Lt Governor of Jammu and Kashmir in his Independence Day speech enlisted his government’s achievements but at the same time, he didn’t leave any opportunity to criticize and condemn political leaders of Jammu and Kashmir. However, a major focus of his speech was on the development of power.
“The historical agony cannot be erased, but our efforts can definitely soothe the agitating nerves. Despite having the capacity to generate 20,000 MW hydropower only 3500 MW of electricity was harnessed after Independence. Under the directions of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hydro projects worth 3400 MW have been approved in just two years. We will generate the same amount of electricity in the next four to five years that was generated in the last seven decades,” he added.
He described the previous governments and their rule as jungle raj and also gave a new definition to Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s ideas and related them to good governance and development.
“Our great freedom fighters fiercely fought against all odds to ensure that our present generation can live in an independent and democratic nation. Today, we also salute those great souls of Jammu and Kashmir, whose sacrifices have protected and nurtured Jammu and Kashmir,” Sinha said in his August 15 speech.
He said on March 12, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while inaugurating the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav said, “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” means the elixir of new ideas. “The celebration of Independence Day 2021, is special for Jammu and Kashmir and the entire country, because the celebration, resolve, energy and enthusiasm of today’s new generation will shape the formidable base for the centenary celebration of Independence in 2047.”
“In our ancient tradition, the 75th year is considered to be the time of trendsetter. It is the day of new determination. We must ponder what we have achieved in the past and what zenith we have to take Jammu and Kashmir to in the coming 25 years. 75 years ago our great freedom fighters had set some ideals, some goals for the people. Last year, on this pious occasion, I had shared with you the ideals of revered Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji – Insaniyat, Jamhooriyat and Kashmiriyat. By following the path shown by him, we are trying to implement comprehensive and constructive programmes for social equality in Jammu and Kashmir.”
“The grass-root democracy has been strengthened, fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the common citizens. With the spirit of Kashmiriyat i.e. taking along all religions and creeds on development odyssey, we are achieving new milestones.”
“Jammu and Kashmir is bestowed with nature’s valuable gifts. But it is not just geographical beauty. It also has the energy of meditation of Sufi saints, sages, rishis and munis, who have awakened the humanity. The words of Nund Rishi descend from majestic Chinars and Deodars, while the voices of Habba Khatoon and Lalleshwari are heard from the high snow-capped peaks,” he said.
“Jammu and Kashmir Police has received 257 gallantry awards including Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra on the eve of Independence Day. I salute all the gallant heroes of Jammu & Kashmir Police. I also salute the family members of the Braveheart’s who sacrificed their lives while defending the sovereignty and integrity of the country.”
“We have decided that various places and institutions will be christened in the memory of freedom fighters, brave soldiers and personalities from different fields who have made invaluable contribution in the progress of Jammu and Kashmir. This will inspire the coming generations to become their worthy successors. I am sure that the stories of those who have made sacrifices for this elixir of freedom will awaken a new and re-energized Jammu and Kashmir. The memories of Maqbool Sherwani, Brigadier Rajendra Singh, Deputy SP Ayub Pandit, Mali Begum, Inspector Arshad Khan, Sub Inspector Altaf Ahmed, Ghulam Mohammad Sadiq, Lasa Kaul, Kanta Wazir and that of Sarvanand Kaul Premi, Dinanath Adim, Constable Yasin Tali, Lt. Umar Fayaz, Mohammad Deen Jagir, Mr. Punjab Singh, Mrs. Padma Sachdev, Mahmuda Shah, Deputy SP Aman Thakur, Deputy SP Manjit Singh and all such people will be revived in the coming days.”
“While laying the foundation for a bright future, this is also the time to heal the old wounds. The administration has decided to constitute a mechanism to provide justice to those families, whose properties have been illegally bought under pressure or encroached upon by certain elements. I request all citizens to support the administration in this effort and set a new example of brotherhood for this universe.”
“We want to assure all citizens that whoever is trying to mislead the young people through proxy war, shall be given a befitting reply. The neighboring country, which does not care for its own people, has been making a malicious attempt to instigate some of our youth. I call upon such misguided youngsters, that terrorism is a curse for peace and development. By misguiding you from the path of peace and progress, inimical forces are denying you the life of peace and dignity on this pious soil. In 2019, the Hon’ble Prime Minister had marked the beginning of a new era for Jammu and Kashmir. With your ability, energy and unparalleled patience, Jammu and Kashmir shall have a prosperous future. Carrying forward the four resolutions of the 75th year of independence viz; the power of public participation, the resolve of establishing a new Jammu and Kashmir, providing equal opportunities to all and technological development – we along-with youth of the Union territory can transform the entire Jammu and Kashmir into Shalamar garden once again.”
“The historical agony cannot be erased, but our efforts can definitely soothe the agitating nerves. Despite having the capacity to generate 20,000 MW hydropower only 3500 MW of electricity was harnessed after Independence. Under the directions of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hydro projects worth 3400 MW have been approved in just two years. We will generate the same amount of electricity in the next four to five years that was generated in the last seven decades.
