Jammu, Nov 17: In a grand event held at the Convention Centre in Jammu, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the week-long celebration of ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Saptah.’ This iconic event is dedicated to honouring the memory of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and other valiant tribal freedom fighters, as well as commemorating the rich history, culture, and achievements of tribal communities.
During his address, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha paid heartfelt tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda and other influential tribal personalities. He commended the substantial contributions of tribal communities to the nation-building process. The Lt Governor declared a significant initiative, announcing that the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Administration will provide 5 marla land to 17,000 eligible beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (G) in the coming days.
“It is our topmost priority to safeguard the rights and benefits extended to all tribal communities. The administration is committed to ensuring that the tribal population in Jammu and Kashmir enjoys equitable benefits of growth,” stated Lt Governor Manoj Sinha.
Highlighting the efforts of the UT Administration for the welfare and development of tribal communities, the Lt Governor outlined transformative measures such as Community and Individual Forest Rights, support to Self Help Groups for forest produce, and assistance to new enterprises. He emphasized concrete steps taken for the economic empowerment of tribal communities, including initiatives such as Sheep farms, Dairy units, and the Tri-Wool Project.
In the realm of education, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha underscored the expansion of educational opportunities for all tribal communities, including the migratory population. The construction of new tribal hostels, smart schools, Eklavya model residential schools, coaching facilities for competitive exams, and skill development programs have started yielding positive results in overall development.
Expressing the commitment of the UT Administration, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha stated, “We are determined to achieve saturation of government flagship schemes and reach out to all targeted beneficiaries in a time-bound manner.” He highlighted the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aiming to ensure no tribal family is left out of the journey of development and progress.
The Lt Governor also praised the artists for their role in promoting the rich cultural heritage of tribal communities. Among others present included Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Anand Jain, IGP Jammu; Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, along with senior officers and numerous members of tribal communities.
Doda bus accident: LG Sinha meets injured in hospital
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the injured victims of a tragic bus accident in Doda district and admitted to Government Medical College in Jammu.
The Lt Governor met a team of doctors and medical staff and was briefed on the conditions of the injured. He emphasised that no effort should be spared in their treatment.
As many as 38 people were killed and 19 others injured after a bus fell into a gorge in Doda on Wednesday. The bus, carrying 55 passengers, skidded off the road near Trungal-Assar on the Batote-Kishtwar national highway and fell 300 feet downhill.
Sinha also approved an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the unfortunate bus accident. He also approved Rs 1 lakh for the injured individuals and assured all possible assistance to the affected families.
In a tweet, he stated, “An ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each would be given to the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the unfortunate bus accident in Assar, Doda. Rs 1 lakh would be given to those injured. J-K UT Administration will provide every possible assistance to the affected families.”
