Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in his address to the Assembly on Monday said the Jammu and Kashmir government will make all efforts for restoration of full Statehood and Constitutional guarantees available to the state.
“These polls , the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory, are a critical milestone in restoring democratic governance after a period of political uncertainty. This is a testament to the enduring spirit of democracy, the strength of our institutions, and the faith that the people of this region have in their democratic representation through this Assembly,” the LG said.
On statehood, Sinha said Prime Minister, on several occasions, has already expressed his commitment to restoring statehood, which has been a source of rekindled hope and reassurance for the people.
He said the Council of Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir has recently passed a unanimous resolution calling for the immediate restoration of statehood.
“This resolution reflects the collective will of the elected representatives, echoing the aspirations of the people for the reinstatement of full democratic governance. My Government will make all efforts for restoration of full Statehood and Constitutional guarantees available to the State. It would be a befitting reciprocation of the faith reposed by the people of Jammu and Kashmir in our democratic institutions,” he said.
The Lt Governor said the people have high hopes from the government and all the stakeholders should extend full support to the government to fulfil the aspirations of the people.
He said government is committed to fulfil its promises for further political empowerment of the people.
Sinha said the government would provide 200 units of free electricity to deserving families, easing the burden on low-income households.
He said the government would will pursue with the Centre the implementation of the Rangarajan Committee Report, fourteen years after the expert group appointed by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh recommended a string of employment generating schemes for the youth in Jammu and Kashmir
“The Rangarajan Committee Report, crafted under the guidance of former RBI Governor Dr. C. Rangarajan in 2011, recommended a roadmap for creating jobs and enhancing economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir. My government will pursue the implementation of the Report with the Government of India to address structural issues in the economy, support skill-building initiatives, and stimulate inclusive growth. Effective collaboration with the Government of India would be essential to mobilize resources, funding, and requisite support necessary for realizing many of these reforms,” he said.
He called tourism sector as a major pillar of the economy of J&K and underlined that it can boost various services and industrial sectors like transport, hospitality, horticulture and small-scale industry thereby, generating incomes and job opportunities for the local population.
Referring to J&K Industrial Policy, 2021-30, he said, it has been notified for encouraging private investment and to boost the industrial sector.
“New Central Sector package of Rs 28,400 crores is also available for encouraging new investments. My Government will ensure that requisite infrastructure for the development of industrial units is made available on priority, subsidized industrial land is transparently allotted and it actually translates in attracting new investment, creating employment opportunities for the locals, develop backward regions and expand existing industrial units,” he added.