SRINAGAR: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed shock and grief over the loss of lives in the Ramban road accident.

In a handout to GNS, In a condolence message, the Lt Governor said: “I am deeply shocked to learn of the unfortunate road accident in Ramban today, in which precious lives have been lost. I send my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. 

I have issued instructions to the District Administration and Divisional Commissioner to render all assistance, as provided in rule, to the kin of victims”. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: The Indian Express released its list of ‘Top 100 Most Influential Indians of 2024’ on Thursday, capturing personalities across the political, business, entertainment, and sports spectrums, who influence the country.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has earned a place in the list and has  secured the 23rd position in the list, marking a notable climb of 5 ranks from the previous year, 2023.

Manoj Sinha has been at the helm in JK for over three years now. According to the English daily, “Over the past year, he has enhanced public engagement, sometimes addressing multiple events the same day.”

“Sinha has been focused on effective administration during his tenure. His fornightly feature, the “Awaam Ki Awaaz”, is a hit. The entire administration meets via video-conferencing and complaints submitted via the LG’s grievance cell are taken up for resolution,” the new2spaper reported.

Indian Express wrote that targeted killings, protests by Kashmiri Pandits and the Gujjar/Bakerwal communities have been challenges for him in the absence of elected leaders in Jammu and Kashmir. Directed by the Centre, he is driving the infrastructure push in the region. The tourism group meeting of the G20 in Srinagar was a new feather in his cap.

Praising LG’s grievance cell, it said that many people have taken the LG grievance cell route, given the lack of direct representation in the state, in terms of elected leaders.

“He also meets a wide range of people in his offices in both Srinagar and Jammu.

This curated selection celebrates the movers and shakers whose actions shape the nation’s trajectory, encompassing political leaders, visionary entrepreneurs, cultural icons, and thought leaders, symbolizing the intricate dynamics of India’s power structure in the modern era.

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi topped The Indian Express’ list of most powerful Indians in 2024. The list also features Home Minister Amit Shah, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, CJI DY Chandrachud, EAM S Jaishankar, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, BJP chief JP Nadda and Adani Group’s Gautam Adani. Reliance Industries’ Mukesh Ambani is also named.

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurated the Synthetic Athletic track at University of Jammu and addressed the closing ceremony of 67th National Schools Games in Judo Under-14 Boys & Girls and Fencing Under-19 Boys & Girls, today.

In his address on the occasion, the Lt Governor congratulated the budding sporting talents for their remarkable performance in various sporting disciplines.

National School Games provide the launching platform for young sporting talents. From this platform a new journey begins for all of you, which will pave the way for many opportunities as well as excellence in international sporting events, the Lt Governor said.

“Those who wish to win never quit, that is the mantra of success. The talents of many legendary icons of sports were spotted first in school games. They were provided with right training and mentoring to harness their potential and to achieve greater heights of success,” he said.

He said the achievements of our athletes in the recently concluded Asian Games, Asian Para Games and Asian Para Archery Games is a testimony to new sports culture under the guidance of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and India is now seen as the new powerhouse of champions.

The Lt Governor encouraged the young players to work hard to transform their inherent talent and set new goals every day to fulfill the destiny for which they were born.

Every player is unique, he or she has some talents that no one else has. They just need to recognize the uniqueness and take it to the pinnacle of success, he said.

Goals define you as an athlete, your motivation, confidence and proper training are your biggest allies in achieving those goals. Today the adequate sports infrastructure, modern training and facilities shows that the nation is giving due importance to sports and availability of these three significant elements has proved to be the foundation of building a new India in the sporting arena, the Lt Governor said.

At the closing ceremony, the Lt Governor shared the efforts of the UT Administration to popularize a robust sports culture in Jammu Kashmir.

He said the new sports policy, world-class facilities and mentoring of sportspersons have created a conducive environment to excel and bring laurels to the UT and the nation in international tournaments.

