Jammu, Jan 26: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday announced plans to conduct long-awaited Panchayat and civic body elections in Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at empowering citizens through grassroots democracy.
Speaking during his address on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day at Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu, Sinha emphasised that elections would be held to establish a three-tier governance structure. While he did not specify a timeline, the announcement signals a significant step towards strengthening local governance in the Union Territory.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the successful conduct of assembly elections in the region last year, describing the exercise as a “positive change” and crediting it to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “This achievement underscores the faith of citizens in democratic values and the future of Jammu and Kashmir,” Sinha said, adding that citizens are now looking to the government with “renewed expectations” for employment, sustainable development, and economic growth.
The announcement comes amid the completion of the Electoral Commission’s revision process, which began in November 2024. The term of the Panchayats in Jammu and Kashmir ended in November 2023, and the District Development Boards’ term will conclude within the next year. According to the updated electoral rolls, there are over seven million voters, with more than 341,000 new voters added and 110,000 removed.
Sinha also noted that the ongoing local body elections are awaiting the recommendations of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) Commission regarding reservations for OBCs, in light of a bill passed by Parliament last year.
In his address, Sinha further unveiled the government’s ‘Mission YUVA’ initiative, which aims to make Jammu and Kashmir a hub for entrepreneurship and employment. The mission seeks to create over 137,000 enterprises and generate around 425,000 jobs over the next five years, targeting youth and women in particular. “The initiative is designed to address unemployment and create a dynamic ecosystem for enterprise development,” he said, noting that the region’s socio-economic potential and cultural heritage will drive its transformative journey.
The program focuses on fostering nano-entrepreneurs, with a special emphasis on women, youth, and first-generation entrepreneurs from remote areas. It also aims to promote new MSMEs in emerging sectors, scale existing businesses, and support innovative startups.
Additionally, Sinha outlined the administration’s efforts to streamline government recruitment. “In the past four to five years, 40,000 appointments were made based on transparency and merit,” he said, adding that fast-track recruitment processes for compassionate appointments have also been accelerated. He further stated that 10,616 positions had been referred to the Public Service Commission and Services Selection Board, with notifications issued for 7,376 posts.
Sinha also highlighted key achievements in sports and youth development. “Over 4,500 children have received free training at 92 Khelo India Centres, and many are now excelling at national competitions,” he said. Jammu and Kashmir has also gained recognition for hosting the Legends League cricket tournament, marking the return of international cricket to the region for the first time since 1988.
The government has also made strides in infrastructure development, with a new water sports academy in Srinagar and a fencing academy in Jammu. Sinha announced the impending completion of the Khel Gaon in Nagrota, a multi-sports hub, and the establishment of high-performance training centers across all districts. A gymnastics academy will also be set up in Srinagar to nurture young gymnasts.
Additionally, urban youth are being encouraged to pursue self-employment opportunities through various programs such as the National Urban Livelihood Mission and the Himayat scheme, which focuses on skill development and training. The government also plans to transform 40,000 women into “Lakhpati Didis” to empower rural women economically.
The Lieutenant Governor concluded by emphasising the government’s commitment to inclusivity, noting that over 550 persons with disabilities had been employed in the government sector due to policy changes and new posts being created for individuals with benchmark disabilities.
For providing transit accommodation to Kashmiri migrant employees, the LG said 6,000 flats have been sanctioned, out of which 2,832 have been completed and 2,016 are at various stages of development.
He said 33,636 displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and Chhamb from the conflicts in 1947 and subsequent years have been provided financial assistance of Rs 1,452 crore, while 3541 West Pakistani refugees have been allocated a financial support of Rs 89 crore.
Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor laid wreath at Police Martyrs Memorial and Balidan Stambh and paid tributes to the valiant martyrs of the Police, Army, and CAPFs who made the supreme sacrifice for the motherland.
Meanwhile, the Republic Day Parade consisted of smart contingents from Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, IRP (Women & Male), J&K Police, JKAP, UT Disaster Response Force, J&K Fire and Emergency Services, J&K Forest Protection Force, Excise & Taxation Department, Ex-Servicemen, NCC (Boys and Girls), Bharat Scouts and Guides (Girls & Boys) and several school contingents, Brass & Pipe Bands of Army, BSF, J&K Police and Band Troops (Girl & Boys) of different Schools.
Tableaux by different departments on cultural diversity of J&K, PM-Surya Ghar, Swarnim Bharat ki Virasat, Fit India Movement, War against Drugs and impressive Motorcycle Acrobatic display by JKP dare-devils and cultural pageantry based on the different themes were the main attractions of the celebrations.
Meanwhile, the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, hosted an ‘At Home’ reception on the occasion of 76th Republic Day at Raj Bhawan, Jammu.
