Shared Responsibility to Safeguard Youth Aspirations Against Divisive Influences: J&K L-G

Jammu, Jan 26 (NationPress) The Lt Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha, remarked on Sunday that Republic Day serves as a moment to honor the sacrifices of freedom fighters and martyrs who made this day a reality for us. He emphasized the collective responsibility to ensure that the aspirations of the youth are not obstructed by divisive forces.

The Lt Governor raised the national flag and inspected the impeccably dressed personnel from the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, J&K Police, Armed Police, IRP, fire and emergency services, NCC cadets, Bharat scouts, girl guides, forest protection force, and school children.

Pipe bands from various uniformed forces and educational institutions played nationalistic melodies during the parade.

These teams also marched past the podium where the Lt Governor accepted a salute as a helicopter showered flowers.

The L-G stated, “This occasion serves as a reminder of the enduring principles outlined in the Constitution of India. It is a day of pride, introspection, and reaffirmation of our commitment to democracy, justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Let us pay tribute to our freedom fighters and martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our homeland. I extend my heartfelt homage to the courageous soldiers of the Indian Army, Paramilitary Forces, and Jammu and Kashmir Police, whose unwavering commitment and sacrifices uphold the unity, integrity, and security of our nation. Beyond merely securing our borders, they serve as beacons of peace and stability for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Their remarkable valor and service motivate us to strive for a united, secure, and thriving India.”

“On this significant occasion, I wish to express my appreciation to every individual contributing to the advancement of our Union Territory, including farmers, artisans, teachers, healthcare workers, security forces, athletes, and government officials. Your commitment and effort are the foundation of our shared success. Jammu and Kashmir has consistently been a land of unity in diversity. We take great pride in our rich culture and age-old traditions of brotherhood. It is our collective duty to uphold peace and harmony, ensuring that the ambitions of our youth are not thwarted by divisive forces. Our path has been one of resilience and resolve, characterized by unmatched accomplishments in every domain,” L-G Sinha expressed.

“Jammu and Kashmir, with its abundant heritage, natural beauty, and lively culture, has always been an essential part of this journey. The successful execution of Assembly Elections highlights the positive transformation, which is attributed to all citizens who participated in this democratic process, displaying their faith in our democratic ideals and the future of Jammu and Kashmir. The populace now looks to the government with renewed hopes, desiring an atmosphere that fosters meaningful employment, sustainable development, social inclusivity, and solid economic growth, paving the way for an improved quality of life for all,” he mentioned.

“To further enhance and ensure greater public engagement, elections for Local Bodies will be conducted to establish a 3-Tier Governance framework. Good governance is essential for a flourishing and harmonious future and is crucial for promoting peace, development, and inclusivity in the region. By emphasizing transparency, accountability, and citizen-focused policies, the government has prioritized empowering local communities through participatory decision-making and fair resource distribution. Initiatives like digital governance, streamlining public services, and promoting socio-economic programs aim to bridge developmental disparities and build public trust,” the L-G noted.

He stated that J&K has taken the initiative to offer 1,166 online public services through the e-Unnat portal, and 501 e-services have been integrated with the Rapid Assessment System (RAS). 387 services fall under the Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA), and 104 government services have been linked with DigiLocker for improved document safety and accessibility.

J&K aims to achieve full compliance with reforms to facilitate business operations. Jammu and Kashmir has established the JK SAMADHAN platform for online resolution of public grievances, processing around 300 grievances each day. Another initiative, 'Raabta', is a pioneering program designed to strengthen connections between the government and the populace, he added.

Jammu and Kashmir's economy has experienced a growth rate of 9.5 percent, driven by sustained governmental initiatives and strategic policy actions. He also noted, “The tourism sector possesses the ability to revolutionize our entire economy, playing a critical role in generating employment and uplifting local enterprises. This year, J&K has recorded an unprecedented 2.36 crore tourist visits by November 2024. The Gulmarg Gondola has accommodated 7.68 lakh tourists and generated Rs 103 crore in revenue during 2024,” he added.

To build on this progress and enrich the tourism experience, he mentioned that several major projects are currently in the works. “A cutting-edge water park is being developed at Dwara Village, near the Sidhra Golf Course, under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). Basohli is also being positioned as an adventure tourism destination. A vertical lift project is being implemented to link Peerkho to the Mubarak Mandi Complex, improving accessibility and facilitating tourist visits to this historic site,” he stated.

Cultural performances and physical activities by schoolchildren took place at the conclusion of the festivities at MAM stadium. The highlight was the thrilling displays by the motorcyclists of the J&K Police.