Sh Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Sh Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary Youth Services and Sports, senior officials, officers bearers of  School Games Federation of India, eminent sports personalities, coaches and youth in large number were present.

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that various social welfare initiatives have removed developmental imbalances.

Sinha was interacting with pension beneficiaries of Jammu District here.
"Various Social Welfare initiatives have removed developmental imbalances. Saturation of several schemes highlights impressive manifestation of proper execution of programmes," the Lt Governor said.

He further said, "Our goal is to ensure social security net for all and better living standard to every citizen."

"Through a sustained campaign, the district administration has achieved saturation in Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS) reaching out to 63,919 beneficiaries in old-age, widow's and Divyang category," said Sinha.

The Lt Governor adding further that every section of society is getting benefits of Central and UT Schemes without discrimination, said, "J&K UT Admin has ensured more rights and resources for poor, marginalised and vulnerable."
"We are marching ahead with the aim of progress, prosperity and quality life for all," he stated. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today attended the Teachers’ Day celebration at Srinagar, paid tribute to former President and great educationist Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishanan and felicitated the award-winning teachers from across the Kashmir division.

In his address, the Lt Governor extended his hearty greetings to the teaching community and recalled the immense contribution and dedicated service of teachers who are igniting young minds.

“Teacher is the biggest revolutionary and courageous person of this world. He breaks the barriers, old methods and gives a new shape, a new direction to the children, a new resolve and sparks new thinking in the minds of the children,” the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor highlighted the different roles a teacher plays simultaneously throughout his life.

 “A teacher is an explorer who discovers hidden diamonds, gems and pearls in the form of students. As a gemologist, a teacher examines and shapes the diamonds carrying diverse talents. He is a jeweler and gives perfect shape and shine to precious gems,” the Lt Governor added.

The role of a teacher is to also bring creativity inside the classroom. A teacher should be courageous enough to break the stereotypes and let young minds develop their own creative, innovative ideas and critical thinking. Only the teacher has the ability to know the value of hidden talents, he said.

At the function, the Lt Governor impressed upon the teaching community to promote individuality and uniqueness of students and make teaching-learning process more interactive.

Goal of education is not to create a competitive mind but to create a creative and curious mind. We need a fine balance between competition and creativity. Test should not be based on competition but it should be based on originality, experiment, creative and scientific activity.

“I believe today we need teachers to instill creativity, curiosity, teamwork, leadership qualities and civilizational values of harmony, brotherhood and compassion in our children. We need to evolve new methods to create effective approaches to lifelong learning,” the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor reiterated the commitment of the UT Administration for upgradation of schools including manpower and infrastructure in a holistic manner. I assure you that funds will be provided for upgradation of 7000 such schools which lack basic facilities (6000 this year and 1000 during the next year), he said.

On this day, let us strengthen our resolve and ensure that every child, especially the girls, have access to quality education, the Lt Governor said.

Renowned educationist, Padma Shri Prof. JS Rajput; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Sh Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary, School & Higher Education, senior officers, Heads of Departments, large number of teachers and students were present.

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha has extended his heartiest greetings and felicitations to the people on the occasion of 77th Independence Day.

In a message, the Lt Governor said, “My hearty Independence Day greetings to all the citizens. My humble tribute to all those freedom fighters, who made supreme sacrifices to secure freedom for us. I salute our JKP personnel, soldiers, Jawans of CAPFs who laid down their lives to protect the integrity and sovereignty of the nation. On this occasion, I recall the hard work and dedication of great personalities of the country, who are working tirelessly for the progress and prosperity of the people.

It is indeed Amrit Kaal of Jammu Kashmir and a new dawn of peace and prosperity for all the citizens. Our economy is witnessing rapid growth, infrastructure sector is on the move, peace and tranquillity is providing better quality of life and opportunities to the people and the Union Territory is on the march to become 'Viksit J&K' by 2047. We have successfully ended decades’ long inequality and have taken every possible step to eliminate terror ecosystem. Peace and happiness has now arrived in every household and together we have created a happy Jammu Kashmir and a brighter future for young generation.

