Jammu, Feb 02 (KINS): Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, on Monday addressed the Legislative Assembly on the opening day of the Budget Session, describing the occasion as a defining moment to reflect on the Union Territory’s democratic journey, development achievements and future roadmap.
The 27-day-long Assembly session, spread over three months with double sittings, commenced with the LG’s address.
Calling the session significant, Sinha said it marks the functioning of an elected government after a gap of several years, a transition that has reinforced public faith in democratic institutions and restored participatory governance. He said his government remains committed to strengthening democratic processes, including the timely conduct of local body elections, and ensuring that the voices of all regions and communities are reflected in policy making.
“It is my privilege to address this august House at the commencement of the Budget Session. This is not merely an accounting of resources, but a reflection of our vision for a peaceful, inclusive, resilient and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir,” the Lieutenant Governor said, while expressing gratitude to farmers, workers, artisans, youth, women, entrepreneurs, professionals, security forces and public servants for their role in the Union Territory’s transformation.
The LG said the development strategy of Jammu and Kashmir continues to be guided by the principles of Economy, Ecology and Equity, ensuring balanced, inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth. He emphasised that good governance remains the cornerstone of development, with sustained reforms in transparency, accountability, digital governance and citizen-centric service delivery.
Highlighting governance reforms, Sinha said over 1,500 public services are now available online, while 391 services have been integrated with the auto-appeal system to ensure time-bound delivery. He said responsive administration has been strengthened through regular grievance redressal meetings at the Chief Minister’s Outreach Office and the JK Samadhan portal, resulting in the resolution of thousands of public grievances.
The Lieutenant Governor said Jammu and Kashmir recorded 82 crore e-transactions in the past year, averaging over 22 lakh transactions per day, while 128 services have been integrated with DigiLocker. Complete Aadhaar seeding of welfare beneficiaries has enabled seamless Direct Benefit Transfer, under which ₹9,000 crore has been credited directly into the accounts of 80 lakh beneficiaries through 77 DBT-based schemes in the current financial year. He also announced that a comprehensive AI strategy is being formulated to improve efficiency across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, mobility and law enforcement.
On the economic front, Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir is among the fastest-growing States and Union Territories, registering an annual nominal growth rate of around 11 percent in 2024–25. GST collections have risen from ₹8,064 crore in 2023–24 to ₹8,586 crore in 2024–25, while tariff revenue from the power sector has increased by 16 percent. He said Special Assistance to States for Capital Infusion (SASCI) has been extended to J&K, with ₹1,431 crore sanctioned for 222 projects, of which ₹1,083 crore has already been released.
The LG said reforms in Jammu and Kashmir Bank, including professional management and capital infusion, have resulted in a turnaround, with improved net NPAs and capital adequacy.
Highlighting infrastructure as a key growth driver, Sinha said the road sector has witnessed unprecedented investment of ₹61,528 crore, covering expressways, national highways, ring roads and tunnels. Three major tunnels, including the Sonamarg Tunnel, have been completed, while eight others, including the strategic Zojila Tunnel, are at advanced stages. The Narbal–Shopian–Surankote road has been declared a National Highway to strengthen all-weather connectivity across the Pir Panjal region. He added that 19 new National Highway projects worth ₹10,637 crore have been sanctioned for 2025–26, including the Pir Ki Gali Tunnel, Sadhna Tunnel, Lal Chowk–Parimpora Flyover and Magam Flyover.
Tourism, Sinha said, continues to be a vital pillar of the economy, with the Union Territory recording 1.78 crore tourist visits in 2025 despite security-related incidents and natural calamities such as the Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor and floods. He said tourism has been accorded industry status to attract investment and employment. Highlighting the opening of the Chrysanthemum Garden, Bagh-e-Gul-e Dawood, he said it will position Kashmir as a year-round destination, especially during the autumn season. Special focus, he added, is being laid on pilgrim tourism in Jammu, adventure tourism in Kashmir and eco-tourism in tribal and border areas.
The Lieutenant Governor said the power sector has undergone a structural transformation, with hydropower projects such as Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar and Ratle (3,014 MW capacity) under execution. Over the last five years, 5,708 MVA capacity has been added to distribution and 4,239 MVA to transmission. He said 10.44 lakh smart prepaid meters have already been installed, with 100 percent coverage targeted by 2026–27. Power losses have reduced by nine percent, while revenue realisation has increased by 16 percent. Solarisation under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has covered over 6,700 government buildings and 16,800 households.
On connectivity, Sinha termed railway linkage to Kashmir as a historic milestone that will open new avenues for trade, tourism and economic growth. He said a full-fledged railway division has been sanctioned for J&K and modernisation of Jammu Tawi railway station is underway.
Employment generation and youth empowerment, the LG said, remain central to the government’s vision. In 2025, 7,650 government posts were filled through transparent recruitment, while selection for 23,800 more posts is underway. He said 910 compassionate appointments were made, including to kin of terror-affected families. Under Mission YUVA, aimed at establishing 1.35 lakh enterprises, over 1.51 lakh youth have registered, with loans exceeding ₹800 crore already sanctioned.
Highlighting social welfare measures, Sinha said ration support is being provided to 25 lakh families under NFSA, while 16.62 lakh households receive free ration under PMGKAY. Over 10 lakh beneficiaries are covered under social security schemes with enhanced pensions. Housing remains a priority, with 3.21 lakh houses built under PMAY (Gramin) and land provided to landless and disaster-affected families.
On industrial growth, the LG said 2,227 industrial units with investment of ₹15,940 crore are operational, generating employment for over 73,800 people, while more units are under implementation. He noted that 1,316 startups, including 471 women-led ventures, have been registered, and the handloom and handicrafts sector continues to support nearly 4.45 lakh livelihoods.
Concluding his address, the Lieutenant Governor called upon all legislators 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.(KINS)
