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: 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: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is scheduled to inaugurate Kashmir's first Vistadome coach service today, which will operate from Budgam to Banihal.

An official told News Agency Kashmir Scroll, all the necessary arrangements for the launch have been completed. The Vistadome coach is a modern and advanced coach manufactured by the Indian Railways. The official said that It is specifically designed to offer passengers both comfort during travel and an enhanced viewing experience of the beautiful surroundings. The coaches, known as 'Vistadome,' will be deployed on the scenic route connecting Budgam and Banihal stations.

The officer said that passengers will have the opportunity to embark on a breathtaking journey through the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir while enjoying the comfortable and visually immersive facilities provided by the Vistadome coach. (KS)

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha addressed the inaugural session of the Round Table Conference with newly appointed Vice Chancellors from various universities of the country at the University of Kashmir.

In his address, the Lt Governor appreciated the endeavour of the Association of Indian Universities to bring together the Vice Chancellors on a common platform to deliberate on University Governance, Collaboration and promoting innovation in academic world.

“Higher education institutions across the world are undergoing radical transformations. The Universities and colleges will have to formulate strategic plan, organizational readiness for adjustments aligned with NEP 2020 to stay relevant in a constantly evolving world.

Educate in India should be our aim and we need to increase our share in multi-trillion dollar global education sector. Institutions with aspirational and shared vision should focus to improve ranking. It should be our top priority and we must take bold action to achieve this goal,” the Lt Governor said.

We are witnessing a massive growth in demand for higher education. In 10-15 years, India has contributed 74% of all new higher education institutions started in the world. We need to ensure quality of studies to provide new tools to students to face the changes and challenges, he said.

He said, more than 13 lakh Indian students are studying in 79 countries. As per an estimate of 2020, students studying abroad are spending approximately $30 billion annually. Despite having the largest number of higher educational institutions in the world and best facilities, not a single institution of ours is included in the top 10 educational hubs of the world, because of lack of promotion, he added.

Many countries of Global South are now focused on enrolling International students. But we are lagging behind. On the contrary, we top the list of Countries for sending highest number of students abroad. This trend needs to be reversed with transformational approach, the Lt Governor said.

At the Conference, the Lt Governor shared the efforts of the UT Administration, under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to overhaul the education system in Jammu Kashmir.

“Since September 2020, J&K is witnessing encouraging reforms in higher education sector. Universities and Colleges have been enabled to focus on demand for education outputs, industry requirements, innovation, new-age skills and to be flexible and resilient to meet the needs of tomorrow,” the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor also underlined the need for the Universities to adjust to the change and meet future challenges.

Today, the pace of change in every sector is faster than before. The biggest transformational revolution is required in the University Campus, the Lt Governor said.

“To remain relevant in the future, Universities will have to function like a Professional Corporation in which each department, unit, teacher play their crucial role as a separate part and forms a complete organic mechanism,” he said.

Innovation and entrepreneurship cannot be taught through books. Arrangements should be made that students are involved in field learning every week, the Lt Governor said.

Prof. Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman, J&K Higher Education Council, in his address, shared the ongoing transformation in higher education sector in Jammu Kashmir.

Dr Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General, Association of Indian University highlighted the endeavours of AIU for enhancing the engagement of universities and teachers in reforming the education system in the country.

Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir; Vice Chancellors of various universities; HoDs; senior officers and faculty members were present.(GNS)

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today laid the foundation stone of much-awaited 125-bedded District Hospital Complex at a cost of Rs 49.32 crore at Reshipora, Budgam.

 In his address, the Lt Governor congratulated the people of Budgam on the occasion. Today is a historic day for all of us in terms of development. The 125-bedded Hospital will fulfill the long pending demand and dream of the people of having all the health facilities under one roof, he said.

“People’s health is the top priority of administration and this project is a testimony to our commitment to bring better health facilities to small towns, strengthening public health service delivery, minimizing inconvenience and referrals to Tertiary health care centres in Srinagar,” the Lt Governor said.

