Yogesh
Jammu, Dec 17: Calling for putting an end to the “insider-outsider” debate, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said the terrorists hiding in rugged terrains, mountains and dense forests will be eliminated soon.
Addressing the Strategic Management Forum Conference on Policy Making and Strategic Planning for achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047, at IIM here, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, “Divisive narratives are creating unnecessary hurdles in the development process and undermining the spirit of unity and collective progress. Andar wala (insider) and bahar wala (outsider) debate—serves no purpose and it must stop.”
Referring to the ongoing aggressive operations by security forces and J&K Police against terrorists, over-ground workers, sympathizers, and drug networks, which are seen as funding sources for terrorism, LG Sinha said, “Remaining terrorists hiding in rugged terrains, mountains, and dense forests will be eliminated soon.”
He described terrorism and corruption as major challenges and expressed concern over educated youth joining terrorist ranks. However, he exuded hope that J&K will soon be made free of both. “Elimination of top terrorist commanders, the end of local recruitment, and failed infiltration attempts from across the border have defeated the nefarious designs of the adversaries.”
Drawing parallels with the Northeast, where terrorism has been eradicated, and Maoism largely contained, he stressed that security forces alone cannot succeed without collective societal efforts.
Lauding PM Modi for his vision, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, “Rapid growth, under the leadership of PM Modi, is unprecedented in Indian history.”
He reiterated that the development thrives in an atmosphere of inclusiveness, trust and shared responsibility.
The Lieutenant Governor said the core values, principles, ideals of our forefathers and values of good governance will guide us to navigate the present challenges to build a prosperous future.
Sinha said, “The policies must be formulated in accordance with the needs of the people, industry, trade, and business, and it must be ensured that their voices are heard. There is also a need to maintain the balance between industrial growth and social welfare initiatives.”
He underlined the challenges and opportunities before India in a rapidly evolving global landscape and the critical role of policy makers and business leaders in steering the nation towards sustained and inclusive growth.
“India stands at a crucial juncture where visionary leadership, sound policy frameworks and strategic planning are essential to realise the goal of becoming a developed nation by the centenary of Independence,” Sinha said.
He stressed that macroeconomic stability must remain a top priority, coupled with high and sustained investment in education and health to build a skilled, productive and resilient population.
Highlighting the importance of governance reforms, Sinha said, “Digital tools, participatory governance, transparency and accountability will play a decisive role in ensuring efficient delivery of public services.”
He said that speedy project implementation and outcome-oriented administration are vital to meet the aspirations of a growing population and to ensure balanced and all-round development.
The Lieutenant Governor said, “Technological advancements offer immense opportunities to improve governance, enhance citizen engagement and optimise resource utilisation.”
He called upon policy makers and business leaders to work in close coordination, leveraging innovation and strategic management practices to drive economic growth, improve competitiveness and generate employment.
The Lieutenant Governor reiterated that achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047 would require long-term vision, policy consistency and strong institutional capacity.
He urged stakeholders to focus on evidence-based policymaking, strategic foresight and continuous capacity building to address emerging global and domestic challenges.
“Wherever I go, I see that our great nation is on the move towards progress and prosperity. Our manufacturing and services sectors are showing impressive growth and there is a renewed confidence among industry leaders to take on the challenge of the rest of the world. I also see our village industries, Handloom and Handicraft sector competing with the best. PM Modi’s clarion call for Swadeshi has given fresh impetus to this sector,” LG Sinha added.
“Inclusive and equitable growth lies at the core of the Prime Minister’s vision. The government policies have focused on job creation, support for small businesses, increased public investment, and financial empowerment of the middle class and entrepreneurs, ensuring that the economic progress benefits every citizen,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed his resolve to ensure that the benefits of programs like Modern India and Digital India reach the citizens on the last ladder of development.
“Decentralized governance has brought about significant positive change, and continuous efforts are being made to ensure that policies are not merely on paper but are responsive, morally sound, and action-oriented, thereby shaping the commitment to a people-first approach,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He underlined the need to boost revenue by tapping into Jammu Kashmir UT’s vast but underutilized mining sector. “J&K holds immense potential in Limestone, Sapphire, Lithium and other minerals. With strategic planning, in the next 5-7 years, we can generate an additional annual revenue of Rs 15,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He also called for maximizing the Hydro Power sector, and suggested necessary amendments to the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) to ensure it meets evolving economic needs.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor unveiled the Basohli Painting Exhibition. The event also marked the valedictory session of Basohli Painting workshop and felicitation of Basohli Painting artists by the Lieutenant Governor.
“Basohli Painting is our priceless artistic heritage which holds immense value for present and future generations. I commend IIM Jammu and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) for the unique initiative,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The conference provided a platform for thought leaders, policy experts and industry representatives to deliberate on strategies for sustainable development, good governance and economic transformation, in alignment with the national vision of a developed and self-reliant India by 2047.
Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu; R K Chaudhary, Chairman, Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission, J&K and Ladakh; Subash Chandra Meena, Economic Advisor NITI Aayog; Prof. Arunaditya Sahay, Founding Chairman, Strategic Management Forum (SMF); Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Shruti Awasthi, Regional Director, IGNCA; academicians, policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, artists and students attended the inaugural session.
