Srinagar, Jan 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said elections for local bodies will be conducted for establishing a 3-tier governance structure.
“For further strengthening and ensuring peoples’ participation at a broader level, polls for local bodies will be conducted, “ he said in an R-Day message.
He said Jammu and Kashmir’s economy has recorded a growth rate of 9.5% which is driven by sustained government initiatives and strategic policy measures. GSDP of J&K is estimated at ₹2.45 lakh crore for 2023-24, up from ₹2,20 lakh crore in 2022-23. This positive trajectory highlights the effectiveness of ongoing economic development strategies, infrastructure advancements, and business-friendly policies.
He said in a historic stride towards progress, the Railway is set to connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the nation, heralding a new era of development, economic growth, and unity.
J&K is witnessing rapid development in hydropower generation. Mega hydro projects like PakalDul, Kiru, and Ratle shall be ready by 2026 and Kwar by December 2027 collectively adding 3,014 MW generation capacity. Another four hydropower projects having 1818 MW generation capacity (Dulhasti-II, Kirthai-I, Kirthai-II, and Uri-II) are in the pipeline. Sawalkote HEP is in the techno-economic study phase which is being conducted by NHPC. In the transmission sector, a total capacity addition of 310 MVA has been achieved at 220 kV & 132 kV voltage levels. In the distribution sector also, 28 Receiving Stations and 503 Substations with a capacity addition of 211.44 MVA have been created/augmented. The holy shrine of Shri Amarnathji Baba shall be provided Grid connected uninterrupted power supply through underground cabling during this year, he said.
He said there has been remarkable progress in strengthening the healthcare infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. AIIMS Jammu is now providing services to the people, and work on AIIMS Kashmir is progressing rapidly. Seven new medical colleges and two cancer hospitals have been established.
A Bone and Joint Hospital in Jammu and a 500-bed Pediatric Hospital in Srinagar have been inaugurated. The number of MBBS seats has increased from 500 to 1,300. Additionally, 297 PG seats, 344 DNB seats, 143 M.Sc. Nursing seats, 1,485 B.Sc. Nursing seats, and 1,660 B.Sc. Paramedical seats have been added. Furthermore, 26 new B.Sc. Nursing Colleges and 19 B.Sc. Paramedical Colleges have been started. To provide financial assistance to needy patients for terminal surgeries, the MukhyamantriSwasthya Trust will be established, he said.
He said the Government of India is implementing a Whole of Government Approach to eliminate co-terror networks and drug syndicates, ensuring that future generations are freed from the vicious cycle of drug addiction. For this purpose, the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan have been implemented. To make J&K NashaMukt, various initiatives are being taken up through monitoring and counseling to combat the drug menace which includes Aadhaar-based dispensing systems, enhanced surveillance, and ensuring strict enforcement to prevent misuse of medicinal preparations in coordination with NGOs & other stakeholders. Drug De-addiction infrastructure has been created in all 20 districts with the availability of anti-drug treatment facilities. 377 Panchayats have been made NashaMukt. Drug awareness camps are being organized in villages, schools, and colleges. Strict action is being taken against drug peddlers contraband substances are being seized, FIRs registered, and property of peddlers seized.