Govt committed to address unemployment, infrastructure gaps: Lt Governor

Jammu, Feb 2: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said his government remains committed to addressing the challenges of unemployment, infrastructure gaps, and social welfare in Jammu & Kashmir.
In his address to Members of the Legislative Assembly in the central hall of Assembly complex here, the Lieutenant Governor said that the Government during its first year in office has sought to combine development with dignity, growth with social justice, and progress with peace.
“The Government during its first year in office has sought to combine development with dignity, growth with social justice, and progress with peace. Guided by the vision of inclusive governance, it remains committed to addressing the challenges of unemployment, infrastructure gaps, and social welfare with renewed energy and determination,” he said.
In his third address to the House since the formation of the elected government in Jammu & Kashmir in 2024 , the Lieutenant Governor today said the Government has adopted a humane and compassionate approach in dealing with issues affecting common citizens.
“Emphasis has been placed on fair treatment, dignity, and sensitivity in administration. Decisions affecting employees, daily wagers, contractual workers, and marginalized groups have been examined with empathy, and corrective steps initiated wherever required,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said the development trajectory of Jammu and Kashmir continues to be guided by the foundational principles of Economy, Ecology, and Equity.
“These principles are not merely aspirational but serve as the guiding framework for policy formulation and implementation. While notable progress has been achieved across sectors, the Government remains conscious of the need for sustained and focused efforts to ensure balanced, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable development,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said good governance continues to be the cornerstone of the Government’s development strategy in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Sustained transparency, reforms, accountability in digital governance, and citizen-centric service delivery have significantly strengthened public trust and institutional efficiency,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said the past year marks a significant milestone in the democratic journey of Jammu and Kashmir with the formation of an elected Government after a gap of several years.
“This transition to popular governance has strengthened public faith in democratic institutions. My Government has focused on restoring participatory governance, rebuilding public confidence, and ensuring that the voice of every region and community finds expression in policymaking,” he said.
He said his Government remains firmly committed to further strengthening democratic institutions.
“Timely conduct of elections to local bodies, continued enhancement of grievance redressal mechanisms, and deeper integration of digital governance will reinforce transparency, accountability, and governance,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said the Government has ensured livelihoods for families impacted by tragedy and violence.
“During the year, 910 compassionate appointments were made, including 464 appointments to the Next of Kin of terror-affected families, thereby ensuring dignified livelihoods for families impacted by tragedy and violence,” he said.
Talking about the economic growth of the Union Territory, the Lieutenant Governor said, “Jammu & Kashmir is one of the fastest-growing States/UTs in the country. GST revenue collection has shown steady growth from Rs 8064 crore in 2023–24 to Rs 8586 crore in 2024-25. The tariff from electric power has witnessed a substantial increase of 16 per cent in 2024-25.”
He said the economy of Jammu and Kashmir has demonstrated encouraging momentum in recent years.
“The Union Territory is presently recording an annual nominal growth rate of around 11 per cent (2024-25), reflecting the positive outcomes of sustained policy reforms, enhanced infrastructure development, and proactive investment facilitation. The Government remains committed to consolidating this growth trajectory through strengthened fiscal discipline and by creating diversified and sustainable employment opportunities, with particular emphasis on youth and women,” he said.
He said the Special Assistance to States for Capital Infusion (SASCI) for interest-free loans for capital investments has been extended to J&K from the current financial year.
“Under SASCI, Rs 1431 crore has been sanctioned for 222 projects and Rs 210 crore as matching share for 12 centrally sponsored schemes. The first instalment of Rs 1083 crore (66% of the sanctioned amount) has been received,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also spoke in detail about infrastructure development in the UT, saying it remains a critical driver of economic transformation.
“The road sector in the Union Territory has witnessed unprecedented investment amounting to Rs 61528 crore, encompassing expressways, National Highways, ring roads, and tunnels, significantly enhancing regional and inter-regional connectivity. Three major tunnels, including the Sonamarg Tunnel, have been completed, while eight others, including the strategic Zojila Tunnel, are at advanced stages of completion. The Narbal-Shopian-Surankote road has been declared a National Highway, further strengthening all-weather connectivity across the Pir Panjal region,” he said.
He said 19 new National Highway projects with an estimated cost of Rs 10637 crore have been sanctioned for 2025-26, which include key infrastructure works such as the Pir Ki Gali Tunnel and the Sadhna Tunnel.
“My Government places on record its deep appreciation to the Government of India for the launch of PMGSY-IV, which will ensure road connectivity to 2400 unconnected habitations. Under Phase-I of this programme, 316 projects involving an investment of Rs 4224 crore have already been sanctioned, covering a total road length of 1,781 kilometres, “he said.
He said the Kashmir Valley has been connected with the rest of the country through the railway network, opening new avenues for trade, tourism, and economic progress.
“A full-fledged Railway Division has also been sanctioned for Jammu & Kashmir, and expansion and modernization of Jammu Tawi Railway Station is under progress,” he said.
He said the power sector has been one of the priority sectors of his Government, which is witnessing structural transformation.
“Major Hydropower Projects-Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, and Ratle-with a combined capacity of 3014 MW are under active execution. Over the past five years, a record 5,708 MVA has been added to the distribution sector and 4239 MVA to the transmission sector. Installation of smart prepaid meters is underway in mission mode, with 10.44 lakh smart meters already installed, and 100% coverage targeted by 2026-27. As a result, losses have been reduced by 9%, while revenue realization has increased by 16%,” he said.
He said the Government of India has accorded approval to a project for providing 200 free units of electricity to 2.23 lakh AAY families of Jammu and Kashmir under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna—Utility Led Aggregation (ULA) model.
He added that implementation of the project is going to start soon.
The Lieutenant Governor said tourism continues to be a vital pillar of the economy of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Despite challenges arising from security-related incidents and natural calamities, the Union Territory recorded 1.78 crore tourist visits in 2025,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said tourism has been accorded industry status to attract investment and generate employment.
“Recognizing tourism as a lifeline of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, the Government undertook confidence-building measures, facilitation, and improved coordination with stakeholders. Special efforts were made to revive pilgrim tourism in Jammu, adventure tourism in Kashmir, and eco-tourism in tribal and border areas, ensuring equitable regional growth,” he said. (KNO)