SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 31: Slamming leaders for boycotting UT Foundation Day, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said everyone should accept that Jammu and Kashmir is a Union Territory.
Pertinently, top leaders including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his entire cabinet stayed away from the function.
Sinha said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have assured that statehood will be restored to Jammu and Kashmir at an appropriate time.
“It is a reality that J&K is a UT today and members have taken oath and affirmed their true faith and allegiance to the Constitution. When it becomes a state, we will celebrate Statehood Day. Prime Minister and Home Minister has assured that statehood will be given at an appropriate time,” the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor congratulated and felicitated the people of Jammu Kashmir on the occasion. He expressed gratitude to every section of society, the Police, Security Forces, Administrative apparatus, and all stakeholders for their contribution to J&K’s progress and tireless work for a secure and prosperous Union Territory.
Sharing J&K’s exceptional journey towards peace, progress, and prosperity, the Lt Governor said the achievements of the past 5 years of transformation is a report card of the commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the people of J&K.
“I am happy today J&K stands proudly on the national stage- tall, self-reliant, and full of self-confidence. A strong foundation has been laid for speedy development in all the sectors. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, we have fulfilled the aspirations of the people,” the Lt Governor said.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor highlighted the progressive policies and reforms and the unprecedented growth registered across the sectors in J&K.
Our economic fundamentals are strong. Peace, stability, rule of law, and time-tested democratic values make J&K UT an attractive investment destination. The confidence of investors in Jammu Kashmir is reflected in the highest-ever inflows of investment in the past 4 years, he said. The Lt Governor also reiterated his commitment to the extension of the new industrial development scheme in J&K.
Speaking on the achievements registered in the Banking sector, the Lt Governor highlighted that the J&K Bank is one of the greatest turnaround success stories of the UT.
In 2019-20, the bank reported a loss of Rs.1139 Cr. It reported a profit of Rs. 1700 Cr in the year 2023-24. In the current FY, J&K Bank clocked Rs. 991 Cr in profit, he added.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor called upon the people to remain united and identify and isolate anti-national elements and those disrupting the peace.
The Lt Governor also spoke on the important role and contribution of Panchayati Raj Institutions, ULBs, and elected representatives in J&K’s development. He expressed hope that the Panchayati Raj elections would be held soon in J&K.
“My dream is to see that every family is prosperous. My dream is to see Faster development of the infrastructure, industries, and fruits of growth reach the last person in the queue,” the Lt Governor said.
On the occasion, beneficiaries under different government schemes shared their success stories.
The event also featured impressive performances by the artists celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Jammu Kashmir.
Gulam Ali Khatana, Member of Parliament; B R Sharma, Election Commissioner J&K; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Administrative Secretaries, senior officers of Security Forces, Civil and Police Administration, and prominent citizens from all walks of life were present.
