Srinagar, Aug 12: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today asserted that some individuals had been exploiting the terrorism industry in the region, but with its complete eradication, the state would emerge as a frontrunner in the country.
Speaking at the valedictory session of the Samagra Awaas-Convergence under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) in Srinagar, Sinha expressed confidence that once the region was liberated from the grasp of terrorism-driven profiteers, it would transform into a leading state in India.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha revealed, “The coffers of those profiting from terrorism were filled by the conflict industry here. They hoped for prolonged instability, with certain opportunistic entities thriving. However, Jammu and Kashmir has broken free from this situation.” Sinha emphasized that once the region completely severed ties with the conflict-driven industrialists, its ascent to becoming a prominent state in the nation was highly plausible.
At the event, Lieutenant Governor Sinha disbursed installments worth Rs 150 crore to beneficiaries of PMAY-Gramin. During his address, he also highlighted the reforms implemented by the Union Territory Administration to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
Underlining the significance of peace for development, Sinha credited the security forces, public representatives, and local inhabitants for contributing to the positive transformation in Jammu and Kashmir. He remarked, “Development had occurred in the past, yet a substantial portion of the population remained neglected. After seven decades, three-tier panchayat elections were conducted.”
Sinha observed that the situation had improved considerably. He noted a rise in both government expectations and available resources compared to previous decades. He refuted claims that land or housing had been allocated to non-residents, asserting that such assertions were misleading and fuelled emotional manipulation.
Commenting on political manoeuvring, Sinha acknowledged that politics could be practiced on various fronts, but he urged politicians to refrain from exploiting the emotions of the underprivileged. He affirmed the administration’s commitment to allocate 5 marlas of land to the poor, emphasizing that this was their rightful entitlement.
In his valedictory address, Sinha highlighted the importance of genuinely uplifting the impoverished rather than merely engaging in religious activities. He congratulated various districts for achieving Open Defecation Free Plus status and commended the collective efforts of all stakeholders for making Jammu and Kashmir a model performer in terms of development.
The Lieutenant Governor affirmed his commitment to inclusive development guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, with the primary goal of emancipating marginalized sections of society from underdevelopment and ensuring prosperity for all. He praised the progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana and announced upcoming completions of construction projects for eligible households.
Sinha concluded by calling upon the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir to actively participate in Independence Day celebrations, and he acknowledged exemplary performance among districts and beneficiaries under PMAY-G.
The valedictory session was attended by prominent officials including Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Shailesh Kumar Singh, Union Secretary Rural Development; Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner/Secretary, Rural Development J&K; Gaya Prasa, DDG Rural Housing, Rural Development Ministry, along with DDC Chairpersons and PRI members.
