(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Stating that the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir in less than four years has been phenomenal, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Monday that discriminatory policies imposed for 70 years are gone and citizens are getting equal opportunities for development in the Union Territory.
He made these remarks while addressing a roundtable discussion on development scenario in J&K organised by India Foundation. He also reiterated his administration's resolve in establishing peace rather than buying it.
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“The transformation of J&K UT in less than four years has been phenomenal. We have decimated discriminatory systems prevalent for almost seven-decades and implemented inclusive policies that fostered development and touched the lives of millions. People have freedom to live their life as they desire, rather than dictated by others,” Sinha said.
In his address through video conferencing, the LG shared the stellar journey of Jammu Kashmir towards peace, prosperity and unprecedented development. He highlighted the reforms introduced by the government to establish a peaceful and conducive environment empowering the citizens of Jammu Kashmir.
Real Also army gives up srinagar's tattoo ground; amusement park to replace garrison govt to deploy cobra commandos in kashmir “For the first time after independence, the common citizen of J&K can think freely and express their feelings without any fear from separatist-terrorist networks. It is one of the biggest transformations common man is witnessing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said.
Apart from fast economic development and unparalleled growth with equity, Sinha said, there is a rapid social change which is reflected in day to day lives of common citizens.
“There is a growing aspiration in the society to excel,” he said.
“Peace is the first step in the journey of development. And, we do not believe in buying peace but in establishing peace. There is no distinction in policy and intent. Discriminatory policies imposed for 70 years are gone and citizens are getting equal opportunities for development,” he added.
Referring to some major events held this year, the LG said that the peaceful conduct of the G20 meeting, Muharram procession being taken out in Kashmir after 34 years, revival of cinemas, besides unprecedented tourists visiting the Union Territory has sent the message that J&K is on the move.
Ram Madhav, President India Foundation; B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog; Alok Bansal, Director, India Foundation; Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd), eminent personalities, experts, senior functionaries and members of India Foundation shared their views during the roundtable discussion and lauded the steps and initiatives taken by the UT administration for the equal and inclusive development of J&K.
'Look Into The Accidents Caused By Old Vehicles'
Expressing concern over loss of lives in tragic road accidents, the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Monday asked officials to seriously look into the road mishaps caused by the old and dilapidated vehicles.
Sinha passed these directions while interacting with the citizens, who had registered their grievances on JKIGRAMS, during“LG's Mulaqaat” at the Civil Secretariat here on Monday.
The LG said citizens' growing trust in grievance redressal mechanism is an indicator of effective and efficient system, improved quality of public services, responsiveness and reliability.
“Responsiveness is crucial for the various administrative departments to ensure quality of life, and socio-economic growth. Implementation of all the welfare schemes, based on the principles of transparency and integrity, is fostering inclusive development,” he said.
He reviewed action taken by the Deputy Commissioners and concerned officials on the past grievances received from the citizens.
The LG also took appraisal of the Power scenario, efforts being put in to end the practice of beggary, saturation of Unique Identity Card, reducing the gap in granting old age pension.
Besides appreciating the efforts of all officials and stakeholders for the smooth conduct of Muharram and ongoing Amarnath Yatra, the LG also reviewed the preparations of district administrations, all the departments for the Independence Day celebration.
On the complaints of Manmeet Singh, resident of village Dhangri, Rajouri and Haji Amir Ud Din from Ashtangoo, Bandipora pertaining to Revenue department and implementation of water supply scheme, the LG directed the concerned Deputy Commissioners to personally visit the spot and submit the report to the Lt Governor's Secretariat.
Similarly, Anayat Parvez from Lohai Malhar, Kathua drew the attention of the LG to the construction of bridge over Bheni River in his locality, on which the Principal Secretary Public Works (R&B) informed the chair that the work for the construction of the said bridge will start in the coming months.
Responding to the complaints of Jahangir Hassan Sheikh from Baramulla and Aman Hussain from Ramban regarding sanctioning of land compensation, Sinha directed the Divisional Commissioners and concerned departments to take appraisal of the similar matters put forth by the complainants and address the issues on merit.
The Lt Governor directed the DCs to look into the unresolved complaints/cases and submit action taken reports to Lt Governor's secretariat.
“Deputy Commissioners should also monitor the Kissan Sampark Abhiyan in the Districts. Swachhta Abhiyan must be the priority of district administrations,” he said.
He further impressed on the officials for ensuring operationalization of district-wise help desks for industrial investment proposals.
Rehana Batul Commissioner/Secretary, Public Grievances conducted the proceedings of the LG's Mulaqaat.
Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; R K Goyal, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Administrative Secretaries; Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, SSPs, HoDs and other senior officers were present during the interaction, in person and through virtual mode.v