I appeal to every one of you to re-dedicate yourself to build a Jammu Kashmir that will take us to new horizons of peace, progress and prosperity and let us march together to realize the golden future for all the citizens”.

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday asserted that no land was being provided to any non-local under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme.

Sinha said that some people were misleading the people by claiming that land is being given to outsiders.

Addressing a function in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, the LG said some people unfortunately were misleading people by claiming that land is being given to outsiders.

“No outsider is being given land in J&K,” he said.

The Jammu Kashmir government recently approved a proposal for allotment of 5 marla land each to landless families for construction of houses under the PMAY. Atleast two former chief minister of erstwhile state raised their concerns over the policy and categorisation of the landless people.
Hitting out at those who have been criticizing the J&K government decision to provide land to landless, the LG asked them to stop misleading people.
“ They are the people who grabbed state land and constructed huge houses not with their own money. I don't want to go into where they got money to construct huge palaces,” the LG said.

“Cronyism, unethical nexus which had thrived in J&K for 70 years are being dismantled systematically. It has triggered panic among certain influential people and many having vested interests are trying to disrupt J&K growth but stringent action against corrupts will continue,” the Lt Governor said.

Society should stand united with the government against those who have misguided our youth for decades, he said.


Reiterating the commitment of the J&K administration to work for socio-economic empowerment of all, the Lt Governor said, the marginalized section of society have first right on government’s resources.

"Vision of Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas has brought transformation in the lives of underprivileged. We are working on holistic and scalable strategy to harness tremendous creative power of a large population", the Lt Governor said.

Earlier Lieutenant Governor Sinha today inaugurated the 100-seater Multipurpose Cinema Halls in Baramulla and Handwara, which the government claim is yet another historic first after abrogation of Article 370.

The Cinema has returned to Baramulla after more than three decades. Last year, the Lt Governor had revived the Cinema Culture by inaugurating Cinema Halls in Shopian and Pulwama. Another Private Multiplex had also come up in Srinagar in 2022.
The Lt Governor has pledged to set up a Cinema Hall in every district to provide the big-screen experience to the people.

The Lt Governor congratulated the people of Baramulla and Handwara on the momentous occasion. He said the movie theatres are a reflection of the growing aspiration of J&K.

The new Multipurpose Cinema Halls under Public-Private Partnership are aimed at providing recreational facilities to the people, reviving vibrant cinema culture, space for the young generation to rejuvenate, discuss, deliberate through seminars. The facilities at both the locations will also house a cafe, VR, conference and seminar facilities for youth.

At Baramulla, the Lt Governor inaugurated various development projects for the district.

He commended the efforts of the District Administration, members of PRIs and civil society for taking Baramulla ahead on the path of peace and development.

“Baramulla is now moving towards becoming Inspirational District from Aspirational District. The district has made impressive strides to socio-economic development in the last few years", the Lt Governor said. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Monday said that foreign tourist arrivals have shown a significant increase in the UT post-G-20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar and the figure is set to go up further in the coming months.

He also announced five malras land for the landless families of J&K and stated that almost two lakh homeless families are being provided homes in the UT under Prime Minister’s Awas Yojna (Yojna).

Addressing a press conference at Rajbhawan, LG Sinha said that the successful G-20 meeting in Srinagar held on May 22 to May 25 this year is proving to be a game changer for the tourism sector in J&K. “The participants of the G-20 meeting have gone back to their respective countries with a good message. Post G-20 meeting, we have seen a significant increase in the foreign tourist arrivals in J&K. The number is set to go up further in the coming months,” he said.

The LG further said that Srinagar is fast emerging as the hub of international activities. “For the first time, the Indian System of Medicines, Engineer’s Association, Chartered Accountant Association and 18 Supreme Court judges participated in different meetings in Srinagar recently,” he said.

