Srinagar, Aug 15 : Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Monday said that stone pelting, hartals, and the closure of schools, colleges was history as democracy was fully flourishing in the UT after tumultuous three decades. He said security forces have launched the “last assault to dismantle the terror network in J&K.”
Addressing the gathering at highly fortified S K Stadium at Sonwar here, on the occasion of 76thIndependence Day, Sinha as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Sinha said that all efforts by the neighbouring country to destabilize peace are being dealt with professionally by “our security forces” who are working day in and out to cement peace and make it a permanent feature.
“Stone pelting on roads, hartals and closure of schools and colleges is a history now. Out of 365 days a year, 100 days would witness hartals that would take toll on business, and education of children studying in schools and colleges,” Sinha said adding that J&K was heading towards peace and prosperity. “Bazaars remain open till late night and transport plies normally till late evening hours. There is no fear and the common man are feeling a sigh of relief,” the LG said.
He said that all nefarious designs and the propaganda to misguide youth are being given a befitting reply by the security forces and the administration. The LG said that security forces in J&K have launched the final assault to dismantle the “terror network” run by the neighboring country.
About har ghar tiranga, Sinha said J&K topped the list in the country as far as enthusiasm to unfurl the tiranga. “Youth were on the forefront of this campaign and there was a great enthusiasm among them vis-à-vis Independence Day celebrations,” Sinha said. He said that it is the youth of J&K who have to decide where they want to see J&K after 25 years. “Youth have a great and big responsibility to shape the future of J&K,” he said, adding that youth have big dreams and they are treading the path where they can convert their reality into dreams. The LG listed a series of developmental projects started by his administration stating that peace was a must to ensure round the clock development of J&K as “there can be no development without peace.” He said that his government was committed to take J&K to new heights on the developmental front and restore the lost glory of J&K for which it was once known. “J&K was and will remain as the crown of India,” he said.
ON JOBS: “As many as 30,000 government jobs have been provided to the youth in last three years with complete transparency. Certain complaints were received about the irregularities which are being probed. We will ensure stringent punishment to those found guilty,” the LG said, as per KNO. “The administration has also planned recruitment drive to fill the vacant positions this year. Self-employment opportunities have been provided to 5.2 lakh young boys and girls under various programmes. Under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Program, Jammu and Kashmir has been successful in establishing 21,640 manufacturing and service units in the last financial year, thereby emerging as the best performing region in the country. Under this Programme, 1.73 lakh new job opportunities were created, which is the highest among all the states and Union territories of India.”
ON KASHMIRI PANDITS: “The Central and UT Government is fully committed to the rehabilitation and welfare of Kashmiri Pandits. Sincere efforts are being made at the administrative level and the people should also come forward for achieving this objective. Out of 6000 jobs, appointments have been made on 5502 posts and recruitment for 458 posts has been initiated which shall be completed soon. We have been able to address the demands of employees appointed under Hon’ble PM Package to a great extent,” the LG said, adding that “The construction of 6000 transit accommodations for facilitating their return under PMDP which was very sluggish, has received a new impetus. 1000 units have been completed and 1100 units more will be completed by this year. Further, the Government has set a target of completing the remaining 3900 units within one and a half years.” He said that all PM Package and minority employees have been deployed in safe places. Jobs and housing, although important, are not the only solutions for their rehabilitation and welfare, so other efforts are also being made. Kashmiri Pandits and other displaced communities facing the brunt of displacement have been given justice by implementing the Jammu and Kashmir Displaced Immovable Property Act, enacted in 1997, with effect from last year.
“Till June this year, 8000 complaints have been received, on the basis of which, 2414 kanals of land have been retrieved from illegal occupation by taking action on 6500 complaints thereby providing justice to these 6500 families after three decades,” he said.
TOURISM: The LG said that a record 12 million tourists who visited Jammu and Kashmir this year, testify the overall development and change that has taken place in the Union territory.
“This is the highest-ever visitor figure the Tourism Department has ever seen. “The long-pending demand of night-flight operation of the residents of Jammu and Kashmir has been fulfilled. 75 offbeat tourist destinations are being developed in Jammu and Kashmir as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. Jammu and Kashmir had been a favoured shooting destination for Bollywood. A comprehensive Film Policy was launched last year to attract film-makers after decades and within a year of the notification of the policy, as many as 140 shooting permissions for films and web-series have been issued. Soon, a film studio will be launched with state-of-the-art facilities. This, besides providing new opportunities to the young talent of Jammu and Kashmir, shall boost the business ecosystem of the Union territory,” the LG Sinha said.
SPORTS: The LG said that earlier, merely 2 to 3 lakh youth used to get opportunities for participation in sports every year.
“We have set a new record and 17.5 lakh youth were provided the opportunity to participate in sporting activities last year. The Government has set itself a target of providing sports opportunities to 35 lakh youth,” he said.
“The FIFA standard renovated and upgraded Bakshi Stadium has been dedicated to the young players and play fields have been established in all Panchayats. Women’s’ teams for Rugby, Football, Cricket, Volleyball, Kabaddi and Hockey have been formed in all 20 districts.”
EDUCATION: The LG said that the educational system of the UT has been overhauled and aligned as per the recommendations of the National Education Policy, 2020.
“Through the Aao School Chalein campaign, 1.7 lakh students from disadvantaged sections have been brought back to the class rooms. Jammu and Kashmir has secured first position in the loyalty program of teachers training,” he said, adding that “In the National Achievement Survey, the UT has been ranked No. 1 in primary education and third in middle school education in the country. With a view to provide quality education to the youth in remote areas of the UT, 25,000 additional seats at graduate level have been provided by setting up 50 degree colleges. This is the biggest addition in the Higher Education sector in the last 70 years. Uniform academic calendar has been introduced in all higher educational institutions.”—(KNO)