“The dilapidated electricity infrastructure is being improved with the help of Prime Minister’s Developmental Package. If the people in Kashmir Valley were able to witness snowfall and electricity together, the credit goes to the collective efforts made in the last one year. There are other glaring examples of delays. The Sawalakot Power Project was to be commissioned in 1984, but it was delayed and we are completing it now. Similarly, we are completing the Uri-II and Dulhasti-II power projects which were supposed to start way back in 1985 and 1989 respectively. Many transmission projects like Hiranagar-Manwal, Delina which should have been completed a decade back have been completed now. We are buying electricity worth more than Rs 6,200 crore every year, but able to earn only Rs 2,600 crore as revenue. Therefore, I would also request all the citizens that along with the rights, we have to be mindful of our duties for strengthening the governance.”
He said, in 2020, while ushering in major changes in the health care facilities in Jammu and Kashmir, the Hon’ble Prime Minister earmarked Rs. 1268 crore for health sector of Jammu and Kashmir, which was Rs 500 crore more than the previous year. “This year, the allocation has been enhanced to Rs 1456 crore. The speed and scale at which we have worked in this sector is now visible in terms of achievements. According to the National Family Health Survey, the Neonatal Mortality Rate in 2015-16 was 23.1, in 2019-20, it came down to single digit, 9.8. Infant Mortality Rate was 32.4 in 2015-16 survey, today it has come down to half i.e. 16.3. The under-5 mortality rate was 37.6 in 2015-16, which has come down by half to 18.5 today.”
“Even after 67 years of Independence, there were only three medical colleges in Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister approved Medical Colleges for Anantnag, Baramulla and Rajouri in March 2016, Kathua and Doda in June 2017, Udhampur in October 2019 and Handwara in November 2019. Overall, the Hon’ble Prime Minister sanctioned 7 new Medical Colleges for Jammu and Kashmir between 2016 and 2019, out of which 5 have become functional. We are in the process of establishing Udhampur and Handwara Medical Colleges. For the first time in 2016-17, Jammu and Kashmir, got two new AIIMS. The first batch of AIIMS Jammu has already started, and the construction of AIIMS Srinagar shall commence soon. Between 2015 and 2019, two State Cancer Institute’s were sanctioned for Jammu and Kashmir. Before 2019, there were only 129 health and wellness centers. In the last two years, 1275 new health and wellness centers have been established.”
“Before 2019, there was no health insurance scheme in Jammu and Kashmir, the Hon’ble Prime Minister launched a scheme, namely Ayushman Bharat Sehat for the Union territory in December 2020, in which health insurance of 5 lakh per family is being provided to all citizens without any discrimination. 49 lakh beneficiaries have been registered and 45.48 lakh golden cards have been issued under the said scheme. Five New Nursing Colleges have been sanctioned for Jammu and Kashmir in the year 2016-17 along-with Rs 881 crore for completing 140 new and old health infrastructure projects. Dialysis centres have been made functional in all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier there were only 9 such centres.”
“Like COVID-19 Management, Jammu and Kashmir is leading the country in terms of vaccinating its citizens. The Union territory has accomplished 100% vaccination for the age group of 45 years, 37% for the age group of 18 to 44 years which is much higher than the national average. The way our women health care workers have vaccinated people in difficult and snow bound areas by walking 18-20 kms, has set a new benchmark for the entire country. A total of 83 decisions have been taken to deal with the challenges arising out of the pandemic, such as subsidy to various classes of businessmen, financial assistance to daily wage earners and waiver of arrears, which has benefited 40 lakh people. Parents who have unfortunately and untimely lost their only earning member(s) to the COVID-19 are being provided lifelong pension under the Saksham scheme. Special scholarships are being given to such children whose parents were snatched away by the Pandemic. Besides, a special cell of the Social Welfare Department shall ensure that the benefit of all public welfare schemes reaches these families throughout their life.”
“Vajpayee ji’s principle of Jamhooriyat was not allowed to flourish on the ground for decades. There was a famous collectorate tradition of democracy. And, the nominations of MLAs of four or five regions were held at his house. So, on one hand, there were elected representatives of the people and on the other, the representatives of Collector Sahib. But, the eve of 2020 ended this ‘Jungle Raj’ and the entire Jammu and Kashmir participated in the fair, transparent and violence-free elections of DDC. The people who have been elected are the actual representatives of people and not of Collector Sahib. This year Rs. 1271 crore have been sanctioned to DDCs, BDCs and Panchayats for public oriented works in their respective areas. By earmarking a district Capex budget of Rs. 12,600 crore through the spirit of Jan-Bhageedari, the three-tier Panchayati Raj system, has presented a new example of grass root democracy, strength and self-reliance to the whole world. By devolving funds, functions and functionaries to the Panchayati Raj Institutions, the administration has enriched and strengthened the most important element of democracy. Since this is a new system, it will definitely take some time to stabilize.”