He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced PM Awas Yojna and J&K couldn’t lag behind. “After discussing the issue with the Administrative Council and with the Revenue and Rural Development department, it was decided that 5 malras land will be given to the landless families of J&K. So far 2711 landless families have been given land and more will be covered shortly. Similarly, as far as the homeless families are concerned, a total of 1, 99,550 families have been identified and till June 21, 1,44000 families have been given sanction while remaining will be covered as well,” he said.

To a query whether West Pak Refugees were covered under the scheme, the LG gave a guarded reply stating that there is no caste and religion being followed in the scheme. “A proper eligibility criterion is being followed. Whosoever is eligible is being covered,” he said. “Providing land to the landless and homes to the homeless is a revolutionary step. Once a poor person gets home, he will think of earning a  living and sending his children to schools,” the LG said.

He said land and homes are being given to the eligible people in their respective Panchayats only. “It is not like someone who is eligible in Anantnag district will be given a home in Samba,” the LG said.

About the Amarnath Yatra, he said that the pilgrimage is going on smoothly on both tracks amid proper security arrangements.

“There are 4000 sanitary workers who are deployed for the cleanliness of trash,” he said, adding that the one area of concern is traffic management of tourists and local citizens which is being streamlined in the next two days. “It is being ensured that locals face the least inconvenience,” the LG said (KNO)

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha chaired a meeting to review the preparations of District Administrations and various departments ahead of Eid-ul-Adha festival.

The meeting was attended by Sh Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Deputy Commissioners, Senior Superintendents of Police and senior officers.

The Lt Governor took appraisal of augmentation of the supply of essential items and services, security and traffic management in view of Eid-ul-Adha.

He impressed upon the Deputy Commissioners, SSPs and officers of stakeholder departments to make all necessary arrangements for the festival.

The Lt Governor also directed the DCs to constitute Joint Teams for market inspection, monitoring and implementation of notified rates of essential items.

Sanitation and cleanliness in and around religious places, availability of Doctors, medical facilities, fire and emergency services should be ensured, the Lt Governor said.(GNS)

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday visited Nunwan base camp and reviewed the arrangements made for the Amarnath pilgrims in south Kashmir.

The 62-day-long Amarnath Yatra will commence from July 1 from the two traditional routes of Nunwan in Pahalgam and Baltal in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district. Lieutenant Governor today reviewed the arrangements made for the pilgrims at Nunwan Base camp.

He took stock of logistics, lodging, health and other facilities and also directed the officials for making best arrangements to ensure smooth pilgrimage. (UNI) 

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of Haj pilgrims of the Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir from Srinagar International Airport, today.
The Lt Governor interacted with the pilgrims and conveyed his greetings and best wishes to them.

“I pray for the successful pilgrimage of the blessed pilgrims who are embarking upon the sacred journey for performing the Haj,” said the Lt Governor. He also prayed for peace and prosperity for Jammu Kashmir and well-being of its people.
A total of 40 flights will be operating between 7th to 22nd June from Srinagar International Airport. This year, around 12,079 pilgrims from Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir and 452 from Ladakh UT will perform Haj pilgrimage.  
The Haj pilgrims will be received by the Consulate General of India, Ministry of External Affairs, GoI, at Jeddah.

Ms Safina Baig, Chairperson J&K Haj Committee; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Sh Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir;  Sh Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Sh Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Budgam and members of J&K Haj Committee, senior officers of Airport Authority, Civil and Police administration were present on the occasion. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has approved an ex-gratia of Rs. 5 lakh for the next of kin of Deepu, who was killed by militants in Anantnag on 29th May 2023.

According to statement issued to GNS, The Lt Governor has also approved Rs. 5 lakh each for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to a tragic bus accident today in Jammu and Rs. 50,000 each for those seriously injured.

He has directed the district administration to take care of the treatment and provide all assistance to the bereaved families, reads the statement. (GNS)