{"id":11178,"date":"2026-02-02T21:36:18","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T21:36:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kashmirthunder.in\/?p=11178"},"modified":"2026-02-02T21:36:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T21:36:18","slug":"govt-committed-to-addressing-unemployment-infrastructure-gaps-social-welfare-lg-sinha-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kashmirthunder.in\/index.php\/2026\/02\/02\/govt-committed-to-addressing-unemployment-infrastructure-gaps-social-welfare-lg-sinha-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Govt committed to addressing unemployment, infrastructure gaps, social welfare: LG Sinha"},"content":{"rendered":"

Transition to popular governance strengthened public faith in democratic institutions<\/strong><\/p>\n

Good governance cornerstone of development strategy<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jammu, Feb 02: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said his government remains committed to addressing the challenges of unemployment, infrastructure gaps, and social welfare in Jammu & Kashmir.<\/p>\n

In his address to Members of the Legislative Assembly in the central hall of Assembly complex here, the LG, as per news agency\u2014Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that the Government during its first year in office has sought to combine development with dignity, growth with social justice, and progress with peace.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Government during its first year in office has sought to combine development with dignity, growth with social justice, and progress with peace. Guided by the vision of inclusive governance, it remains committed to addressing the challenges of unemployment, infrastructure gaps, and social welfare with renewed energy and determination,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

In his third address to the House since the formation of the elected government in Jammu & Kashmir in 2024 , the LG today said the Government has adopted a humane and compassionate approach in dealing with issues affecting common citizens.<\/p>\n

\u201cEmphasis has been placed on fair treatment, dignity, and sensitivity in administration. Decisions affecting employees, daily wagers, contractual workers, and marginalized groups have been examined with empathy, and corrective steps initiated wherever required,\u201d the LG said.<\/p>\n

He said the development trajectory of Jammu and Kashmir continues to be guided by the foundational principles of Economy, Ecology, and Equity.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese principles are not merely aspirational but serve as the guiding framework for policy formulation and implementation. While notable progress has been achieved across sectors, the Government remains conscious of the need for sustained and focused efforts to ensure balanced, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable development,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The LG said good governance continues to be the cornerstone of the Government\u2019s development strategy in Jammu and Kashmir.<\/p>\n

\u201cSustained transparency, reforms, accountability in digital governance, and citizen-centric service delivery have significantly strengthened public trust and institutional efficiency,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The LG said the past year marks a significant milestone in the democratic journey of Jammu and Kashmir with the formation of an elected Government after a gap of several years.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis transition to popular governance has strengthened public faith in democratic institutions. My Government has focused on restoring participatory governance, rebuilding public confidence, and ensuring that the voice of every region and community finds expression in policymaking,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He said his Government remains firmly committed to further strengthening democratic institutions.<\/p>\n

\u201cTimely conduct of elections to local bodies, continued enhancement of grievance redressal mechanisms, and deeper integration of digital governance will reinforce transparency, accountability, and governance,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The LG said the Government has ensured livelihoods for families impacted by tragedy and violence.<\/p>\n

\u201cDuring the year, 910 compassionate appointments were made, including 464 appointments to the Next of Kin of terror-affected families, thereby ensuring dignified livelihoods for families impacted by tragedy and violence,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Talking about the economic growth of the Union Territory, the LG said, \u201cJammu & Kashmir is one of the fastest-growing States\/UTs in the country. GST revenue collection has shown steady growth from Rs 8064 crore in 2023\u201324 to Rs 8586 crore in 2024-25. The tariff from electric power has witnessed a substantial increase of 16 per cent in 2024-25.\u201d<\/p>\n

