Govt actively engaging with stakeholders to facilitate restoration of J&K’s statehood: Lt Governor

Jammu, Mar 3: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that Jammu & Kashmir government is steadfast in its commitment to address the legitimate desire of restoration of full statehood of Jammu & Kashmir.
In his address to the Assembly, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, said that his government is actively engaged with all stakeholders to facilitate restoration of statehood.
“One of the foremost aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is the restoration of full statehood. My Government remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing this legitimate desire of the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, adding that his government recognizes the emotional and political significance of the Statehood for the people and is actively engaging with all stakeholders to facilitate this process in a manner that ensures peace, stability, and progress.
The LG said the Government is committed to preserving the unity in diversity that defines Jammu and Kashmir.
“We take immense pride in our composite culture and centuries-old traditions of amity and brotherhood. My Government is committed to preserving the unity in diversity that defines Jammu and Kashmir. It is firmly committed to maintaining peace and harmony, ensuring that the aspirations of our people are protected from divisive influences and cultivating an inclusive society built on mutual respect and harmony, paving the path to a prosperous and peaceful future,” he said.
Sinha said that his Government is committed to strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRls) and urban Local Bodies (ULBs) by ensuring timely elections at all levels.
He said the move will enhance grassroots democracy, promote citizen participation in decision-making and empower local governance for more effective development.
The LG said his government has ensured an adequate resource envelope for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), enabling them to undertake sustainable and inclusive development in their respective areas.
“This commitment empowers local governance, strengthens grassroots democracy, and accelerates holistic regional growth,” he said.
Sinha also said that reservation of seats for other Backward Classes in Panchayats, Municipalities and Municipal Corporations have been also granted.
“Reservation of seats in the Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir has been granted by the Government to the persons belonging to Scheduled Tribes,” he said, adding that persons residing in areas adjoining International Border have been given benefits of reservation by the Government, at par with residents of LoC Areas.
“’Paddari tribe’, ‘Pahari Ethnic Group, ‘Gadda Brahmin’ and ‘Koli’ have been included as Scheduled Tribes. Valmiki Community has also been included in SC category, “he added.
The LG said the government is committed to the dignified rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants back into the Valley by ensuring a safe and secure environment.
“Efforts will be intensified to accelerate the construction of transit accommodation projects for migrant employees, providing them with suitable housing at designated locations. These initiatives reflect our dedication to restoring confidence, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring a stable and prosperous future for all communities in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Talking about 2025-26 budget, Sinha said that it is a testament to the aspirations of the masses, reflecting their hopes for a brighter future.
“This budget carries historic significance as it is the first in over seven years to be presented by an elected government in Jammu and Kashmir. It symbolizes the people’s power, as it is prepared by the representatives chosen by the people themselves. This budget is not merely a financial document; it is a testament to the aspirations of the masses, reflecting their hopes for a brighter future!” he said.
He said for the first time, the Chief Minister has personally chaired meetings for all twenty districts, separately, engaging directly with elected representatives to understand their aspirations, regional needs, and development priorities in Budget formulation.
“The voices of the people are again shaping the allocation of resources and the prioritization of development goals. This budget is a true celebration of democracy-an expression of the dreams and expectations of every household, every community, and every region of Jammu and Kashmir. It marks a moment of renewal and empowerment, where the collective efforts of the people’s representatives are shaping the future of this land,” he said.
He said the budget represents a new era of participatory governance, ensuring that the needs and aspirations of the common man remain at the heart of policy making.
The LG said the Government remains fully committed to implementing its promises made to the people, as a representation of the people’s aspirations for further political empowerment, and for creating an enabling environment for employment, sustainable development, social inclusiveness and expansion of the economy for enhancing the overall quality of life.
“It will work relentlessly on the three principles of Economy, Ecology and Equity that will shape our future. We commit ourselves to this balance for a better and brighter future for all,” he said.
He said good governance remains the cornerstone of a prosperous and harmonious future for Jammu and Kashmir.
“My Government remains firmly committed to transparent and accountable decision making, ensuring the efficient and effective allocation of resources so that the people of Jammu and Kashmir fully benefit from every penny spent,” he said.
He added that innovative initiatives such as digital governance, streamlined public service delivery, effective grievance redressal, and the promotion of socio-economic programs are designed to bridge developmental gaps and strengthen public trust.
The LG said his government’s interventions will prioritize youth, women, and farmers, striving to make Jammu and Kashmir a progressive and inclusive economy.
“With unity and a shared commitment, it will work towards the welfare of every section of society, especially the poor and marginalized,” he said.
The LG said the infrastructure development remains a key driver of progress, with significant advancements in connectivity.
“The recent inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel (Z-Morh) by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, along with the completion of two segments of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (Banihal Bypass and Ramban Bypass), has substantially reduced travel time,” he said.
He said his government is committed to fast-tracking major connectivity projects by streamlining land acquisition, securing forest clearances, and addressing encroachment issues.
“Ongoing projects, including the Expressway, National Highways, and Ring Roads for Jammu and Srinagar, will be accelerated to ensure their timely completion,” he said.
The LG said the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project will integrate J&K more closely with the rest of India.
“The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project has reached a historic milestone with the completion of its final segment, poised to transform connectivity and development in Jammu and Kashmir, integrating Jammu and Kashmir more closely with the rest of the nation,” he said. (KNO)