J&K Govt committed to holding Panchayat, Urban Local Body Polls: Sinha
Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, Mar 03:
Praising Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for carrying out a mammoth grassroots-level exercise, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said the Jammu and Kashmir Budget carries historic significance as it is the first in over seven years to be introduced by an elected government in the region.
Asserting that the path ahead presents challenges, Sinha said all should work together beyond political affiliations for the welfare of the people and the holistic development of J-K.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the occasion is historic because elected representatives are participating in the Assembly after seven years, ensuring that the voices and aspirations of the people are reflected in the Budget formulation.
“This Budget carries historic significance as it is the first in over seven years to be presented by an elected government in Jammu and Kashmir. It symbolises the people’s power as it is prepared by the representatives chosen by the people themselves,” Sinha told members of the Legislative Assembly.
He said it is not merely a financial document but a testament to the aspirations of the masses, reflecting their hopes for a brighter future.
“The path ahead presents challenges but it is also filled with immense opportunities. Together beyond political affiliations, we must work for the welfare of the people and the holistic development of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
“I am confident that with our collective resolve, we will achieve new milestones and transform Jammu & Kashmir into a beacon of peace, progress, and prosperity”, he said.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the chief minister’s direct engagement in Budget planning, stating, “For the first time, the chief minister has personally chaired meetings for all 20 districts separately, engaging directly with elected representatives to understand their aspirations, regional needs and development priorities in Budget formulation.” Sinha said the Budget is a true celebration of democracy — an expression of
J&K Budget Historic as first
the dreams and expectations of every household, community and region of J-K.
He underscored that it represents a new era of participatory governance, ensuring that the needs and aspirations of the common man remain at the heart of policy-making.
The Lieutenant Governor said Jammu and Kashmir’s economy has experienced notable growth in recent years, citing a rising Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), infrastructure advancements and improved socio-economic indices. However, he acknowledged the challenges of regional disparities, unemployment and sustainable development.
“My government is committed to refining and strengthening the developmental framework to make it more robust, balanced and participatory, ensuring inclusive and equitable growth for all,” Sinha said.
Sinha said infrastructure remains a key driver of progress with significant advancements in connectivity. He pointed out recent projects, including the inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel (Z-Morh) and the completion of two segments of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway — Banihal Bypass and Ramban Bypass — which have reduced travel time.
“My government is committed to fast-tracking major connectivity projects by streamlining land acquisition, securing forest clearances and addressing encroachment issues,” he said, adding the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project has reached a historic milestone and is poised to transform connectivity and development in the region.
To enhance air connectivity, evening flights have been made operational, and the expansion of Jammu Airport is underway to accommodate increased passenger traffic and boost tourism and trade, he said.
Sinha underscored the untapped potential of J-K’s water resources, stating, “My government is committed to harnessing their full potential so that their economic dividend enhances people’s lives and strengthens J&K’s financial position.” Tourism, a vital economic pillar, has seen record-breaking visitor numbers in 2024, underscoring the region’s global appeal.
“To further enhance the visitor experience, my government is implementing innovative projects to diversify tourism offerings while ensuring sustainable tourism practices,” he said.
Regarding the annual Amarnath Yatra, Sinha reiterated the government’s commitment to its smooth conduct.
“Building on the success of last year’s Yatra, my government will ensure seamless logistics, enhanced infrastructure and eco-friendly initiatives,” he said, adding efforts will balance ecological preservation with an enriching spiritual experience for devotees.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted industrial development under the Rs 28,400-crore central sector scheme and said 971 units have been registered, with 1,150 more in process.
“To further accelerate industrial expansion, my government is expediting infrastructure provision in industrial estates,” he said.
He also emphasised the significance of the handicraft sector which employs over 4.22 lakh people and efforts to boost its market reach.
“To further promote ‘Brand J&K’, my government is actively facilitating GI tagging for traditional products. Under the Vishwakarma Scheme, 1.19 lakh artisans have received skill training, with J&K ranking third nationwide in training performance,” he said.
