Jammu, March 3 (NationPress) In a significant address to the Legislative Assembly on Monday, Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized that this budget holds historic importance as it is the first in seven years presented by an elected government in the union territory, showcasing the power of the people through their representatives.

The Lt. Governor noted this during the budget session in the central hall of the J&K Assembly.

This marks the first budget session of the assembly after a seven-year gap. “This Budget transcends a mere financial document; it embodies the dreams of the populace, mirroring their hopes for a brighter future,” stated the Lt. Governor.

He reiterated the government's commitment to restoring statehood to J&K and engaging with various stakeholders until the desired statehood is achieved.

Furthermore, he addressed the dignified return of migrant Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley, shedding light on the construction of transit camps for these migrants. "My government is dedicated to ensuring the dignified rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants back into the valley by creating a secure environment. We will intensify efforts to expedite the construction of transit accommodation projects for migrant employees, providing suitable housing at designated sites. These initiatives reflect our commitment to restoring confidence, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring a stable and prosperous future for all communities in Jammu and Kashmir," he explained.

“We take great pride in our composite culture and centuries-old traditions of unity and brotherhood. My government is devoted to preserving the unity in diversity that characterizes Jammu and Kashmir. It is firmly committed to maintaining peace and harmony, safeguarding the aspirations of our people from divisive forces, and cultivating an inclusive society founded on mutual respect and harmony, paving the way for a prosperous and peaceful future,” he added.

The L-G emphasized his government's unwavering commitment to fulfilling promises made to the people and working tirelessly on the three pillars of Economy, Ecology, and Equity that will shape the future.

“Good governance is the cornerstone of a thriving and harmonious future for Jammu and Kashmir. My government is steadfast in its commitment to transparent and responsible decision-making, ensuring efficient resource allocation so that the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir benefit from every penny spent. Innovative initiatives such as digital governance, streamlined public service delivery, effective grievance resolution, and the promotion of socio-economic programs are designed to bridge developmental gaps and strengthen public trust," he stated.

L-G Sinha noted that the economy of Jammu and Kashmir has seen remarkable growth in recent years, as evidenced by key indicators such as an increasing GSDP, advancements in infrastructure, and improved socio-economic indices. "However, this progress has not come without challenges. Issues like regional disparities, unemployment, and sustainable development must be addressed. Nevertheless, these challenges fuel my government's commitment to refining and strengthening the developmental framework to ensure robust and balanced, inclusive, and equitable growth for all. My government will persist in implementing various reforms to enhance the fiscal standing of Jammu and Kashmir," he remarked.

"My government's interventions will prioritize youth, women, and farmers, aspiring to make Jammu and Kashmir a progressive and inclusive economy. With unity and a shared commitment, we aim to enhance the welfare of every segment of society, particularly the poor and marginalized. Infrastructure development continues to be a key driver of progress, with significant advancements in connectivity. The recent inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel (Z-Morh) by the Hon'ble Prime Minister, along with the completion of two segments of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (Banihal Bypass and Ramban Bypass), has greatly reduced travel times. My government is dedicated to fast-tracking major connectivity projects by streamlining land acquisition, securing forest clearances, and addressing encroachment issues. Ongoing projects, including the Expressway, National Highways, and Ring Roads for Jammu and Srinagar, will be expedited to ensure their timely completion," stated the L-G.

While pledging to bolster connectivity in remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir, he mentioned that eligible rural habitations are being connected under the ambitious Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). This initiative aims to bridge the rural-urban divide by providing all-weather road access, improving access to healthcare, education, and markets. Significant progress has been made in enhancing road networks across hilly and remote regions, improving the quality of life and fostering economic growth. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project has achieved a historic milestone with the completion of its final segment, poised to transform connectivity and development in Jammu and Kashmir, integrating the region more closely with the rest of the nation.

"Jammu and Kashmir is endowed with abundant water resources that remain largely untapped. My government is dedicated to fully harnessing this potential to enhance the economic benefits for the people and the financial standing of J&K. We will seek the support of the Government of India for significant advancements in our energy sector. The energy sector in Jammu and Kashmir is undergoing a transformative phase, with my government devoted to ensuring the early completion of key hydropower projects, including Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, and Ratle. These projects will together add 3,014 MW of capacity, significantly bolstering the region's energy security and benefiting the populace of Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, several other projects, such as Dulhasti-II and Kirthai-I, are in the pipeline, further establishing Jammu and Kashmir as a hub for renewable energy," he stated.

He also announced that the J&K government is committed to solarizing all government buildings in a phased manner, promoting sustainable energy adoption. Additionally, under the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, over 80,000 households in Jammu and Kashmir are being solarized, ensuring affordable and clean energy access for residents while advancing the region's renewable energy objectives. My government is dedicated to achieving 100 percent Smart Metering to reduce AT&C losses and enhance revenue generation.

The L-G highlighted that tourism, a cornerstone of Jammu and Kashmir's economy, has witnessed unprecedented growth, with a record number of tourist visits in 2024, underscoring the region's global allure. To further enhance visitor experiences, my government is implementing innovative projects to diversify tourism offerings and strengthen infrastructure. Concurrently, my government remains committed to promoting sustainable tourism by ensuring a balanced distribution of tourist traffic and preserving the ecological integrity of popular destinations, ensuring long-term growth benefiting both visitors and local communities.

