LG of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha in an exclusive interview with Zee UP-Uttarakhand Editor Dileep Tiwari, spoke about a number of issues
Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, in an exclusive interview to Zee UP-Uttarakhand editor Dileep Tiwari, spoke about a number of issues in detail including the changes in the state after the abrogation of article 370.
When asked how it felt to see the world from the valley and to see Jammu and Kashmir for itself, Manoj Sinha said, “Jammu and Kashmir is not just naturally beautiful but the people here are also excellent. Talent is immense. There may be little confusion because the true picture does not reach the outside world. But those who are living here have also realized that now a new wind of change has started flowing here.”
Sinha feels the budget provided by the Central government to the Union Territory is doing a lot to fight the general perception that J&K is a disturbed state due to terrorism and corruption.
“However despite all the help provided, not much work happened due to whatsoever reasons. Now is the time to speed up things. Due to lack of industries, people here depend on government jobs for employment. Jammu and Kashmir could not be developed at the same pace as the rest of the country,” Sinha felt.
“In the recent times, COVID-19 has also had a major impact. But now development has gained momentum here. Our vision is clear about the policy of zero tolerance against corruption. There will be no discrimination against anyone. From the point of view of development, Jammu and Kashmir can stand at par or above other states,” J&K LG said.
“There should be maximum employment opportunities here. In this direction, we want to take Jammu and Kashmir forward. Peace, Prosperity and Development are the three mantras for Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
On the issue of terrorism and security concerns in the state, Sinha said, “As far as terrorism and security forces are concerned, terrorism has been controlled to a greater extent than before. Our security forces have been almost successful in stopping infiltration. The great celebrations of democracy has just concluded.”
The Farooq Abdullah-led Gupkar alliance has won big in the first local polls in Jammu and Kashmir since it lost special status last year and was turned into a Union Territory. In the first-ever polls to District Development Council (DDC) polls across 20 districts in J&K, the seven-party alliance, along with the Congress, won in 13 districts. The BJP has won in six districts in Jammu.
“We are happy that elections were held freely, peacefully and fairly. This time the voting percentage has increased compared to the last election and not one polling worker has been injured. Despite the conspiracies of neighbouring countries, we have conducted peaceful elections,” Sinha said about the DDC elections.
On the contentious issue about removal of Article 370, Sinha said, “For the first time people showed so much belief in democracy in the DDC elections. It is a new light for the democracy here. In fact, this is not a new light but a new dawn."
When asked if unemployment is a big challenge in Jammu and Kashmir and what is the Central government’s roadmap for development in the Union Territory, Sinha said, “Due to coronavirus, the pace of development was slightly reduced, but in the last three months the it has increased. Out of 54 projects, 20 have been completed and the remaining ones will be completed by June. The major projects which will be completed by 2022.
“Apart from this, PM has announced 2 AIIMS, 5 Medical Colleges, NITs, IITs and IIMs, Centre of Excellence for Jammu and Kashmir. Their work will also be completed within the stipulated time,” he added.
On the youth of Kashmir having high hopes and meeting their expectations, the LG replied, "We have started work on 3-4 fronts. Under this, a task force has been formed to implement the new education policy here. Secondly, the jobs which are in the government sector are being recruited within the time limit by advertising. We will give 25,000 government jobs in the next 6 months.”
Manoj Sinha also said that only government jobs are not enough, so the policy of industrialization should be brought here soon and they are working on it. The Finance Ministry has approved it, soon the Cabinet and the Central Government will also give its approval.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Manoj Sinha")
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}