Addressing a huge gathering, the Lt Governor highlighted the efforts of the administration to establish transparent and responsive governance.

“We have traveled a long distance in the last three years in terms of speedy execution of projects within the stipulated period and eliminated the gap between the aspirations of people and the delivery by administration with dedication and commitment,” the Lt Governor said.

He said the UT Administration, under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister, is working diligently to ensure there is no scope for discrimination and corruption.

Our policies have been formulated with the objective of ensuring living standards of common man are improved and deprived section of the society is empowered, he said.

At Budgam, the Lt Governor paid homage to the martyrs of Police and Security Forces.

“The UT administration is determined to create a fear-free, terrorism-free, corruption-free and future-oriented Jammu Kashmir. We salute our soldiers and police personnel who laid down their lives in combating terrorism. I assure the people that we will make J&K terror-free. This is our resolve,” the Lt Governor said.

He called upon the citizens to discharge their duties and contribute in the development of J&K.

Development should become a powerful people’s movement in all 20 districts and the elements making efforts to disturb peace must be isolated by the society, he added.

He said the conflict profiteers who kept the people of J&K away from mainstream development, those who built their houses in foreign countries and sent their children abroad for studies think that they only have all the rights on government resources.

We have been successful in breaking the backbone of ecosystem of conflict profiteers and will strike the last nail in the coffin of these subversive forces, the Lt Governor said.

Speaking on PM Vishwakarma scheme launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Lt Governor said the scheme provides the benefits including toolkit incentive of Rs 15,000, training of artisans, Rs 500 per day during training, collateral-free credit support up to Rs 1 lakh (first tranche) and Rs 2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5%, incentive for digital transactions and marketing support, he said.

J&K is the biggest beneficiary of the reformative schemes introduced by the Central Government in the last few years.  We will make every effort to extend the benefits of this Scheme across the UT and transform the lives of the artisans and craftspeople of Jammu Kashmir working with their hands and tools, the Lt Governor said.

It will be ensured that the eligible beneficiaries are being identified at panchayat level, their ID cards are prepared at District level and the final list will be notified at UT level, he added.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor lauded the public representatives and District Administration for commendable efforts to create smart facilities for the people and inspiring other districts as well to follow in their footsteps. I am confident very soon the dream of Smart City Budgam will be realized, he said.

He said the administration has also initiated the process of establishing Cluster University in Budgam.

“Deputy Commissioner Budgam has proposed the land for Cluster University in Budgam. Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir is working on the proposal and I am hopeful that very soon we will lay the foundation of Cluster University Kashmir in Budgam,” the Lt Governor said. 

Sh Nazir Ahmad Khan, Chairman, District Development Council, Budgam expressed gratitude to the Lt Governor-led UT Administration for granting the sanction and approval for the establishment of District Hospital Complex at Budgam in a short period of time.

Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Sh Bhupinder Kumar, Secretary Health and Medical Education; Sh Vijay Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Sh Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Budgam; PRI members, senior officers and citizens from all walks of life were present.

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday announced that the UT Administration has drafted a new Start-Up Policy 2023 for Jammu Kashmir which will be notified by next month.

The announcement was made by LG during his address in the valedictory session of J&K Start-Up Conclave 2023 in Srinagar, today.

In his address, the Lt Governor congratulated the Department of Industries and Commerce J&K for organizing the first of its kind conclave in collaboration with other stakeholders and startups from the UT.

The Lt Governor announced that the UT Administration has drafted a new Start-Up Policy 2023 for Jammu Kashmir which will be notified by next month.

He said the new policy will provide a roadmap for nurturing innovation, creating jobs and driving economic growth. It will ensure market access, suitable infrastructure and all the assistance and help to entrepreneurs in their journey, he added.

