INDEPENDENCE DAY SPEECH of Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, 15th of August, 2023

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• 15 Aug 2023

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Dear, brothers and sisters,

1. My hearty greetings to all of you on the sacred occasion of Independence Day. It is a day of remembrance, dedication and resolution for all Indians. I pay humble obeisance to our great ancestors, martyrs and freedom fighters, the revered souls who had awakened the consciousness of this nation and guaranteed equality of all and empowerment of the poor and the underprivileged. They lit a spark of love for the motherland and waged a powerful struggle for freedom. Today, we salute our beloved tricolor and bow to self-sacrificing patriots and devoted men and women of ideas and ideals.
2. On the 77^th anniversary of our Independence, I pay tribute to the brave soldiers of Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Central Security Forces and the armed forces. Their awe-inspiring courage, relentless bravery and selfless sacrifice in defense of the motherland have become the guiding light for the entire nation. Last year, on this very day, I had announced that a Balidaan Stambh shall be built in their honor and memory. This sacred pilgrimage, being developed in the heart of Srinagar, shall be our tribute to the Jawans of army, paramilitary forces, and police personnel who laid down their lives in combating terrorism, and it shall inspire the new generation to walk the righteous path.
3. The new generation is being enlightened about the sacrifices of our brave martyrs. They are being remembered and honored across Jammu and Kashmir to mark the celebration of Independence Day. The young generation is realizing the virtues of supreme sacrifice and remembering all those whose dedication and commitment kept our flag flying high and ensuring the society is on the road to progress. On this occasion, I bow down in reverence to the families of martyrs. We are continuously taking concrete measures for their families, so that they can live a life of comfort and dignity.
4. On this auspicious occasion, I want to assure our brave soldiers guarding the borders that citizens of Jammu and Kashmir and the entire nation, stand shoulder to shoulder with you. We believe in peace, we believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and mutual goodwill. We are fully committed to safeguard national interests and if provoked, we are capable of giving a befitting response to any attempt of aggression.
5. Brothers and sisters, three years ago, on this very day, I shared a dream of building a new Jammu and Kashmir with you, which harmonizes modernity and spirituality, which moves forward with unwavering passion and resolution. A Jammu and Kashmir which thrives in diversity and focuses on inner and outer growth with faith and humanity. A Jammu and Kashmir which cherishes equality, social justice and equal opportunities for all. A Jammu and Kashmir where the people are at peace and everyone has the freedom to live as they want. A Jammu and Kashmir where the roaring sound of factories, the laughter of farmers, the soaring ambitions from playgrounds and music reverberating from lakes and rivers fills the sky. A Jammu and Kashmir which brings new hope for the youth, farmers and women. A Jammu and Kashmir which commands respect and which contributes extensively in the process of nation building. Brothers and sisters, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed rapid growth over three successive years and we have been successful in realizing these resolutions to a certain extent. Wherever I go, I see our Union Territory on the move and various sectors are showing impressive growth. Yet, we have miles to go and many more milestones to achieve.
6. Three years ago, on this day, I said to you that I have no promises to make, but I have promises to keep. I have dedicated every moment of my life to keep those promises and to usher Jammu and Kashmir into a new era of peace and prosperity. Sincere efforts have been made for the welfare of the people; for ensuring peace in everyone’s lives, for bringing smiles on the faces of the people, for developing better infrastructure, to usher in a new green revolution, to make our businesses more prosperous, for boosting the granaries, to build an inclusive society, to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas and to reach out to the last man in the queue. My ultimate aim is to put a smile on the common man’s face. Every policy and every decision has been taken to ensure that all sections of society; farmers, soldiers, laborers, women, teachers, engineers, doctors and businessmen, are given a fair and equal opportunity for a brighter future, so that they can contribute in building a confident and self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir.
7. Jammu and Kashmir today is characterized by peace and inclusive development. The transformation and rapid progress in diverse sectors in the last three years is unprecedented in its history. There is renewed enthusiasm and vigour among entrepreneurs for industrialization. New roads, tunnels, railway lines, power projects, airport terminals, industrial estates and shopping malls are being constructed and all around us we are witnessing the emergence of prosperity and happiness. The hard work, dedication and determination of 1.3 crore citizens is shaping the new destiny of this beautiful Union Territory and the society, united with one resolve of Viksit Bharat is marching towards a golden future.
8. Last year, on this day, I gave a pledge to the people to build a fear-free, corruption-free, employment-rich and drug-free Jammu and Kashmir. By dismantling the terror ecosystem, every citizen has been given the opportunity to live  their lives fearlessly and on their own terms. Interventions of digital governance have eradicated the systemic corruption that was prevalent in our society, to a great extent. A historic 90% approval rating in delivery of online public services is a testimony to growing relationship and trust between government and the citizens. Apart from merit-based selections for 29,806 government jobs, countless self-employment opportunities are being made available to kick start the entrepreneurial journeys of youth. Last year, 786 youth started their entrepreneurial journey. Dedicated efforts are being taken for a ‘Drug-free Jammu and Kashmir’. Drug-free Panchayat campaign has strengthened our fight against this menace at the grass root level. Increase in registration of cases, arrests and seizures under the PNDT Act, shows the commitment of administration towards realizing the goal of nasha-mukt Jammu and Kashmir.

