwara Village, near the Sidhra Golf Course in Jammu, under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode, while Basohli in Kathua district is also being developed as an adventure tourism hotspot.
A vertical lift project is being installed to connect Peerkho to the Mubarak Mandi Complex in Jammu city, enhancing accessibility and making it easier for tourists to visit this historic site, he said.
“Our winter sports infrastructure has also seen significant improvements. Drag lifts are now operational in Sonamarg and Gulmarg (in Kashmir), two of our premier winter sports destinations,” he said.
The Lt Governor said the Dogra Art Museum in the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex is in the final stages of completion, adding to the region’s cultural offerings.
He said the second phase of Jambu Zoo in Jammu is under progress which will have more enclosures enriching the wildlife experience for visitors.
Government is working on ‘Mission YUVA’ aimed at establishing Jammu and Kashmir as a hub of entrepreneurial excellence and employment generation, he said.
He said the initiative seeks to create over 1,37,000 enterprises and generate about 4,25,000 jobs over five years.
“Designed to address the region’s educated unemployment, particularly among youth and women, the initiative envisions creating a dynamic ecosystem for enterprise development. This comprehensive strategy capitalizes on the regions socio-economic potential and cultural heritage, driving a transformative journey towards inclusive prosperity,” Sinha said.
Sinha said 4500 children have been provided free training at 92 Khelo India Centers, who are now shining on national podiums.
“15,000 sports persons represented J& K in National & Zonal level competitions in different disciplines during this year. Special focus has been given to women’s participation, with our women athletes winning medals and earning accolades at national and international levels,” he said.
He said one of J&K’s crowning achievements is the revival of international cricket through the Legends League, hosted in J&K for the first time since 1988, drawing global attention and massive crowds.
“Water Sports Academy at Nehru Park in Srinagar and the Fencing Academy at MA Stadium, Jammu have been established. Prestigious Khel Gaon in Nagrota, a multi-sports hub with world-class facilities, will soon be completed,” he said.
He said high-performance training centers shall be developed in every district in phased manner to enhance athlete training and performance.
“Gymnastics Academy shall be established at the Gindun Stadium in Srinagar for providing specialized training to the aspiring gymnasts. After successfully hosting four editions of Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg, we look forward to host the 5th Edition in February,” he said.
He said urban youths are being provided self-employment opportunities under various self-employment programmes which include National Urban Livelihood Mission, National Rural Livelihood Mission besides creation of Self Help Groups and Skill Development and Training under HIMAYAT.
“Government plans to transform 40,000 women into Lakhpati Didi’s which shall promote the livelihood and empowerment of rural women,” he said.
He said Jammu and Kashmir has pioneered the establishment of 20 hubs for empowerment of women, which serve as vital centers for supporting women empowerment by offering comprehensive information on a wide range of women-centric schemes.
More than 550 disabled persons have secured employment in the Government sector due to change in reservation policy and notification of posts suitable for various bench mark disabilities, he said.
Earlier Sinha unfurled the National Flag at the UT level function on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day, at MA Stadium.
He inspected the contingents of the Republic Day Parade and took the ceremonial salute.
The Republic Day Parade consisted of smart contingents from Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, IRP (Female & Male), J&K Police, JKAP, UT Disaster Response Force, J&K Fire and Emergency Services, J&K Forest Protection Force, Excise & Taxation Department, Ex-Servicemen, NCC (Boys and Girls), Bharat Scouts and Guides (Girls & Boys) and several school contingents, Brass & Pipe Bands of Army, BSF, J&K Police and Band Troops (Girl & Boys) of different Schools.
Tableaux by different departments on cultural diversity of J&K, PM-Surya Ghar, Swarnim Bharat ki Virasat, Fit India Movement, War against Drugs and impressive Motorcycle Acrobatic display by JKP dare-devils and cultural pageantry based on the different themes were the main attractions of the celebrations.
Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor laid wreath at Police Martyrs Memorial & Balidan Stambh and paid tribute to the valiant martyrs of the Police, Army, and CAPFs who made the supreme sacrifice for the motherland.
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