Samba, June 15: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today laid the foundation stone for a new auditorium and upgradation work at the Government Higher Secondary School in Gurha Slathia, Samba.
The auditorium, with a seating capacity of 500, and the school’s modernisation are being funded through charity after demands raised by local representatives and youth during the Lieutenant Governor’s visit to the area in February 2025.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor recalled, “When I visited Gurha Slathia earlier this year, the youth requested a large auditorium. I assured them the project would move forward, initially planning to split funding between myself and the local MLA. However, due to budget constraints, I sought alternative means. With the blessings of revered Babaji, the funds have been arranged through charity. I am happy and grateful for this support.”
He expressed optimism that the auditorium would be completed within a year and assured that the school would be technologically advanced to provide quality education.
In addition, the Lieutenant Governor announced a new sports facility in Gurha Slathia, which will also be financed through charity, dedicating these projects to the local youth.
“I am happy to see a big dream being realised today. Education shapes a region’s destiny and fuels inclusive development and stability. We must focus on strengthening educational infrastructure to drive economic growth and entrepreneurial ventures,” he said.
Highlighting transformative initiatives aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Sinha stated, “Across Jammu and Kashmir, a revolution is underway in school and higher education. Examples from around the world show that regions have transformed from resource-scarce to economic powers through massive investment in education and skill development of young people.”
He added, “We have ensured equitable access to quality education in rural areas, bringing thousands of out-of-school children back to classrooms. I urge the youth to leverage these education and skill initiatives to turn this Union Territory into a hub of innovation and equity, securing a brighter future for all.”
The Lieutenant Governor also spoke about the significant development in Samba district, particularly the border areas. “Strong border areas protect the country’s core and serve as the first line of defense. Over the past five years, Samba’s border regions have witnessed massive infrastructure upgrades. Industrialization has accelerated economic growth and integrated local populations into the national mainstream,” he noted.
Calling for collective effort, Sinha appealed to stakeholders to maintain the momentum of development through unity and cooperation with the administration.
“Let us together build a self-reliant, powerful, and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir. With renewed confidence, we can fulfil the dreams of Samba,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also praised the dedication of the local MLA, district administration, and especially the youth, for their role in driving grassroots transformation.
Prominent attendees at the event included Surjit Singh Slathia, MLA Samba; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Rajesh Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Samba; along with community leaders and large gatherings of local residents.