9. Brothers and sisters, this paradise on earth has been the land of all spiritual streams since times immemorial. However, the terrorism exported by our neighboring country had tried to destroy the tranquility and cultural richness of this soil of ‘Peer Vaer’. Terrorism is one of the gravest threats to peace and progress. The ideology of terrorism and separatism is cancer for the society and all its forms have to be completely eliminated. We need to identify the remaining elements and isolate them. We need to stop using double standards for terrorism. A terrorist has to be called a terrorist. We are determined to take decisive and tough action against terrorism and strike the last nail in the coffin of terrorist-secessionist ecosystem.
10. We have reignited love and brotherhood in this sacred soil of Adi Shankaracharya, Kalhana, Lalleshwari, Sheikh-ul-Alam, Syed Simnani, Mata Roop Bhavani and Sikh gurus and propagating the ageless ideals

of humanism, communal harmony and peace. On this occasion, I am reminded of a poem by Shri Dinanath Koul “Nadim”-

11. With the timeless wisdom of saints, sufis and the spirit of brotherhood, harmony and mutual respect, we are rapidly marching forward to build Viksit Jammu and Kashmir. Overwhelming participation of citizens in the G20 Summit, Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and Muharram procession after three decades, testify the beginning of a new era of peace and tranquility for the Union territory. Today, we stand firm in our determination to build the Jammu and Kashmir of our dreams.
12. Brothers and sisters, on this occasion we also need to remember that sacrifices were not limited to the freedom struggle in the past. We have to re-dedicate ourselves to serve the poorest of the poor and contribute to our nation's progress.
13. On this auspicious day, I also urge every one of you to ask yourselves about the sacrifices you made in building Jammu and Kashmir of your dreams. What has been your contribution? What have you done for the welfare of society? These questions will inspire each one of us to serve the nation with renewed passion and vigor.
14. Today, on the 77^th anniversary of our Independence, I call upon everyone in Jammu and Kashmir to realize their full potential and contribute in the resolution of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. We must resolve to work together to fulfill the vision and PanchPran of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. I am confident that our collective efforts will result in far greater prosperity for Jammu and Kashmir.
15. Brothers and sisters, I am proud to announce that the participation level of J&K in Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) remained unparalleled and the UT organized highest number of events in the country under AKAM; consistently ranking first under this campaign.
16. Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav is concluding with the Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign, the biggest festival for the country which gives us an opportunity to pay homage to our motherland and its Veers; to honour and pay tribute to the freedom fighters, brave martyrs of the Indian freedom struggle. Let us all join together, hand in hand, with unity in our steps to march towards a bright future.
17. Brothers and sisters, 2023 has been recorded as a golden year for the Union territory. The successful G20 Summit, which saw massive public participation, testifies that the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir have broken their shackles and they are raring to scale new heights. Notwithstanding the conspiracies and attempts of the neighboring countries to disturb the event, representatives from 27 countries participated in this historic summit - a loud and clear message to our adversaries. The international community, for the first time experienced peace, prosperity, stability and aspirations of the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, and witnessed the all round progress of the Union Territory.
18. The G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting not only strengthened diplomatic ties, but also opened new avenues for global partnership that will help in tapping the tourism potential of Jammu and Kashmir. I am proud to inform you that since the G20 event, there has been an increase of 59% in foreign tourist arrivals in Kashmir Valley, as compared to the previous year. Further, we have welcomed 1.27 crore tourists till July this year, another record in the history of the tourism sector.
19. Another milestone in the list of achievements of 2023 in Jammu and Kashmir is the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra - 2023. This year’s yatra marks the longest pilgrimage of Baba Barfani in history. The message of peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir has attracted devotees not only from various parts of the country but also from abroad, fulfilling the decades old wishes of local & foreign citizens. Our Shia brothers were able to take out the procession on traditional routes to pay tribute to the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) on Muharram after 34 years.
20. Brothers and sisters, we have adopted pragmatic approach to promote sustainable and equitable development to build a vibrant society and have achieved remarkable progress on all parameters of development. Better infrastructure, improved connectivity, rejuvenated tourism, new beginnings in the agriculture and allied sectors, emphasis on modern education, digital governance, energy security, health for all and preservation of heritage of handicrafts have been the hallmarks of our journey. These achievements have led to inclusive and sustainable development and created a robust economy that offers equal opportunities, generates more income in rural areas, access to appropriate technology, access to institutional credit, created wealth for society and ensured effective and efficient public service delivery system.
21. We are witnessing fast economic development and rapid social change. GST collection during the financial year 2022-23 was Rs. 7300   crores,   and   SGST   cash

