Ganderbal, Sep 19: In a groundbreaking announcement, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has undertaken a commitment to tackle unemployment by initiating a comprehensive recruitment drive to fill all vacant positions across various government departments within the next six months.
This remarkable declaration was made during an address to a gathering in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, following the inauguration of several developmental projects. Ganderbal has witnessed a significant overhaul in infrastructure development, marking the completion of projects that had remained pending for over a decade.
Highlighting the achievements of a previous recruitment drive launched by the Union Territory (UT) administration last year, LG Manoj Sinha emphasized the necessity of providing every aspiring candidate, regardless of their background, with the opportunity to become a government officer. He asserted, “Every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, deserves the chance to become an officer.”
LG Sinha shared an inspiring example of a daughter of a vegetable seller who recently achieved the prestigious rank of a KAS (Kashmir Administrative Service) officer, underscoring the accessibility of opportunities to all strata of society.
“J&K is witnessing a revolution in infrastructure development, with projects that have been pending for over a decade finally seeing completion,” he announced. He also highlighted the fast-paced development of the past four years and unprecedented investments in modern infrastructure, propelling the aspirations of the people.
LG Sinha further stated that prior to 2019, project delays were the norm, but now, the speedy completion of projects tops the administration’s priorities. Over 1500 such pending projects have been completed across the UT, some of which were stagnant for 5 to 20 years.
Addressing housing initiatives, Sinha informed that 2,800 houses have been distributed to residents of Ganderbal district under the Prime Minister Awas Yojna Scheme, clarifying that these houses were exclusively provided to Jammu and Kashmir residents.
Emphasizing the region’s path to peace and prosperity, Sinha pointed out the growing number of tourists visiting, with 1.88 crore tourists last year and an expected 2.25 crore this year. He attributed this tourism boom to benefiting local businesses and communities.
LG Manoj Sinha expressed optimism about Ganderbal’s development prospects and noted that Sonmarg, a prominent tourist destination in the district, has witnessed a substantial influx of tourists. He acknowledged that certain projects had faced significant delays due to past practices but assured the completion of remaining projects in ongoing efforts to expedite development.
He highlighted that Ganderbal currently has 2,049 self-help groups and 29 ongoing agriculture projects. Additionally, 2,143 women and men in J&K have received low-interest loans to support their entrepreneurial ventures.
Sonamarg was also commended as a global tourist destination, attracting over 3.5 million visitors in the past year. The availability of over a thousand online services for the past three years in J&K has contributed significantly to its rapid growth as a Union Territory.
LG Sinha commended the functioning and activities at the Atal Tinkering labs in the district, directing the extension of necessary support to students.
Moreover, he directed the administration and health functionaries to create an action plan for a Tuberculosis-free Ganderbal and ensure the successful implementation of the Ayushman Bhav Campaign and PM Vishwakarma Scheme.
During his address at Qamaria Stadium, the Lt Governor congratulated the District Administration, public representatives, and the people of Ganderbal, acknowledging the district’s long-standing neglect in terms of development. He expressed disappointment that projects like the Bus Terminal Complex at Beehama, inaugurated that day, had remained incomplete for a decade.
Later, Coffee table books on Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2023 and Mashal-e-Gash were also unveiled during the event.
Recognizing the local Administration’s efforts in the employment sector and the reduction of the male-female literacy gap, LG Sinha emphasized that increased female literacy would significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of J&K UT.
The Lt Governor dedicated the VIKALP- Venture Incubation and Knowledge Application Launchpad center at Government Degree College to the district’s aspiring youth.
He also called upon the district officials and public representatives to ensure the effective implementation of schemes like PM Vishwakarma and Ayushman Bhav and encouraged all sections of society, especially the youth, to actively participate in Gandhi Jayanti celebration events.
Earlier in the day, the Lt Governor inaugurated various projects at Government Degree College Ganderbal, including 12 additional classrooms, a Multipurpose Hall, a Gym cum Health Centre, and the VIKALP- Venture Incubation and Knowledge Application Launchpad. He also laid the foundation stone for a 50-bedded Hostel for Girls at GDC Ganderbal and released a booklet on VIKALP Incubation Policy.
Projects inaugurated by the Lt Governor included the Bus Terminal Complex at Beehama, Cafeteria MC Ganderbal, Sind View Point, Amrit Sarovar Beautification at Beehama, and the beautification of the area around Clock Tower Ganderbal.
Moreover, projects worth Rs 13.50 crore from the Jal Shakti Department were inaugurated, including MGD WTP Ganderbal town, Water Supply Schemes for Ganderbal town (Phase II), Kurag Daragpora, Gogjigund Malikpora, and Aug Mammer.
The event was attended by Nuzhat Ishfaq, DDC Chairperson Ganderbal; Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Vijay Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Sh Shyambir, Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal; Sujit Kumar, DIG CKR Srinagar; Adv Altaf, President Municipal Council Ganderbal, PRI members, and senior officers.
