In his Republic Day address to people, Lt Governor Manoj on Saturday extended deepest tribute to valiant soldiers of Army, para military forces, and Jammu and Kashmir Police, whose relentless dedication and sacrifices ensure the unity, integrity, and security of the nation.
“Beyond safeguarding our borders, they stand as pillars of peace and stability for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Their extraordinary valor and service inspire us to work towards a united, secure, and prosperous India,” he said.
He said J&K has always been a land of unity in diversity. “We take immense pride in our composite culture and centuries-old traditions of brotherhood. It is our collective responsibility to maintain peace and harmony, ensuring that the dreams of our youth are not hindered by divisive forces. Our journey has been one of resilience and determination, marked by unparalleled achievements in every sphere. Jammu and Kashmir, with its rich heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant culture, has always been a vital part of this journey.”
“After successful conduct of Assembly elections, people now look to the government with renewed expectations aspiring for an environment that promotes meaningful employment, sustainable development, social inclusivity, and robust economic growth - paving the way for an enhanced quality of life for all. For further strengthening and ensuring peoples' participation at a broader level, elections for local bodies will be conducted for establishing a 3-tier governance structure,” he said.
Sinha said good governance is the cornerstone for a prosperous and harmonious future and is pivotal to fostering peace, development, and inclusivity in the region. “By focusing on transparency, accountability, and citizen-centric policies, the government has prioritized empowering local communities through participatory decision-making and equitable resource distribution. Initiatives like digital governance, streamlining public services, and promoting socio-economic programs aim to bridge developmental gaps and strengthen public trust.”
“Jammu and Kashmir's economy has recorded a growth rate of 9.5% which is driven by sustained government initiatives and strategic policy measures. GSDP of J&K is estimated at ₹2.45 lakh crore for 2023-24, up from ₹2,20 lakh crore in 2022-23. This positive trajectory highlights the effectiveness of ongoing economic development strategies, infrastructure advancements, and business-friendly policies,” he said.
“We have made remarkable strides in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implementation and rank 2nd among UTs in the SDG India Index 2023-24. Specific policy interventions by the Government have enabled to improve the overall score and ranking of Jammu and Kashmir. Data-driven monitoring and policy intervention ensures effective resource allocation and decision making. Alignment of SDGs with the budget and facilitating Outcome-Based Monitoring is being planned as a next phase,” he further said.
Sinha said J&K is an all-weather tourist destination, offering a diverse range of experiences that cater to every type of traveler. “One of the most exciting milestones in our tourism journey was the successful launch of the first edition of the Kashmir Marathon, held on 20th October, 2024. With over 1800 runners from across the globe, the event has firmly placed Jammu & Kashmir on the map of international marathons. The participants included from a common man to Chief Minister of the UT. The tourism sector holds the potential to transform our entire economy, as it plays a pivotal role in generating employment and boosting local businesses. This year, J&K has witnessed a record-breaking 2.36 crore tourist visits till November, 2024. Gulmarg Gondola has witnessed 7.68 lakhs tourists and earned a revenue of Rs. 103 Crore during 2024.”