collection in the last quarter has shown a remarkable 35% increase. Stamp duty collection has registered a growth of 10.8% during the current financial year. The new Jammu and Kashmir Excise Policy 2023-2024 has facilitated revenue collection of Rs. 767.89 crores, registering a whopping increase of 66.23%.

22. Brothers and sisters, over the last three years, we have diligently infused new momentum in projects that were stalled for decades. Under the Prime Minister's Development Program, 32 projects, out of the sanctioned 53, have been completed and out of the remaining 21 projects, 13 projects shall be completed during the current financial year.
23. Three years ago, I had emphasized that on a new blueprint of infrastructural development at the grassroots levels. Today, infrastructure projects worth Rs. 1.5 lakh crores are under execution. The construction of 15 road projects under PMDP, 21 new tunnels, 39 new flyovers, 26 bypasses and 2 ring roads will prove to be the new foundation of modern and Aatm -Nirbhar Jammu and Kashmir. We are spending Rs. 519 crores per month on roads, buildings, macadamization and construction of rural bridges.
24. Infrastructural gaps in 4291 panchayats are being addressed through the Aspirational Panchayat Development Program. J&K has achieved 97% of the targets set under PMGSY-I & II by constructing 7000 km of roads during the last 3 years. We have provided roads to 98% habitations eligible under this scheme. 1273 projects worth Rs. 4994.58 crores have been approved under NABARD, which shall provide connectivity to a further 1039 villages for the first time after independence. Keeping in view the massive infrastructural expansion, we have decided to re-organize the PW (R&B) department from this auspicious day of 15^th August,for better monitoring      and      faster implementation of all projects.
25. Jammu and Srinagar smart cities are competing to carve their own place among the cleanest and most beautiful cities of the country. The city of Srinagar and its urban transformation is being considered as a role model for metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Under the Smart City Mission, 159 projects worth Rs 2861.71 crores have been completed and the remaining 102 projects, costing Rs 4354.18 crores, are under execution. Elevated Metrolite scheme has been proposed for both Jammu and Srinagar.
26. Two years ago, on this very day, we had decided to forge ahead with industrialization and the development of a knowledge-based economy. We were well aware of the challenges because industry sector was neglected for decades. In a short span of time, we have not just triumphed over    difficulties,    we    have achieved much. Today, Jammu and Kashmir is standing at the threshold of an industrial revolution.
27. Industrial investment of over Rs 27,000 crores has been approved so far, including record private investment of Rs 2153.45 crores in the last financial year. J&K has received investment proposals worth over Rs 80,000 crores till July 31, 2023.
28. The first Foreign Direct Investment proposal in the Union territory was approved earlier this year. Land has been allotted to Emaar Group for constructing a 1 million sq. ft. shopping mall in Srinagar and land for construction of two IT towers, one each in Srinagar and Jammu has also been allocated to the Emaar group. We have been ranked second among Union territories in NITI Aayog's Export Preparednes

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