SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Thursday that the administration is committed to holding the Panchayat polls as soon as possible, noting that the elections had been delayed due to certain formalities.
“There was a need to include backward classes for reservation in Panchayats under the State Reorganisation Act. We couldn’t hold the polls earlier, but we are committed to conducting them soon after all formalities are completed,” the LG said while addressing the UT Foundation Day function at SKICC, as reported by Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
He also stated that peace, stability, rule of law, and strong democratic values make J&K an attractive destination for investment. “The confidence of investors in Jammu and Kashmir is reflected in the highest ever investment inflows over the past four years,” he said, reiterating his commitment to extending the new industrial development scheme in J&K. “The time is not far when investment inflows will reach Rs 1 lakh crore, creating ample opportunities for the youth,” he added.
Highlighting achievements in the banking sector, the LG described J&K Bank as one of the Union Territory’s most remarkable turnaround stories. “In 2019-20, the bank reported a loss of Rs 1,139 crore. However, it posted a profit of Rs 1,700 crore in the 2023-24 fiscal year. In the current FY, J&K Bank has already achieved a profit of Rs 991 crore,” he noted.
The LG called upon the people to remain united and to identify and isolate anti-national elements and those disrupting peace.
“My dream is to see every family prosper and to witness faster development of infrastructure and industry, ensuring that the benefits of growth reach the last person in line,” he said. — (*KNO*)
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