SRINAGAR: Asserting that Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a massive change after the abrogation of Article 370, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that the successful third tourism working group meeting of the G20 countries in Kashmir is a huge lesson for those who have frequently tried to foment trouble in the region.
Sinha said that the belief of the people in the administration has increased manifold in the recent times, even as the places once known for terrorism now witness massive participation of youth in Tiranga yatra.
“The tourism meeting of the G20 countries concluded on May 25. The successful G20 meeting in J-K is not only a matter of happiness for the country, but a huge lesson for those who have frequently tried to create trouble in J-K,” Sinha said, addressing a function at SKICC here.
The LG said such a large number of people could only participate because of the dawn of change ushered under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership since 2019, the year the Centre abrogated Article 370.
“I do not want to go into the details, but the achievements made in various sectors in Jammu and Kashmir, have increased the belief of the people in the administration and the current PM,” Sinha said.
Jammu and Kashmir has come a long way, and places like Shopian or Pulwama districts in south Kashmir, which the country knew for other reasons, saw the participation of more than 10,000 youths in the Tiranga yatra, the LG said.
“These youths chanted ‘Bharat mata ki ai’ carrying Tiranga in their hands. This is the change Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed in the last three years. We resolve to work towards the target set by the PM for J-K. Undoubtedly, not only will J-K integrate with India, but it will also have an important contribution towards developed India,” Sinha said.
Later in the day, Sinha interacted with senior officials of Police and Civil Administration of Kashmir Division and commended their efforts in the successful conduct of G20 meeting in Srinagar.
“Credit of successful conduct of G20 meeting must go to the team of officials, which worked hard on the ground. The entire Civil and Police administration had shown excellent coordination. The transformative work done by officials shows that J&K UT is now fully prepared to host international-level events,” said the Lt Governor.
“The G20 meeting has become a historic event for J&K and set a benchmark for us for smooth conduct of upcoming events like Shri Amarnathji Yatra. We must prepare a plan at district level to ensure the smooth conduct of all such events,” the Lt Governor asked the officers.
The Lt Governor further directed the DCs to take stock of achievements, analyze the execution of projects, saturation of welfare schemes, progress under KCC, etc to have a complete overview of the benefits of development at grassroot level. He said Animal Husbandry, agriculture sector and saturation of schemes for farmers should be priority areas.
“It is essential to conduct in-depth analysis of the progress achieved on both law & order and development fronts. DCs and SSPs can also play an important role in identifying industries best suitable in their respective districts, and what more can be done in other sectors like self-employment, agriculture, horticulture and allied sectors,” the Lt Governor said.
“G20 meeting and enthusiasm of all sections of society reflects aspirations of the people. Collective effort is required to make J&K strong and prosperous. All officers, Civil and Police Department, must focus on fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of people,” the Lt Governor observed.
The Lt Governor also outlined the vision for the future. “We must ensure exemplary punishment to those indulging in corruption and also wage a war against the menace of drug abuse. We should remain unwavering and determined on the path of peace, progress and prosperity for all,” observed the Lt Governor.
Earlier in the day, Sinha participated in the World Milk Day Celebration and summer meet for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Sector here.
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala, who presided over the event, extended his greetings to the farmers and all the stakeholders on the World Milk day.
“Enthusiastic participation of Dairy and Sheep farmers in this historic event reflects affection and trust of people of Jammu Kashmir in the policies and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi,” he added.
The Union Minister highlighted the initiatives like vaccination services; Mobile Veterinary Units, and other endeavours of the Government and the role of cooperatives in the growth of the dairy sector. He also lauded the Lt Governor led UT Administration for achieving unprecedented growth in Dairy, Agriculture and allied sector.
In his address, Sinha said the celebration of World Milk Day here is an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of dairy farmers.
“Dairy makes an important contribution to the prosperity of the society and to the well-being and economic activity of the farming families. The UT government attaches the highest importance to sustained increase in productivity and growth of the dairy sector,” he said.
The Lt Governor highlighted the contribution of the dairy sector in giving impetus to the rural economy and providing livelihood to a large population associated with the sector.
Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir administration is strengthening its ties with other states and even countries to transform the livestock and dairy sector and to improve farmers’ income.
The government has its focus on fodder production, improving wool quality, and addressing issues like inbreeding, he said, adding, the Union Territory will soon become self-sufficient in fodder production with 80 per cent fodder being grown locally.
The LG also spoke on the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and gave suggestions to the farming community on how to get easy credit access, stressing on them to become a part of the banking system.
He also said the people of Jammu and Kashmir must identify 25 potential projects in agriculture and allied sectors and rope in reputed universities to work out strategies to see them through, he said.
The Lt Governor also urged the Centre to consider Jammu and Kashmir for international funding like other Himalayan states.
