JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today, marking the commencement of the first budget session of the newly elected body. In a comprehensive address, the Lt Governor reiterated the government’s dedication to restoring full statehood, fostering economic growth, upholding the region’s composite culture, and ensuring good governance throughout the Union Territory.
Sinha began by congratulating the elected representatives, recognizing their pivotal role in fulfilling the people’s aspirations for peace, progress, and prosperity. He emphasised the significance of the budget session as a demonstration of commitment to transparency, inclusive development, and good governance.
The Lt Governor emphasised the historical importance of this budget, noting it’s the first in over seven years to be presented by an elected government. He said it symbolises the people’s power, prepared by their elected representatives, and reflects their hopes for a brighter future.
“This budget is not merely a financial document; it is a testament to the aspirations of the masses, reflecting their hopes for a brighter future!” Sinha said.
He highlighted that, for the first time, the Chief Minister personally chaired meetings for all twenty districts, directly engaging with elected representatives to understand their aspirations, regional needs, and development priorities in budget formulation. He emphasized that this participatory governance ensures the needs and aspirations of the common person remain central to policymaking.
Addressing the paramount aspiration of the people, Lt Governor Sinha reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
“My Government remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing this legitimate desire of the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. “My Government recognises the emotional and political significance of Statehood and is actively engaging with all stakeholders to facilitate this process to ensure peace, stability, and progress.”
Sinha also emphasised the government’s commitment to preserving the unity in diversity that defines Jammu and Kashmir and to maintaining peace and harmony, protecting the aspirations of the people from divisive influences and cultivating an inclusive society built on mutual respect.
Lt Governor Sinha outlined the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises, focusing on political empowerment, employment creation, sustainable development, social inclusiveness, and economic expansion. He emphasized the importance of balancing economy, ecology, and equity for a better future. He stressed that the government’s interventions would prioritize youth, women, and farmers, striving to make Jammu and Kashmir a progressive and inclusive economy, working towards the welfare of every section of society, especially the poor and marginalised.
The Lt Governor highlighted significant advancements in infrastructure, including the inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel (Z-Morh) and the completion of segments of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. He stressed the commitment to fast-tracking major connectivity projects, including expressways, national highways, and ring roads, streamlining land acquisition and addressing encroachment issues. Furthermore, eligible rural habitations are being linked under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is poised to transform connectivity, integrating Jammu and Kashmir more closely with the rest of the nation. To enhance air connectivity, evening flights have been made operational, and the expansion of Jammu Airport is underway.
Recognising the untapped potential of Jammu and Kashmir’s water resources, the Lt Governor stated the government’s commitment to harnessing their full potential to enhance people’s lives and the region’s financial position. Key hydropower projects like Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, and Ratle are expected to significantly strengthen the region’s energy security, with other projects like Dulhasti-II and Kirthai-I in the pipeline. The government is also committed to solarizing all government buildings in a phased manner and is implementing the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
The Lt Governor emphasised the government’s commitment to providing clean and safe drinking water to every household through the Jal Jeevan Mission. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening irrigation infrastructure through projects like the Shahpur Kandi Dam Project and the New Pratap Canal.
Acknowledging tourism as a cornerstone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, Lt Governor Sinha noted the record-breaking number of tourist visits in 2024. He emphasized the government’s commitment to diversifying tourism offerings, strengthening infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
He underscored the importance of the annual Amarnath Ji Yatra, assuring that the government remains committed to strengthening arrangements for the pilgrimage, ensuring seamless logistics, enhanced infrastructure, and eco-friendly initiatives to preserve the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Lt Governor Sinha highlighted the progress in industrial development and investment, driven by the new Central Sector Scheme. He noted the significant number of units registered and under development, emphasising the government’s efforts to expedite infrastructure provision in Industrial Estates. He also recognised the vital role of the handicraft sector in Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, noting that the government is actively facilitating GI tagging for traditional products to promote ‘Brand JK’. Under the Vishwakarma Scheme, 1.19 lakh artisans have been provided skill training. To further strengthen the handicraft and textile sector, the government is commissioning two Raw Material Banks for Pashmina and Wool.
The Lt Governor concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to revitalizing the agriculture sector through transformative initiatives and centrally sponsored schemes, aiming to promote sustainable farming practices and enhance productivity across horticulture, livestock, and fisheries.
