Srinagar, May 23: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Tuesday that the Centre through development schemes has isolated the terror ecosystem which thrived with the support from Pakistan.
“Security agencies have succeeded to a great extent in destroying the “terror ecosystem and it is no more a land strikes, school closures and separatist activities, “ the Lieutenant Governor said while addressing the press conference at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar
“By adopting the whole government approach, the ecosystem of terror sponsored by our neighbour has been almost dismantled. Schools and colleges remain open allowing youth to focus on career building. Jammu Kashmir is not a land of hartals or stone pelters.
“It’s a land of peace and prosperity that responsible and responsive administration is trying too hard to bring in the lives of the people. It is governed by the Constitution of India, which has established rule of law and supremacy of the people,” he said.
Underlining why J-K was selected by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for G20 meeting, Sinha said J-K has opened up limitless possibilities of growth and peace.
He also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for providing this historic opportunity to the Union territory of J&K to host the 3rd Tourism Working Group meeting of G20 member nations and observer countries.
“We had a very exciting and productive inaugural session on Tuesday. The significant deliberation, exchange of views and perspectives will help in building a framework based on five priority areas for sustainable tourism as we advance towards the post Covid pandemic era,” he said.
LG Sinha said grass-root democracy has been growing from strength to strength. The three-tier PRI system has ensured stability and consistency in development and participation of people in policy making, he said.
“We have an open and vibrant press and more than 400 newspapers are published every day. The digital revolution has unleashed socio-cultural transformation, which has empowered every section of the society, especially the young generation,” LG Sinha said.
LG Sinha said that he has been informed that the ongoing 3rd Tourism Working Group Meeting in Srinagar is the biggest gathering of foreign delegates so far.
” I think it is bigger than previous TWG meetings in Siliguri and Gujarat, and except China, all G20 nations delegates, representatives and other stakeholders of the tourism industry of the respective countries are participating in the event,” he said.
LG Sinha said that 57 delegates from 27 countries are participating in the G20 meeting at Srinagar and it is a reflection of India’s strength and our ancient values of ‘VasudhaivaKutumbakam’.
He said Jammu Kashmir is fully committed to build on shared aspirations for sustainable tourism. PM Modi has accorded highest priority to sustainable social & economic development of Jammu Kashmir.
“In the last 4 years, policies and programmes have been reshaped so that the benefits of growth percolate to the masses and nurture the nature,” he said adding that tourism sector, there has been unprecedented increase in the tourist footfall after the second wave of Covid pandemic,” Lt Governor said.
“We were happy to host over 18 million tourists last year, which, I would say, was unparalleled since Independence. Our focus on green tourism, offbeat destinations, involvement of local communities, and industry status to the tourism sector has turned this sector into one of the most flourishing industries in the region,” he said.
LG Sinha said sustained reforms, including a new film policy, modern infrastructure and ease of doing business, has transformed Jammu Kashmir into a preferred destination for shooting of films.
“It is also strengthening the economy and providing employment opportunities to the people. Overall tourism offered a large number of employment and contributed around 7% to its GDP in the last fiscal year,” he said.
Lt. Governor said over 65% of the population is below 35 years of age, we are witnessing the emergence of a powerful force of youth that is contributing to invention, innovation and research.
“Around 6 million youth participated in various sporting events across Jammu Kashmir. Every district has a multi-purpose indoor sports hall. Gulmarg is being transformed into a world-class winter sports destination,” he said.
LG Sinha said they wanted to take G20 delegates to Gulmarg and show them its scenic beauty but due to time constraints it may not happen this time.
“All 4292 Panchayats in J&K have a Youth Club to seize the opportunity globalization has to offer. We have set up a dedicated department, Mission Youth, that helps youth to achieve their dreams, build a vibrant society free from fear, discrimination and exploitation,” he said.
LG Sinha said that under the guidance of PM, we have taken a very wide range of decisions to accelerate the implementation of mega infrastructure projects, modernization of health, and brought transparency and accountability.
“We are registering a new start-up every other day. In the last four years, we have registered 7.7 lakh new entrepreneurs, and youth have started their entrepreneurial journey to contribute to their individual and Jammu Kashmir’s growth,” he said.
LG Sinha said to ensure fast industrial development to bring rapid social transformation. On an average, we are receiving 7 to 8 applications every day from different industrial houses from India and abroad, who are willing to set up their facilities here,” he said.
The Lt. Governor said in 2022, on an average one industry became operational per day. We are offering more than 450 public services in online mode. Our entire administration is paperless, he said.
“In 2022, the UT recorded 1.2 million e-transactions per day. During the first month of 2023, we have recorded 2.3 million e-transactions which is higher than many other states,” he said.
LG said that more than 150 higher education institutions, two central universities, seven state universities and by establishing all premier educational institutions, Jammu Kashmir is ready to contribute to India’s knowledge economy.
“Our speed to execute projects post 2019 has gone up by 10 times. In 2018, 9229 projects were completed whereas in the last financial year, we completed 92,560 projects. We are building an effective and efficient rural infrastructure,” he said.
LG Sinha said that the number and fast-paced developments show our resolve to build Atma-Nirbhar J&K. “We are working with innovative approaches to exploit our strength and empower our farmers, “ he said.
“With sustained efforts in the last 2-3 years while managing pandemics, Jammu Kashmir figures in the top five states of the country in terms of monthly farm income,” he said, adding that they are implementing 29 projects worth Rs.5013 crore, to increase farmer’s income by 4 times in the next five years.
LG Sinha said that Jammu and Kashmir are number one in terms of production of saffron, apple, walnut and almond in India, and industries in processing and value addition will provide new height to Jammu Kashmir.
“More than 6 lakh women entrepreneurs through self-help groups are reaching global scales in terms of quality and output. Jammu Kashmir is becoming a centre and export hub for diverse goods, from agricultural products to handicrafts to horticulture produce,” he said.