“To empower the tribal community, The Forest Rights Act is being implemented for the first time in Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Rs. 30 crores’s scholarships for the children belonging to the tribal community, 1521 Seasonal Schools for migratory children along-with two residential Schools on the migratory routes and 8000 tablets for children of class 7th and 8th have been provided. The salary of teachers of the seasonal schools has been increased from Rs.4,000 to Rs.10,000. It is a matter of pride that Jammu and Kashmir has secured first position in the teachers training program, NISHTHA, of the Central Government.”
“An agreement has been reached between the Higher Education Department and Tata Technology for setting up 14 Centers for Invention, Innovation, Incubation and Training. Two CIIITs have started functioning at Jammu and Baramulla. Rs 200 crores will be spent on skill development in colleges this year. Inclusion of subjects like Artificial Intelligence, 3D Machines, Data Analysis, Biotechnology etc. will create skilled professionals in Jammu and Kashmir. To promote research in higher education, 19 Research Centers and 13 Innovation Centers have been set up in 13 colleges.”
“The pandemic had struck tourism industry severely. We have executed resilience-based policies for the tourism sector. I am proud to say that sustained government intervention has helped in resetting this sector, which is showing the sign of growth. Ten lakh fifty thousand tourists while following strict COVID protocol visited Jammu and Kashmir in the month of July. Efforts are being made on the ground to preserve and promote all the unexplored locations of the UT and its cultural heritage.”
“The Film Policy of Jammu and Kashmir has been launched on 5th of this month. The past identity and glory of Jammu and Kashmir in the cinema will be restored. One Nation, One Ration Card scheme was launched in all the districts of Jammu and Kashmir from July 2020. During the second wave of COVID, about 2 lakh metric tonnes of food grains were distributed to poor families in May and June.”
“The two major stadiums of Srinagar and Jammu will be able to host international matches this year. Indoor sports complexes are being set up for the development of all sports under PMDP and other schemes. Arrangement of playfield is being ensured in all panchayats. A target has been set to organize 17 national level competitions this year with the resolve of a game every day and sports for all. This year more than 17 lakh young boys and girls will be provided opportunities to showcase their talents in different streams of sports.
“Government is committed to ensure dignified return of Kashmiri Pandit brothers. We have made considerable progress in fulfilling the promise of providing 6000 transit accommodation and providing 6000 jobs to the Kashmiri migrant community under the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Development Package. The construction of 849 transit accommodation has been completed and the work on 1376 is under way. Transfer of 278 kanals of land has been approved for 2744 additional flats last month only. Out of the second installment of 3000 posts, 841 posts have already been filled. On the eve of Independence Day, we have declared the result of 997 posts. I congratulate all the successful candidates. The result for additional 1000 posts will be notified within a month following the verification process.”
“As a major administrative reform, the government has resolved the seniority dispute of JKAS officers pending for a decade. For decades JKAS and JKPS cadre officers were waiting for induction into IAS and IPS, that wait is over now. For the first time in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, recruitments in government jobs are being made in a transparent and fair manner. Exams were conducted to fill 12,000 vacant posts of Panchayat Account Assistants and Class 4th within just 6 months, which is a record in the history of Jammu and Kashmir.”
“The inherent competence of the administration is the foundation of good governance. We have ensured the rules of accountability and transparency. We have established officers connect with the public through ‘Block Diwas’. “”
“It is our goal to make Jammu and Kashmir synonymous with success. The next 25 years of Jammu and Kashmir awaiting us with a new ray of hope and a fresh resolution for a new future. “Let us move forward to this bright future of Jammu and Kashmir with the lines of revered Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji.”
Highlights:
“Vajpayee ji’s principle of Jamhooriyat was not allowed to flourish on the ground for decades. There was a famous collectorate tradition of democracy. And, the nominations of MLAs of four or five regions were held at his house. So, on one hand, there were elected representatives of the people and on the other, the representatives of Collector Sahib. But, the eve of 2020 ended this ‘Jungle Raj’ and the entire Jammu and Kashmir participated in the fair, transparent and violence-free elections of DDC. The people who have been elected are the actual representatives of people and not of Collector Sahib. This year Rs. 1271 crore have been sanctioned to DDCs, BDCs and Panchayats for public oriented works in their respective areas. By earmarking a district Capex budget of Rs. 12,600 crore through the spirit of Jan-Bhageedari, the three-tier Panchayati Raj system, has presented a new example of grass root democracy, strength and self-reliance to the whole world. By devolving funds, functions and functionaries to the Panchayati Raj Institutions, the administration has enriched and strengthened the most important element of democracy. Since this is a new system, it will definitely take some time to stabilize.”
“While laying the foundation for a bright future, this is also the time to heal the old wounds. The administration has decided to constitute a mechanism to provide justice to those families, whose properties have been illegally bought under pressure or encroached upon by certain elements. I request all citizens to support the administration in this effort and set a new example of brotherhood for this universe.”
