(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer)
Jammu- The Union Territory Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha said on Tuesday that the people need to understand that public services and facilities are not free for all and those who are able should come forward to pay for the government services.
Speaking at the ongoing 'My Town, My Pride' Programme at Gulshan Ground here on Tuesday, the LG said that through public outreach programme, his administration was putting people at the heart of urban transformation & unlocking cities' full potential to drive growth, empower local governance and to ensure seamless delivery of services at the doorsteps.
“People participation is a decisive factor for developmental initiative because every city's challenges & opportunities are different. During the MTMP event, senior officials are visiting the towns & enabling direct communication and creating a system that is responsive to local needs,” Sinha said.
The LG termed public-private partnership & public–participation as the two important aspects of urban transformation that are also the best tools to improve quality of life, strengthen people's welfare mechanism, to grow the local economy and build infrastructure for a brighter future.
Underscoring that the master plan is linked to the city's growth, development and overall socio-economic development, the LG stressed that the city Master plan must reflect aspirations & needs of common man and the poor families living in the slums.
“Jammu Master Plan must focus on housing for the poor, new business centers to decongest old cities, besides planned townships for state & all India service officials,” the LG said.
“Mentoring officers should work with elected public representatives, local ward members for successful execution of urban development plans,” he added.
Observing that the Prime Minister has transformed Jammu into the city of educational institutions, the LG said that the city of temples known world over has also become a hub of educational Institutions as it is the only place in the country which has AIIMS, IIM, IIT and Central University.
Sinha maintained that resource mobilization is the need of the hour and it must become part of our action plan.
“Seamless online public service delivery and efforts for improved infrastructure, decongestion plan, transportation, creation of new public space, streamlining & simplification of processes to avail public services; brand positioning of the cities; One District One Product; City Livelihood Mission; beautification of cities, preservation and rejuvenation of rivers, lakes & parks are some of the important aspects of public outreach that needs focused attention,” the LG said.
The 'My Town My Pride' public outreach programme lays special focus on Self-employment generation and skill development to empower youth. During MTMP Abhiyan, 25 youth from each ward are being identified for self-employment assistance and skill training.
“It is also being ensured that the schemes meant for the welfare of street vendors must reach the eligible beneficiaries,” the LG said.
Calling for organizing Swachhta Competitions in Municipal Corporations and wards, Sinha asked the Mayor, JMC and other elected representatives to explore viable plans for revenue generation in coordination with all stakeholders.
On fund flow to municipal corporations, the LG maintained that everything is being done with complete transparency and as per GFR and other rules, and nobody can be allowed to violate those in any case; though, UT-specific flexibilities can be worked out.
“A nation is run by the constitution, by the law and people need to create a fine balance between rights and duties. Welfare of the poor is among our top priority but the people who are capable and rich must accord top priority to discharge their duties towards society and the nation,” the LG said.
“The sense of duty among the citizens can help the society prosper. People need to understand that the public services and facilities are not free for all. Those who are able should come forward for paying for the government services,” he added.
Earlier, the LG inspected several stalls installed by different departments and agencies of the UT administration for extending services and generating awareness among the people.
He also distributed sanction letters under the 'Laadli Beti' Scheme, cheques under State Marriage Assistance Scheme, and Wheelchairs and hearing aids to the beneficiaries.
Meets UNICEF India's Chief Of Field Services
Jalpa Ratna, Chief of Field Services, UNICEF India on Tuesday called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha here at Raj Bhawan.
Ratna apprised the Lt Governor about UNICEF India programmes in J&K and the work being done in collaboration with Government departments, an official spokesperson said.
He said that discussions were also held on supporting alternative learning, career guidance, life skills education, capacity-building, community-based learning, community-based child protection mechanisms and child protection services and other key interventions in the education sector.
“The Lt Governor assured cooperation and support of the UT administration in all its endeavours,” the spokesperson added.
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