The region has also witnessed a surge in handloom and handicraft exports, strengthening local artisans’ livelihoods and positioning J-K as a key player in the global handicrafts market, he said.
“My government is focusing on transforming Jammu and Kashmir into an educational hub with strategic investments in higher education,” Sinha said, noting that IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu are now operational.
“Jammu University has attained A++ status while the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) leads in skill development and innovation. Faculty from the University of Kashmir has been recognised among the top two per cent of global scientists by Stanford University,” he said.
The Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Dedicated Backward Classes Commission, established in June 2023 to conduct empirical studies on Other Backward Classes (OBC) representation, submitted its final recommendations to the government last week, brightening the outlook for polls to local bodies.
Municipal bodies, panchayats and block development councils in the Union Territory have been without elected representatives for more than a year.
The term of municipalities ended in October-November 2023 while panchayats and block development councils completed their five-year terms in January 2024.
“My government is committed to strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies by ensuring timely elections at all levels. This will enhance grassroots democracy, promote citizen participation in decision-making and empower local governance for more effective development,” Sinha said during his address in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, which is meeting for a nearly six-week-long budget session.
This is the first budget session of the Omar Abdullah-led government.
Sinha said, “My government has ensured an adequate resource envelope for Panchayati Raj Institutions, enabling them to undertake sustainable and inclusive development in their respective areas. This commitment empowers local governance, strengthens grassroots democracy, and accelerates holistic regional growth.” He said the government had taken proactive measures to accelerate the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent, merit-based and efficient selection system.
“These efforts aim to streamline appointments across various sectors, providing greater employment opportunities and strengthening the workforce,” he added.
The government is further strengthening the grievance redress mechanism through ‘JK Samadhan’ and ‘Raabta’, ensuring greater accountability, transparency and fairness in service delivery, the lieutenant governor said. “These initiatives enhance citizen engagement by providing efficient and responsive platforms for addressing public concerns effectively.” Sinha asserted that the government was committed to the dignified rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants into the valley by ensuring a safe and secure environment.
“Efforts will be intensified to accelerate the construction of transit accommodation projects for migrant employees, providing them with suitable housing at designated locations. These initiatives reflect our dedication to restoring confidence, fostering inclusivity and ensuring a stable and prosperous future for all communities,” he said.
The government is dedicated to strengthening healthcare infrastructure across the Union Territory, ensuring quality, accessible and affordable medical services for all.
“Prestigious institutions such as AIIMS – Jammu and AIIMS – Kashmir, along with newly-established paediatric and cancer hospitals, are transforming tertiary healthcare delivery. The expansion of critical care facilities, dialysis centres and telemedicine services is significantly improving access to affordable and specialised care, ensuring that every citizen benefits from enhanced healthcare facilities,” he said.
Under the universal health coverage scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana SEHAT, 15.35 lakh free treatments have been provided, offering critical medical support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha said.
This initiative has resulted in savings of approximately Rs 2,765 crore in out-of-pocket expenses for patients, ensuring financial protection and improved access to quality health care for all.
To ensure swift and accessible medical assistance, 489 ambulances have been integrated into the 102-108 ambulance network, providing immediate transportation and emergency care, according to the lieutenant governor.
“This initiative has already benefited 4.50 lakh patients, reinforcing my government’s commitment to strengthening emergency healthcare services across Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The lieutenant governor said AIIMS – Kashmir was nearing completion and expected to become operational soon, significantly enhancing healthcare infrastructure in the region.
To further strengthen medical education, the government is taking steps to increase MBBS and postgraduate seats in the 2025-26 session, expanding opportunities for aspiring doctors, he said.
The government is intensifying its effort in the fight against substance abuse by expanding functional drug de-addiction centres, reaffirming its commitment to addressing this critical issue, Sinha said.
“This initiative adopts a comprehensive approach focused on rehabilitation, awareness and prevention, with the ultimate goal of creating a drugs-free and healthier society,” he added.
