Ishtiyaq Kar
Morning Kashmir Report
SRINAGAR, OCT 26: The Jammu and Kashmir administration is preparing to celebrate the upcoming Union Territory Foundation Day on October 31.
This important occasion marks a year of progress, unity, and development since the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized into two separate Union Territories – Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
On October 31, 2019, Jammu and Kashmir underwent a historic transformation when it was bifurcated into two Union Territories, thereby revoking its special autonomous status granted under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution.
The decision was made with the aim of promoting development, security, and better governance in the region. The day holds historical importance, and preparations for the grand celebration are in full swing.
Government officials have highlighted a strong emphasis on the participation of common citizens and representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) in upcoming celebrations.
“The government acknowledges that these individuals are the ultimate beneficiaries of the transformative changes that have taken place. Furthermore, the government has urged its various departments to actively encourage the public to share videos capturing the changes they’ve personally witnessed. To incentivize quality feedback, rewards will be offered. The significance of respecting and recording the perspectives of the people is underlined, as these insights will inform future interventions,” the officials said.
Officials said that the Chief Secretary has also instructed the IT Department to launch competitions on the ‘MyGov’ portal, thereby fostering greater public participation. Simultaneously, the Culture Department has been directed to coordinate a series of cultural events across the Union Territory, providing a platform for all to showcase their creativity.
Recognizing that students represent the future well-being of the region, the Chief Secretary has called upon the Education Department to actively engage them in the celebratory activities.
It is noteworthy that the developments in various sectors, including social, economic, and infrastructure improvements, were lauded by the central government and also commended efforts to enhance transparency, responsiveness, and accountability in governance through various IT initiatives in the UT. These initiatives include the implementation of e-Office, online services, BEAMS, and PaySys.
“Of particular note is the substantial increase in infrastructure projects, with their number rising from roughly 1,500 to approximately 43,000 in the past year. Over the course of the four years since the transition of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory, nearly 2 lakh projects have been successfully completed,” the officials said.
Meanwhile, sources said that all government departments have been urged to prepare documents and videos showcasing their achievements and make these reforms, accomplishments, and changes public.
Various government departments have been tasked with fostering unity and celebrating the rich heritage and historical legacy of the Union Territory.
The School Education Department has been specifically entrusted with hosting a range of cultural events, including painting competitions, art and photography exhibitions, debates, and quizzes, with winners to be felicitated. Additionally, the district administration will spearhead community service and donation drives across all public institutions as part of the festive celebrations.
Sources further said that in a bid to foster extensive awareness, the administration at local, district, and divisional levels is gearing up to launch social media campaigns. “These campaigns aim to spotlight the holistic progress and development of the Union Territory across a spectrum of sectors. Utilizing hashtags such as #JKFoundationDay, #JKTowardsTransparency, #PovertyFreeJK, #JKPride, and #UnityinDiversity, these initiatives are set to resonate throughout the digital landscape,” they said.
The celebration of the Union Territory Foundation Day is also expected to boost tourism in the region. Jammu and Kashmir has long been a popular tourist destination for its breathtaking landscapes, including the stunning Himalayan Mountains, serene lakes, and lush green valleys. The administration is keen on leveraging the occasion to attract more visitors and bolster the local economy.
UT Foundation Day: J&K gears up for grand celebrations
