JAMMU, Aug 6: In an interview to The Indian Express, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha asserted that the elected government in the Union Territory, post the successful completion of assembly election will exercise major powers. Democracy has taken up deep roots in Jammu and Kashmir, the manifestation of which was the “huge and enthusiastic” participation of the people in the last Lok Sabha elections, added Sinha.Speaking on the security condition in the region, Sinha said as far as security is concerned, the situation is much better. Yes, in the last year to year-and-a-half, there have been some incidents in Jammu. But we have a strategy in place to tackle this.
“The situation is unfortunate. I am not too worried. I am sure we will tackle it effectively. It is Pakistan’s design too. The biggest challenge is local recruitment. The forces would take care of infiltration. Recruitment, by and large, is zero. This is a big achievement,” stated J&K LG commenting on the situation in Jammu. Jammu has witnessed a spurt in violence in recent months.
In a statement issued on the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, Mr. Sinha said, “In the past five years democracy has taken deep roots in the Union Territory of J&K. Enthusiastic participation and record voter turnout in the recently held Lok Sabha election is a testimony to people’s faith in the constitution and internalisation of the spirit of democracy”.
Commenting on the state of economy in Jammu and Kashmir, he said: “financial prudence has improved over the years. Every rupee is accounted for. The state’s GSDP has increased from Rs 1,59,000 crore in 2018-19 to Rs 2,45,000 crore in 2023-24. The GST collections have risen from Rs 5,134 crore to Rs 9,700 crore during the period, excise collections from Rs 1,219 crore to Rs 2,400 crore, stamp duty collections from Rs 265 crore to Rs 650 crore.”
The Lt. Governor asserted that in order to boost the industrial sector in J&K, an effective policy has been adopted and an enabling environment created which has led to receiving investment proposals worth Rs 1,26,582 crore with an expected employment potential of 4.74 lakhs.
