Kashmir Magazine By : Kashmir Magazine | Srinagar, Publication Date: Friday, September 10, 2021 7:46:17 PM | Updated Date : Friday, September 10, 2021 7:50:28 PM
The government of Jammu and Kashmir led by Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha in the last couple of months has launched several welfare and development schemes to usher in a new era of development in Jammu and Kashmir.
To keep the region on the path of new development, Manoj Sinha led administration inaugurated and launched several government schemes like J&K Tourist village under Mission Youth with and aim to boost tourism activity in the region and create job opportunities for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
Several other schemes like SAATH to empower rural women of J&K, empowering panchayat raj institutions, and developmental initiatives like Panun Dal campaign for cleaner Dal Lake, Polythene-free Srinagar and welfare measures like Migrant portal for registration of complaints by migrant pandits.
J&K Tourist Village Network Initiative
On September 03, Manoj Sinha launched the J&K Tourist Village Network initiative, which aims at rejuvenating and transforming more than 75 villages in the Union Territory and promoting tourism and sustainable employment for the youth.
The initiative launched under the Mission Youth will work towards giving a facelift to the 75 villages in the UT that are already famous for their historical, picturesque beauty and cultural importance.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative, Sinha said that the initiative will strengthen the rural economy in the region, turn youth into entrepreneurs and empower women by offering numerous opportunities for direct as well as indirect employment.
Emphasising on the aim of the initiative, the LG said that the administration will recognise the uniqueness of each village and showcase the landscape, foster the indigenous knowledge systems and promote cultural diversity and heritage of the village.
The LG promised that the move will also aim at promoting shooting of films and offering financial aid to the villages for their sustainable development. Sinha also said that all villages which are part of the initiative will also be provided a digital footprint.
He further assured that the government was committed to providing maximum job opportunities to the youth from different backgrounds and ensuring their participation in the policies that have an impact on their lives.
Since the major constitutional overhaul by the central government in the erstwhile state in 2019 and consequently the Covid-19 pandemic, the tourism-based economy of the UT has been battered substantially. With the cases of Coronavirus coming down and allied government policies, the UT administration is aiming at rejuvenating the tourism economy of the UT.
Launch of Online Portal for Kashmiri Migrants
On September 07, LG launched an online portal for time-bound redressal of grievances related to Kashmir Migrants’ immovable properties. Migrants whose Properties were encroached or were forced for distress sale in the 1990s can file complaints.
He said that this initiative will put an end to the plight of the migrants including Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims, who have been suffering since the 1990s.
“I met numerous delegations from across the religion in the last 13 months and they unequivocally supported the return of migrants. It is the responsibility of the present to rectify the mistakes of the past. While laying the foundation for a bright future, this is also the time to heal the old wounds. I request all citizens to support the administration in this effort and set the new example of brotherhood.”
He said that during the trial run period of the portal, we have received 854 grievances. “It clearly shows a large number of migrant families were awaiting justice. Now, the time-bound action on complaints will not only restore the faith of people in the system but I believe thousands of families achieve closure, justice, and regain their dignity.”
“Following the ideals of Hon'ble former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji & Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, we are trying to implement comprehensive and constructive programmes for social equality & harmony in Jammu Kashmir,” he said.
Workshop on New Education Policy on Teachers Day
On September 05, LG inaugurated two-day Workshop on New Education Policy and launched multiple key initiatives for school education to mark the auspicious occasion of Teachers' Day.
He also held interactions with Education Reform committees constituted at UT, Divisional & District levels.
“The present reform process strikes a beautiful balance between Science and Sanskar. The policy addresses the existing gaps, disparities and clearly defines the role of teachers for technological advancement to create future minds,” he said.
He said that the country has witnessed unprecedented changes in industry, economic, and agriculture sectors in the past but for the first time under the guidance of Prime Minister “we are seeing a revolution in education sector and it will pave the way for Atma Nirbhar Jammu Kashmir.”
He also said that teachers are the most important members of our developmental journey. “They are shaping young mind &inspiring them to be leaders of tomorrow. The reforms that we have initiated through NEP-2020 will ensure that our teachers play a major role in economic development of Jammu Kashmir.”
On the same day, LG handed over sanction letters for 100 tractors to the farmers and 1035 threshers for Panchayats at Agricultural Complex, Lal Mandi.
He said that J&K’s agriculture and horticulture sectors are key drivers of economic growth. “Mechanization of farming will further lead to sweeping changes & help farmers produce more. We have ensured efficient use of seed technologies, high-density plantation, nutrient management & widespread adoption of integrated dairy farming scheme to make J&K agricultural powerhouse.”
He said that J&K has started online organic certification to facilitate registration and ensure growth in organic farming. “The farmers adapting cash crops have witnessed steady increase in farm income. The government is committed to provide facilities like cold storage, market linkages, and food processing units to transform the agriculture sector.”
