LG’s address to Assembly reflects democratic revival, governance reforms, economic growth, infrastructure push, welfare outreach, youth empowerment and inclusive development roadmap

Jammu, Feb 2 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that the Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly holds special significance as it offers an opportunity to reflect on the collective journey, review achievements and chart a clear roadmap for the future, while reaffirming a shared commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the House at the commencement of the Budget Session as per news agency JKNS, the Lieutenant Governor said it was his privilege to speak before the august House, describing the occasion as more than a routine legislative exercise. “This Session holds special significance, as it offers an opportunity to reflect on our collective journey, review our achievements, and chart a clear roadmap for the future. It also provides a moment to reaffirm our shared commitment to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

LG Sinha said the address was not merely about accounting of resources or outcomes but reflected the vision for a prosperous, inclusive and resilient Jammu and Kashmir.

He expressed gratitude to every citizen contributing to the transformation, including farmers, workers, artisans, youth, women, entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare professionals, security personnel and public servants, stating that their dedication and perseverance constitute the bedrock of progress.

Referring to the democratic journey, the Lieutenant Governor said the past year marked a significant milestone with the formation of an elected government after a gap of several years, strengthening public faith in democratic institutions.

He said the government has focused on restoring participatory governance, rebuilding public confidence and ensuring that the voice of every region and community finds expression in policymaking.

LG Sinha said the development trajectory of Jammu and Kashmir continues to be guided by the principles of Economy, Ecology and Equity, which serve as the guiding framework for policy formulation and implementation. While noting progress across sectors, he said sustained and focused efforts remain necessary to ensure balanced, inclusive and environmentally sustainable development.

Highlighting governance reforms, he said good governance remains the cornerstone of the government’s development strategy. He said sustained reforms in transparency, accountability, digital governance and citizen-centric service delivery have strengthened public trust and institutional efficiency.

He informed the House that over 1,500 public services are now available online and 391 services have been integrated with the auto-appeal system to ensure timely delivery.

The Lieutenant Governor said responsive and people-centric administration has been emphasised during the past year, with regular public grievance redressal meetings and strengthening of the JK Samadhan portal. He said thousands of grievances have been resolved through time-bound interventions, reinforcing trust between the government and the people.

Sharing digital and financial milestones, LG Sinha said the Union Territory recorded 82 crore e-transactions in the last year, averaging over 22 lakh transactions per day, while 128 services have been integrated with DigiLocker. He said complete Aadhaar seeding has enabled seamless Direct Benefit Transfer, under which ₹9,000 crore has been credited directly to the accounts of 80 lakh beneficiaries through 77 DBT-based schemes in the current financial year. He also said a comprehensive AI strategy is being formulated for priority sectors including healthcare, agriculture, mobility, education and law enforcement.

On the economic front, the Lieutenant Governor said Jammu and Kashmir is recording an annual nominal growth rate of around 11 percent in 2024–25, reflecting positive outcomes of sustained policy reforms, infrastructure development and proactive investment facilitation. He said the government remains committed to consolidating this growth trajectory through fiscal discipline and creation of diversified and sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women.

LG Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir is among the fastest-growing States and Union Territories, with GST revenue rising from ₹8,064 crore in 2023–24 to ₹8,586 crore in 2024–25, and power tariff revenue witnessing a 16 percent increase. He said special assistance for capital infusion has been extended, with ₹1,431 crore sanctioned for 222 projects and ₹210 crore as matching share for centrally sponsored schemes.

He also highlighted reforms in Jammu and Kashmir Bank, stating that professionalisation of management, merit-based selection and capital infusion have resulted in turnaround, improvement in net NPAs and enhanced capital adequacy.

Describing infrastructure as a key driver of transformation, the Lieutenant Governor said the road sector has witnessed unprecedented investment of ₹61,528 crore, including expressways, national highways, ring roads and tunnels. He said major tunnels including Sonamarg Tunnel have been completed, while others including Zojila Tunnel are at advanced stages. He added that 19 new national highway projects worth ₹10,637 crore have been sanctioned for 2025–26.

LG Sinha said PMGSY-IV will ensure road connectivity to 2,400 unconnected habitations, while the Kashmir Valley has been connected to the rest of the country through the railway network, opening new avenues for trade, tourism and economic progress. He said a full-fledged railway division has been sanctioned and expansion of Jammu Tawi Railway Station is underway.

Highlighting power sector reforms, he said major hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 3,014 MW are under execution, while smart prepaid meters are being installed in mission mode. He said losses have reduced by 9 percent and revenue realisation has increased by 16 percent. He also spoke about solarisation under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and approval for providing 200 free units of electricity to 2.23 lakh AAY families.

On drinking water and irrigation, LG Sinha said Jal Jeevan Mission has ensured tap water connections to the majority of rural households, while projects like Shahpur Kandi Dam and New Pratap Canal reflect commitment to water security.

Referring to tourism, he said the UT recorded 1.78 crore tourist visits in 2025 and tourism has been accorded industry status. He highlighted initiatives such as the Chrysanthemum Garden “Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood” and efforts to promote pilgrim, adventure, eco and border tourism, along with new sustainable tourism projects.

The Lieutenant Governor also spoke about agriculture reforms under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme, growth in CA storage, e-NAM integration, crop diversification, Yellow Revolution, rise in honey and fish production, PM Fasal Bima Yojana coverage and GI tagging of local products.

He highlighted progress in healthcare with AIIMS Jammu, upcoming AIIMS Kashmir, expansion of medical seats, new hospital blocks, cath labs, critical care blocks and digital initiatives like SEHAT App and Tele ICUs.

On education, LG Sinha said NEP implementation, smart classrooms, Atal Tinkering Labs, ICT labs, PM-SHRI schools, JK e-Pathshala and NAAC accreditation of universities and colleges reflect commitment to quality education.

He also outlined achievements in urban development, housing under PMAY, land for landless families, industrial growth, startup promotion, handloom and handicrafts support, GI tagging, social welfare reforms, enhanced pensions, food security measures, women empowerment through Lakhpati Didi initiative and tribal welfare reforms including transfer of FRA implementation to the Tribal Affairs Department.

Focusing on youth, LG Sinha said Mission YUVA aims to establish 1.35 lakh entrepreneurial units and generate employment for 4.5 lakh youth, with thousands already trained and credit-linked cases sanctioned. He said sports infrastructure and events are positioning J&K as an emerging sports hub.

Concluding his address, the Lieutenant Governor called upon all Members of the House to work together in a spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility. “Let us move forward with unity of purpose, transform challenges into opportunities, and collectively strive to build a Jammu and Kashmir that is peaceful, progressive, inclusive and prosperous, ensuring dignity, opportunity and hope for every citizen,” he said, ending with “Jai Hind.” (JKNS)