He said the economy of Jammu and Kashmir has demonstrated encouraging momentum in recent years.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Union Territory is presently recording an annual nominal growth rate of around 11 per cent (2024-25), reflecting the positive outcomes of sustained policy reforms, enhanced infrastructure development, and proactive investment facilitation. The Government remains committed to consolidating this growth trajectory through strengthened fiscal discipline and by creating diversified and sustainable employment opportunities, with particular emphasis on youth and women,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He said the Special Assistance to States for Capital Infusion (SASCI) for interest-free loans for capital investments has been extended to J&K from the current financial year.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnder SASCI, Rs 1431 crore has been sanctioned for 222 projects and Rs 210 crore as matching share for 12 centrally sponsored schemes. The first instalment of Rs 1083 crore (66% of the sanctioned amount) has been received,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The LG also spoke in detail about infrastructure development in the UT, saying it remains a critical driver of economic transformation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe road sector in the Union Territory has witnessed unprecedented investment amounting to Rs 61528 crore, encompassing expressways, National Highways, ring roads, and tunnels, significantly enhancing regional and inter-regional connectivity. Three major tunnels, including the Sonamarg Tunnel, have been completed, while eight others, including the strategic Zojila Tunnel, are at advanced stages of completion. The Narbal-Shopian-Surankote road has been declared a National Highway, further strengthening all-weather connectivity across the Pir Panjal region,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He said 19 new National Highway projects with an estimated cost of Rs 10637 crore have been sanctioned for 2025-26, which include key infrastructure works such as the Pir Ki Gali Tunnel and the Sadhna Tunnel.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy Government places on record its deep appreciation to the Government of India for the launch of PMGSY-IV, which will ensure road connectivity to 2400 unconnected habitations. Under Phase-I of this programme, 316 projects involving an investment of Rs 4224 crore have already been sanctioned, covering a total road length of 1,781 kilometres, \u201che said.<\/p>\n

He said the Kashmir Valley has been connected with the rest of the country through the railway network, opening new avenues for trade, tourism, and economic progress.<\/p>\n

\u201cA full-fledged Railway Division has also been sanctioned for Jammu & Kashmir, and expansion and modernization of Jammu Tawi Railway Station is under progress,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He said the power sector has been one of the priority sectors of his Government, which is witnessing structural transformation.<\/p>\n

\u201cMajor Hydropower Projects-Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, and Ratle-with a combined capacity of 3014 MW are under active execution. Over the past five years, a record 5,708 MVA has been added to the distribution sector and 4239 MVA to the transmission sector. Installation of smart prepaid meters is underway in mission mode, with 10.44 lakh smart meters already installed, and 100% coverage targeted by 2026-27. As a result, losses have been reduced by 9%, while revenue realization has increased by 16%,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He said the Government of India has accorded approval to a project for providing 200 free units of electricity to 2.23 lakh AAY families of Jammu and Kashmir under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna\u2014Utility Led Aggregation (ULA) model.<\/p>\n

He added that implementation of the project is going to start soon.<\/p>\n

The LG said tourism continues to be a vital pillar of the economy of Jammu and Kashmir.<\/p>\n

\u201cDespite challenges arising from security-related incidents and natural calamities, the Union Territory recorded 1.78 crore tourist visits in 2025,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The LG said tourism has been accorded industry status to attract investment and generate employment.<\/p>\n

\u201cRecognizing tourism as a lifeline of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, the Government undertook confidence-building measures, facilitation, and improved coordination with stakeholders. Special efforts were made to revive pilgrim tourism in Jammu, adventure tourism in Kashmir, and eco-tourism in tribal and border areas, ensuring equitable regional growth,\u201d he said. (KNO)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Transition to popular governance strengthened public faith in democratic institutions Good governance cornerstone of development strategy Jammu, Feb 02: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said his government remains committed to addressing the challenges of unemployment, infrastructure gaps, and social welfare in Jammu & Kashmir. In his address to Members of the Legislative Assembly in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":11176,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"jnews_override_counter":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11178","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-kt-front"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kashmirthunder.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11178","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kashmirthunder.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kashmirthunder.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kashmirthunder.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kashmirthunder.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11178"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kashmirthunder.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11178\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11179,"href":"https:\/\/kashmirthunder.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11178\/revisions\/11179"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kashmirthunder.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11176"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kashmirthunder.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11178"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kashmirthunder.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11178"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kashmirthunder.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11178"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}