SAATH Initiative
On September 01, LG launched ‘SAATH’ an enterprise acceleration programme for rural women entrepreneurs in J&K. “Apart from making business ecologies thrive in rural areas, SAATH under Jammu and Kashmir State Rural Livelihoods Mission will nurture existing enterprises through skilling, mentoring and market linkages.”
He said that the government is committed to provide access to capital, quality mentorship for re-skilling, new-skilling and help women entrepreneurs from SHG's reach new markets.
“We have adopted a holistic approach to develop women entrepreneurs ecosystem to connect, collaborate, invent for scaling up business and building a strong women work force.”
Sinha said that the government is strengthening bottom-up structures for women & youth to create empowered individuals. “Their aspirations are more integrated with national aspirations than ever before. They now have resources to create smarter enterprises & shape community around them in extraordinary ways.”
“We are witnessing steady rise of women entrepreneurs in J&K. Similarly, youth entrepreneurs are transforming the society in many ways. They are our role models and not the ones who are shedding innocent’s blood and indulging in senseless violence.”
He also appealed to the women entrepreneurs to show such misguided people the right and virtuous path.
Empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions in J&K
On August 31, Sinha addressed the outreach programme for Empowerment of Panchayati Raj institutions of J&K UT, which was inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The unique initiative was intended to strengthen Institutions of Governance & Planning at the grassroots level.
He said that efficient and effective PRIs are driving force of a developed, prosperous &self-reliant nation. “In J&K, Funds, functions &functionaries have been made available to PRIs. First time in J&K's history district capex budget of Rs 12,600 Cr was conceived after consultation with 3-tiers of PRIs.”
“We should strive to make villages as independent Economic Units. Their self-reliance & economic independence can effectively bridge the rural-urban divide. In last 2 years, sustained efforts have been made in the UT to empower villages through participatory developmental process.”
He said: “I urge all elected representatives to establish PRIs as an effective service provider facilitating access to government welfare schemes in a transparent& accountable manner. Government is committed to PRI member’s security & will extend every possible capability in exercising their duty.”
Web Portal Launched
On 31 August, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a Web Portal for registrations of units under the 'New Central Sector Scheme 2021' for Jammu & Kashmir via video conferencing.
Polythene-Free Srinagar Campaign
On August 28, Sinha launched Polythene-Free Srinagar campaign wherein he urged everyone to strongly support this unique movement and say 'No to Polythene'.
“J&K has demonstrated an impressive capacity to maintain and increase forest cover. We have to exploit every possible tool available to ensure our cities complement this effort by saying no to polythene and strengthening our natural ecosystem. Our small steps can prevent irreversible damage from climate change.”
He said that it is our collective responsibility to include rivers, forests, grasslands, wetlands, and all other living species in our future development plans because they are integral part of our existence. “It is our greatest duty to maintain delicate balance of environment.”
Panun Dal Campaign
On September 06, SMC organized an awareness program regarding cleaning of Dal Lake that shall be organized in collaboration with LAWDA, Srinagar Smart City Limited, J&K Forest Department, SDRF and Youth Service and Sports Department.
Chief Secretary, Arun Kumar Mehta was the chief guest on the occasion. He said Dal is a lifeline and they will clean it. "It is a mission, and we will set a deadline to complete this mission till it will be in its pristine glory."
He complimented for having installed 24 machines in the Dal for its cleaning and said that by May-June next year the Mission Dal would be completed.
Besides, Mehta said that people's and community participation is imperative in conserving and cleaning the Lake.
He said that they should start a joint campaign under My Dal Clean Dal in which people living around Dal, Dal dwellers and the citizens of the city should jointly make efforts to launch various cleanliness drives for reviving of Dal and all other wetlands.
He further said besides Dal every initiative and possible measure would be soon taken to revive and conserve all other wetlands and lakes.
Principal Secretary to Housing and Urban Development Department, Deeraj Gupta who was the guest of the Honor on the occasion said it is encouraging that besides being taken various initiatives and projects for cleaning of Dal and other water bodies that if people voluntarily will spur into action for cleaning water bodies in their neighborhoods from Dal lake.
He further said locals' movement including participatory approach of one and all, people from schools, universities, Colleges, Government and Private institutions are always a great move and a welcoming step to revive these wetlands and water bodies.
Principal Chief Secretary Forest, Mohit Gera, VC LAWDA Bashir Ahmed Bhat, Director Youth Services and Sports Gazanfar Ali and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
The main Programs of Sanitation and Cleanliness drive in and around Dal Lake and Water Channels, Water sports in Dal, Painting Competition, Dal Lake ideation workshop for discussion and Idea Sharing were organized in Panun- Dal Fest.
Among speakers who spoke on Ideation on Conservation of Dal Lake were Professor Shakeel Ramshoo, Professor Dr Nazim Kashmir University, Dr Jahangir, Chairman NLCO Manzoor Ahmed Wangnoo, GR SIAH and Naushaad Gaurav.
A musical concert was also organized to raise awareness about cleanliness and conservation during the event. Chief Secretary at the conclusion of the event felicitated the winners of art competition.