‘Intend to continue participation in polls in future’
*Will make Jammu Smart City in real sense
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Oct 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said today that those associated with three ecosystems in Jammu and Kashmir-anti-India, separatist and corrupt are worried these days as the Government of India and Jammu and Kashmir administration have left no space for them to breath. He announced that Jammu will shortly become Smart City in real sense, its economy will grow and tourism will get boost.
Addressing a function after inauguration of renovated Apsara Market in the City here this evening, the Lieutenant Governor referred to a news item pertaining to AB-PMJAY Sehat Scheme and said writer of the article was himself an active part of separatist ecosystem.
“There were three ecosystems—corrupt ecosystem, separatist ecosystem and anti-India ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. Those associated with these three ecosystems are worried and getting pained. They know that the Government of India and J&K administration will not give them any oxygen,” Sinha said.
Denying any kind of irregularities in the Scheme, he said when the Scheme started the Government paid Rs 982 crore worth premium. The Company has so far distributed Rs 1228 crore to the patients. As many as 5.67 lakh patients have been treated so far under the scheme.
There is no State/UT in the country excepting Jammu and Kashmir where every family has been given health insurance, he said.
“If poor people are treated free of cost, they get pained. If we give 5 marlas land to the poor people, they get pained. If we say the poor people’s electricity charges will be waived if those capable of paying give power bills, they get pained,” the Lieutenant Governor said referring to the ecosystem.
Meanwhile, in a brief chart with media persons, Sinha said he never made a statement suggesting that 80 percent of the people in the region don’t want elections but had quoted survey of a Media House which said 80 pc people in J&K are happy with working of the administration and don’t want polls.
Clarifying that he had never personally made any statement suggesting that 80 percent of the population in the region doesn’t want elections, he said he came to know of this claim through a media report, as the National Conference had attributed this statement to him.
“I have actively participated in the elections before, and I intend to continue doing so in the future,” he said but added that he hasn’t come to J&K to contest the polls.
Sinha said renovated Ragunath Bazaar will also be inaugurated in February next year while a local has obtained stay on work of Residency Road and the administration is trying to get the stay vacated.
“We want Jammu to be made Smart City in the real sense wherein its economy will grow and tourism will get boost. Eighty five works have been completed and 39 others will be completed shortly,” he added.
Sinha said the pilgrims returning from Mata Vaishno Devi Ji shrine will also visit Jambhu Zoo. Nearly 7000 people are daily visiting Tirupati Ji temple and the numbers go up to 10,000 on weekends, he added.
On delay in widow pension, the Lieutenant Governor said most of the cases in the City have been cleared and anyone having any problem can visit office of the Deputy Commissioner Jammu.
An official handout said: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurated the complete street development of Apsara Road High Street Gole Market Area along with adjoining roads, today. This road network is a key project of Jammu Smart City Limited.
In his address, the Lt Governor dedicated the upgradation and modernization of road network of 13.5 km in Gandhi Nagar and the development of 600-meter Apsara road stretch into High Street to the people and the local business community.
“Our prime objective is to transform Jammu City into a centre of opportunities for all sections and develop it as an engine of growth and also incubator for young entrepreneurs of J&K UT. We are ensuring that basic utilities are upgraded to meet the demand, and it is inclusive and sustainable to handle growing urbanization,” he said.
He said the revamping of the famous Apsara road will make the market area a major center of attraction for the local people as well as the tourists coming to Jammu and also give a boost to the business and economic activities.
Sinha reiterated the commitment of the UT Administration to bring about a transformative change in the urban environment.
“For quality living, smart mobility and beautification of Jammu City, we have focused on building new and resilient infrastructure. The upgradation of existing physical infrastructure is also providing a solid framework for progress and preparing our cities to meet future challenges”, he said.
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi , we are making earnest efforts for urban rejuvenation and development of facilities to meet the aspiration of the common man. Affordable Rental Housing Complex inaugurated in August was targeted to ensure that the urban population living in slums can access to basic services and livable habitats. A huge workforce contributing to growth has benefitted from this initiative”, the Lt Governor said.
He said, various ongoing projects including Tawi River Front, Heritage Conservation, street development from Mubarak Mandi to Raghunath Bazaar, rejuvenation of water bodies, beautification of approach road to Bahu Fort, waste management, Blue Green Project of Ranbir Canal, and the addition of more electric buses to the fleet in coming days will improve the ease of living and make the city more vibrant and sustainable.
Infrastructure of smart equipment for solid waste management, traffic and smart city policing will also be launched soon to ensure that the functioning of the city is smooth, he added.
The Lt Governor said that citizens and other stakeholders should cooperate in development process, discharge their duty with complete dedication and pay for government services.
I assure the people that the Government will take every decision in favour of common man, traders, business fraternity. Our doors are open 24 hours. I welcome all the suggestions regarding advancement of the society, the Lt Governor said.
Rajinder Sharma, Mayor, Jammu Municipal Corporation; Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member of Parliament; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Anand Jain, IGP Jammu; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Sh Rahul Yadav, CEO Jammu Smart City; ULB members, senior officials, members from trade & business community and prominent citizens were present.
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