“The annual Amarnath Ji Yatra holds immense spiritual significance, drawing lakhs of devotees from across the country and beyond. This sacred pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath cave shrine in the Himalayas is a symbol of unwavering faith and devotion, and its smooth conduct is a priority for my government. Building on last year's Yatra's success, my government is committed to strengthening future arrangements by ensuring seamless logistics, enhanced infrastructure, and eco-friendly initiatives. A balanced approach will be maintained to preserve the fragile Himalayan ecosystem while providing a safe and enriching spiritual experience for devotees. The Yatra is not merely a religious event but a testament to efficient governance, and we will continue to uphold its legacy with the highest standards of safety, convenience, and sustainability," he stated.

Jammu and Kashmir has seen significant strides in industrial development and investment, he remarked. The new Central Sector Scheme, with an outlay of Rs 28,400 crore, provides incentives such as Capital Investment and Interest Subvention, driving substantial industrial growth. Under this scheme, 971 units have already been registered, while 1,150 units are in the process of availing benefits. To further bolster the industrial sector, 889 units are currently under development, with 324 expected to commence production soon. To accelerate industrial expansion, my government is fast-tracking the provision of infrastructure in Industrial Estates, ensuring a conducive environment for business growth and economic progress.

The Handicraft sector remains a vital pillar of Jammu and Kashmir's economy, directly employing 4.22 lakh individuals. To promote 'Brand J&K', the Lt. Governor stated that the UT government is actively facilitating GI tagging for traditional products, ensuring greater recognition and market access. Under the Vishwakarma Scheme, 1.19 lakh artisans have received skill training, with J&K ranking 3rd nationwide in training performance. These initiatives are strengthening the region's position as a hub for industry, innovation, and cultural heritage, fostering economic growth while preserving its rich artisanal legacy," said the L-G.

“Jammu and Kashmir's rich artisanal heritage has received a significant boost with 10 traditional crafts having been granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags, while 19 more are on the way. This acknowledgment not only preserves and promotes indigenous craftsmanship but also enhances market value and global reach. The region has also seen a considerable increase in exports of handloom and handicraft products, bolstering the livelihoods of local artisans and positioning J&K as a key player in the global handicraft market. To further strengthen the handicraft and textile sector, my government is commissioning two Raw Material Banks for Pashmina and Wool. These facilities will ensure a steady supply of high-quality raw materials to artisans and manufacturers, enhancing production capacity, preserving traditional craftsmanship, and stimulating the local economy," he remarked.

The Lt. Governor asserted that the government is taking all necessary steps to revitalize the agriculture sector, a vital lifeline for Jammu and Kashmir, through transformative initiatives and various centrally sponsored schemes. My government is committed to enhancing healthcare infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring quality, accessible, and affordable medical services for all. Prestigious institutions such as AIIMS Jammu and AIIMS Kashmir, along with newly established pediatric and cancer hospitals, are transforming tertiary healthcare delivery in the region. Additionally, the expansion of critical care facilities, dialysis centers, and telemedicine services is significantly improving access to affordable and specialized medical care, ensuring that every citizen benefits from improved healthcare facilities.

"Under the Universal Health Coverage scheme Ayushman Bharat 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana' - SEHAT, 15.35 lakh free treatments have been provided, delivering critical medical support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative has resulted in savings of approximately Rs 2,765 crore in out-of-pocket expenses for patients, ensuring financial protection and improved access to quality healthcare for all," he stated.

While highlighting efforts in the education sector, the L-G stated that his government is transforming education through innovative interventions. My government is committed to strengthening the infrastructure of colleges and universities, ensuring adequate faculty and staff to enhance the quality of higher education. In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, special emphasis will be placed on advancing research facilities for both faculty and students. Additionally, innovation, incubation, and entrepreneurship will be actively encouraged to foster a start-up culture among students, equipping them with the skills and opportunities needed to drive economic growth and self-reliance.

“Under the government's initiative, 29,000 Lakhpati Didis have been empowered, creating sustainable livelihoods and fostering economic independence among rural women. This initiative has transformed women into successful entrepreneurs, promoting financial inclusion and rural prosperity. Building on this success, my government is actively creating more Potential Lakhpati Didis, further expanding opportunities for women and strengthening the rural economy. Under our government's commitment to social welfare, over 9 lakh citizens benefit from social safety nets, including pensions for the elderly, widows, and specially-abled individuals. These initiatives provide financial security and dignity to vulnerable sections of society. Additionally, our supplementary nutrition programs support the health and well-being of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children, ensuring better maternal and child nutrition for a healthier future," he stated.

The L-G noted that Jammu and Kashmir is entering a new era of progress, led by a leadership that comprehends and connects with the aspirations of its youth. "My government is committed to empowering young minds through education, skill development, innovation, and entrepreneurship, ensuring they possess the tools to shape a brighter future. With policies focused on youth engagement, employment opportunities, and digital transformation, we are building a dynamic ecosystem where the talent and energy of our young generation drive the progress of the region," he remarked.

He described this as a government that listens, responds, and collaborates with the youth to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a hub of opportunity, growth, and innovation. Through initiatives like Mission Youth, Mumkin, Tejaswini, and PARVAZ, thousands of young individuals are being equipped with the skills and financial support necessary to establish successful careers. The Self-Employment and Startup Support Programs have enabled thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into thriving businesses, fostering innovation and economic growth. Furthermore, sports infrastructure has been significantly enhanced, with modern stadiums and training centers encouraging young talent to excel at national and international levels.

He also emphasized the significance of press freedom and the role of a free press in a vibrant democracy like ours.