Tasaduq Hussain
Kupwara, Oct 5: In a significant announcement, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha on Thursday hinted at the commencement of the poll process in the Union Territory as he urged the people to brace themselves for the upcoming Urban Local Body (ULB), Panchayat and Parliament elections.
Speaking at a gathering in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, the Lt Governor underlined the critical need for active participation in the democratic process. He reminded the people that the days of falling for hollow promises were over.
“People are now well aware of fake promises made by politicians and are demanding concrete action from their leaders,” he said.
Accompanied by Chief Secretary Dr Arun Mehta and other top administrative officials, including ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar, the Lieutenant Governor expressed his deep connection with Kupwara, citing various developmental milestones achieved during his tenure.
He underscored the electrification of border areas like Keran and Machil, a feat not accomplished since independence. He also announced the revival of cinema culture in Kashmir after a hiatus of 33 years and the inauguration of a multipurpose sports hall in Handwara.
Sinha highlighted several agricultural initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the people in Kupwara. He revealed that under the PM Kisan scheme, farmers in Kupwara received assistance totalling 390 crore rupees, benefiting over 1 lakh farmers. “The region witnessed significant growth in agricultural productivity, with crop yields increasing from 1.02 metric tons to 1.06 lakh metric tons and from 65 quintals to 74 quintals per hectare in the past three years,” he said, adding that beekeeping and milk production also experienced substantial growth, indicating the administration’s commitment to enhancing the agricultural sector.
Addressing concerns about unemployment, the Lt Governor stated that the administration had introduced merit-based employment opportunities, ensuring transparency and fairness in the recruitment process. Dismissing rumours about favouritism, he said all government schemes were directed towards benefiting the common and poor citizens.
Manoj Sinha acknowledged the unparalleled natural beauty of Kupwara and the potential of tourism in the region. He revealed that tourist influx had significantly increased, with 306,000 visitors in the last financial year, compared to 6,791 in 2019. The administration was actively working on infrastructural developments, including road construction and a railway connection, to boost tourism further, he said.
On the developmental front, the LG outlined the progress made in Kupwara, highlighting the completion of numerous projects. He mentioned the allocation of funds for power projects, roads, and various infrastructural initiatives, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to the district’s overall development.
Giving hope to those who lament the poor mobile connectivity across the district, the LG vowed to eliminate mobile connectivity issues across Kupwara, and pay special attention to improving electricity transmission.
He assured the residents of Kupwara that issues related to mobile connectivity and electricity would be resolved promptly. He urged citizens to fulfill their civic duties by voting in upcoming elections, emphasising that only those dedicated to public welfare would be elected.
The Lieutenant Governor also digitally inaugurated several developmental projects, including infrastructure upgrades across the district.
The Lt Governor Sinha on the occasion assured that the administration is committed to the welfare of the poor, and all citizens can expect direct benefits from the various government schemes, without any discrimination.
“The government is committed to comprehensive development, transparency, and the active participation of citizens in the democratic process,” he said.
He expressed confidence in the people of J&K and stressed the importance of working together to build a prosperous and peaceful future for the people of UT.
