Kulgam, Aug 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited Kulgam today and presided over a high-level meeting aimed at assessing the progress of beneficiary-oriented and flagship schemes by the Central and Union Territory (UT) Governments, as well as major developmental projects within the district.
During the visit, Lt. Governor Sinha inaugurated a 100-bedded Girls Gujjar and Bakerwal Hostel in Amnoo Aadpora, Kulgam. He also dedicated the Ashmuji Kilam Gund Bridge to the public, marking important infrastructure additions to the region.
Highlighting Jammu and Kashmir’s progress, the Lt. Governor stated, “Today, J&K is setting benchmarks in many sectors of development for other states and UTs to follow. The District Administration and PRIs must work together to ensure benefits of development are shared equitably.”
The Lt. Governor emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to enhance public service delivery, extend welfare scheme benefits to youth and women through self-employment initiatives, and address their specific needs and aspirations. He stressed the importance of minimizing delays in revenue services such as property registration.
Lt. Governor Sinha called for active involvement from PRI members and stakeholders to improve the district’s literacy rate. He said, “Efforts for rapid progress in the education sector and an increase in the literacy rate can have their full impact only if PRIs, the public, and administration work together.”
The Lt. Governor conducted a comprehensive review of various infrastructure projects, including the construction of transit accommodations for Kashmiri Migrant employees. He instructed relevant departments to expedite these implementations promptly.
He directed the District Administration and line departments to organise special camps during Block Diwas for the saturation of old age pensions, widow pensions, scholarships, and marriage assistance schemes to eligible beneficiaries.
“Focusing on the upliftment of marginalized sections, including women, children, and specially-abled individuals,” said Lt. Governor Sinha .
In the realm of agriculture and allied sectors, the Lt. Governor endorsed the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), envisioning an inclusive agriculture revolution. He stressed the collective responsibility of stakeholders for the successful implementation of HADP.
Lt. Governor Sinha proposed the establishment of Cooperative Societies in rural areas to stimulate economic growth and instructed the District Agriculture Officer to enhance farmer registration on the Daksh Portal.
“Promoting tourism and industry sectors,” the Lt. Governor urged officials to improve connectivity to tourist destinations, facilitate tourists visiting Kulgam, and set up a help desk for industrial unit establishment.
The Lt. Governor emphasized regular meetings with financial institutions to ensure timely credit provision under government schemes. He underlined the significance of fostering self-employment and supporting local youth through Mission Youth initiatives.
During interactions with various public delegations, including ULB, PRI representatives, and community members, Lt. Governor Sinha assured swift resolution of issues and grievances.
The meeting witnessed the presence of prominent officials, including Chief Secretary Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, ADGP Kashmir Sh. Vijay Kumar, Principal Secretary to Lt. Governor Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Sh. Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Secretary Tourism Department Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, DC Kulgam Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-din Bhat, and other senior officers.
