‘We can tell world that UT is touching new heights’
*New J&K will emerge in Amritkaal, move ahead with peace
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, May 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today expressed confidence that with G20 meeting in Srinagar, influx of international tourists will go up in Jammu and Kashmir and tourism and hospitality industry will gain immensely benefitting the common man whose income will surge.
He was speaking at monthly ‘Awaam Ki Awaaz’ Radio Address this morning.
“A new Jammu and Kashmir will emerge in Amritkaal with peace and prosperity,” Sinha said as he focused a good part of his address to G20 meeting beginning tomorrow in Srinagar.
“G20 meeting is a great opportunity for 1.30 crore people of Jammu and Kashmir to display culture and tradition. It’s not mere an official programme but that of citizens of the Union Territory. With its success, we can tell the world that Jammu and Kashmir is touching new heights,” he said.
Pointing out that collection of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in Jammu and Kashmir has gone up by 40 percent, the Lieutenant Governor said new roads, tunnels, Industrial Estates, malls, hospitals, Medical Colleges and hydro power projects are coming up in the Union Territory.
“Responsibility to make G20 programme a success lies on your shoulders,” he said addressing the people.
Sinha said it was after decades that they have got a chance to show their progress to the world. With G20 event, influx of international tourists will go up. Tourism and hospitality industry will also gain. Income of the common man will go up, he asserted.
He noted that 60 percent of total population of the world lives in G20 nations which also contribute 85 percent of Global GDP. G20 nations cover 75 percent of global trade. In view of this, he said, Handloom and Handicraft products of Jammu and Kashmir can get extensive global market.
“This will also give boost to economy of Jammu and Kashmir,” Sinha said.
Asserting that Y20 meetings were also organized by many educational institutions in the Union Territory, the Lieutenant Governor said he is confident that historic opportunity in the form of G20 will encourage future generations of J&K.
An official handout said: Sharing the inspirational example of Government-public partnership in development, the Lt Governor appreciated the District administration Bandipora, residents & Pune-based civil society group for their unique initiative to transform Aragam village situated on the banks of Wular lake.
“Aragam will soon be converted into country’s largest Book Village with active participation of the local community. Apart from books in 6 different languages, old manuscripts and paintings will also be available in the libraries, which will introduce tourists to ancient history and folk culture of J&K,” he added.
Sinha congratulated the farmers of Sagam village, Anantnag for reviving Mushkbudji the heritage crop, known for its aroma. The efforts of Sagam Mushkbudji Farmers Producer Company will provide a new fillip to the farming of one of the most cherished and valued products of J&K, he said.
Sinha shared the success stories of Neelam Rani & Gowhar Jabeena, the women entrepreneurs from Kathua & Anantnag, and Rohit Salaria, a young entrepreneur from Udhampur.
Gowhar Jabeena of Anantnag has established ‘Green Posh Nursery Unit’, the first Kiwi nursery in Kashmir division. Her achievements in this unexplored sector are inspiring the locals and budding entrepreneurs, said the Lt Governor.
The entrepreneurial zeal of Kathua’s Neelam Rani has not only empowered the local womenfolk but has also widened the market reach of the Basohli Pashmina Shawls, he added.
Sinha said the young entrepreneurs like Rohit Salaria of Udhampur with their efforts are inspiring other youth to become job giver and to create more space for young entrepreneurs. Rohit Salaria has set up a food processing unit under PM’s Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme.
He lauded the renowned artist Sohan Singh Billawaria for training budding artists and also promoting rich legacy of Basohli painting.
Sinha also shared the suggestions of Kulgam’s Dr Rizwan Rumi and Ehsan Quddusi of Pulwama regarding developing an institutional mechanism to raise awareness, skilling, and financial support to young entrepreneurs in horticulture sector.
He made special mention of valuable inputs received from Saima Mushtaq of Srinagar and Jammu’s Sanchaita Pradhan to promote the famous folk arts and crafts of rural Jammu Kashmir. Doda’s Humerah Balwan, Ridham Gupta of Samba and Jammu’s Apurva Mishra had written on empowerment of the girl child. Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh of Anantnag and Dr. Kumar Sourabh of Jammu suggested active participation of youth in water conservation and lake rejuvenation.
The Lt Governor issued directions to the concerned departments and officials for taking appropriate action on the suggestions received from the citizens.
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