J&K Start-Up Policy will also facilitate the growth of many cutting-edge sectors for Jammu and Kashmir which are still untapped. For the Seed Funding, a one-time assistance up to Rs. 20 lakhs in 4 equal installments will be provided to start-ups recognized by J&K Government, the Lt Governor said.

Government will also provide a Capital grant on setting up/scaling up incubator and accelerator infrastructure in the UT with assistance up to Rs 50 Lakh per incubator. Our prime objective is to ensure there is at least one incubator in every district, he said

The Lt Governor said that under a comprehensive Start-Up Assistance Program, support and mentorship will be provided to the young and budding entrepreneurs.

He also shared the vision of the UT Administration for collaboration with Startup India, angel investor networks, financial institutions and premier institutes under the programme.

In our unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth, we have decided to allocate carpet area of 11,200 sqft built spaces at competitive prices at Rangreth for IT, ITES & Tech Startup sectors. Also, the surplus spaces at JKEDI will now be made available to Startups, the Lt Governor said.

He said the institutionalized interactions between business leaders, experts, policy makers and academia during the Conclave are a crucial part of the strategy of the UT administration to speedily bring about transformation in J&K’s Start-Up Ecosystem.

“Jammu Kashmir is offering high-impact entrepreneurship, resources and abundant opportunities to serve the global market. It is the perfect place for any entrepreneur who is in search of the next big thing with the goal of becoming the first mover,” the Lt Governor said.

He assured every possible assistance and handholding to the budding entrepreneurs and potential start-ups by the administration.

“Young Entrepreneurs with new ideas and full of energy are our new heroes. They are developing an entrepreneurial, innovation-based economy and changing the lexicon of success in business ventures. Today, J&K provides the most ambitious environment to realize a great business plan,” he said.

At the Conclave, the Lt Governor highlighted the major reforms sweeping through J&K in the last few years.

We have embarked on several historic initiatives in developing our infrastructure and sunrise sectors. Earnest efforts are also being made to tap the potential of rich natural resources available here in abundance to bring prosperity in the lives of the people, he observed.

From rural economy to smart mobility, J&K is full of possibilities and offering opportunity of a lifetime, the Lt Governor said.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor called upon every section of the society to play their important role in realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat and Viksit J&K. It is our collective responsibility to ensure peace and stability in Jammu Kashmir, he said. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the two-day workshop for Sensitization/Training programmes for representatives of PRIs, ULBs, Police and other stakeholders to strengthen the Child Protection System and Mechanism in the UT of Jammu Kashmir.

This is the first such campaign organised by the Women and Child Development Ministry, Government of India in the country.

In his address, the Lt Governor expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Women and Child Development and lauded the Social Welfare Department for its innovative initiative which aims to organise training programme for 15,000 persons in 2023-24.

He said the training programme is the testimony to the commitment of the UT Administration to secure a blissful childhood and to ensure a supportive ecosystem for children which enables them to realize their true potential.

 “For many decades, our children did not get the childhood they deserve. Conflict profiteers brainwashed them and handed over stones in their hands. We have decimated that ecosystem and our children now carry laptops, tabs and contributing in nation building,” the Lt Governor said.

Addressing the inaugural session, the Lt Governor highlighted the need to provide homes to the children living in institutional care and in street situation.

 “I believe childhood blossoms in a vibrant environment of home, hence institutional care should be the last option,” the Lt Governor said.

He said the government has taken several rehabilitation and child care initiatives, and adoption through joint effort of Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) and State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA) has started that will promote family-based non-institutional care of children.

The Lt Governor also called upon public representatives, NGOs, community elders, religious leaders and youth clubs to join the fight against the drug menace.

Adolescent drug abuse is one of the major areas of concern. We have adopted zero tolerance policy against drugs and it is our collective responsibility to raise awareness and strengthen action to realize the vision of drug-free J&K, he said.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor asked the officials of the central government to consider the establishment of Vatsalya Sadan one each in Jammu and Srinagar.

Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary J&K; Sh. Sanjeev Kumar Chadha, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Women & Child Development; Ms. Indra Mallo, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women & Child Development; Ms Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare Department and senior officers from Central Government and UT Administration were present.

The inaugural session was attended by PRIs and ULB members, Police officials; Resource persons, representatives of Juvenile Justice Board, Judiciary, NGOs and other stakeholders.

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said for many decades "conflict profiteers" brainwashed children and handed over stones in their hands.

Lt Governor said this during the inauguration of a two day workshop for sensitization, training programmes for representatives of PRI’s ULB’s Police and other stakeholders to strengthen the Child Protection System and Mechanism in Jammu and Kashmir.

“For many decades, our children did not get the childhood they deserve. Conflict profiteers brainwashed them and handed over stones in their hands”, he said and added “We have decimated that ecosystem and our children now carry laptops, tabs and contribute to nation building”.

“I believe childhood blossoms in a vibrant environment of home, hence institutional care should be the last option,” Lt Governor said.

He highlighted the need to provide homes to the children living in institutional care and in street situation.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor asked the officials of the central government to consider the establishment of Vatsalya Sadan one each in Jammu and Srinagar.

He said the government has taken several rehabilitation and child care initiatives, and adoption through joint effort of Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) and State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA) has started to promote family-based non-institutional care of children.

Lt Governor also called upon public representatives, NGOs, community elders, religious leaders and youth clubs to join the fight against the drug menace.

Adolescent drug abuse is one of the major areas of concern. We have adopted a zero tolerance policy against drugs and it is our collective responsibility to raise awareness and strengthen action to realize the vision of drug-free J&K, he said.

This is the first such campaign organised by the Women and Child Development Ministry, Government of India in the country.

Lt Governor expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Women and Child Development and lauded the Social Welfare Department for its innovative initiative which aims to organise a training programme for 15,000 persons in 2023-24.

He said the training programme is the testimony to the commitment of the Administration to secure a blissful childhood and to ensure a supportive ecosystem for children which enables them to realize their true potential. (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: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today visited Sonamarg and dedicated the 'Golden Glory Eco Park' to the people.

He attended ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ programme and paid tributes to the freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the motherland.

In his address, the Lt Governor recalled the contribution of the prominent personalities of Jammu Kashmir in building a progressive and prosperous society.

 ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ is also a grand occasion for the society to pay tribute to its sons and daughters, who have succeeded in reaching the pinnacle in diverse fields and played a significant role in nation building, the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor shared the efforts of the Administration to maintain peace and accelerate economic and development activities across UT.

“We are fully committed to create business, investment and economic climate in J&K. State-of-the-art highways, rural roads and village-level women-led industries have registered a marked rise over the last few years,” the Lt Governor said.

He said, the decisive steps taken for adequate investment in infrastructure is rebuilding tourism for the future and Ganderbal has immense tourism potential to stimulate socio-economic growth.

The Eco Park inaugurated today will add to the major tourist attraction in the district, he added.

At Sonamarg, the Lt Governor administered the Panch Pran pledge to the people and called for united efforts in taking the nation and the UT forward on the path of peace and development.

We must set certain goals to transform our young generation's enthusiasm, courage, and aspirations into actions, he added.

The Lt Governor also lauded the cooperation and support of people of Ganderbal in ensuring smooth conduct of Shri  Amarnath Ji Yatra.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor e-inaugurated Universal NCD Screening under comprehensive Primary healthcare through Ayush Bharat Health and wellness Centres in Ganderbal. He also launched Ganderbal Chronicles magazine and distributed Kits among Sakhi Club members.

Ms. Nuzhat Ishfaq, DDC Chairperson, Ganderbal; Sh Sujit Kumar DIG; Sh Shyambir, Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal and senior officers of civil, police administration and security forces, prominent citizens and youth were present in large numbers.