Sinha uses discretionary powers to give job to Adil’s wife
* 16 tourist destinations to be reopened
Excelsior Correspondent
Kulgam, June 14: Drawing a line, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said that only police comes under his control while rest of the departments fall within the domain of the elected Government.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan at Khudwani in this South Kashmir district, Sinha said that the progress of agriculture sector is must as huge population is dependent on this sector.
Responding to a set of demands from the farming community, including inclusion of horticulture under the Crop Insurance Scheme, he said, “You said, ‘LG Sahab, give us something.’ “The only thing I can give you are the police personnel. Rest – roads, water, power, agriculture – fall under the Government’s domain. I won’t object to any development work initiated by the elected regime.”
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The remark came in response to a statement of Minister Sakina Itoo. It was received with applause and appreciation for its candidness. “I have no objection if the elected Government acts on your pleas. I stand with you,” the LG said.
Meanwhile, Sinha today visited the family of Late Syed Adil Hussain Shah, at his native village in Haptnadh, Anantnag and handed over the appointment letter to his wife Gulnaz Akhter on compassionate ground.
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Syed Adil Hussain, was among the 26 innocent civilians who were killed by terrorists in Pahalgam.
The Lieutenant Governor paid homage to the martyr civilian and assured the family of concrete measures and continuous support so that they may live a life of dignity.
“The whole country is proud of the bravery of Adil. The Government job to martyr Adil’s wife symbolizes our deep gratitude to the brave civilian who sacrificed his life while protecting tourists at Pahalgam on 22nd April,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The appointment of Gulnaz Akhter has been made by the Lieutenant Governor in exercise of the discretionary powers conferred under Clause-2A of Jammu and Kashmir Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme, 2022 in relaxation of her educational qualification.
As per clause 2A of J&K Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme-2022, the Lieutenant Governor in exceptional circumstances may appoint the dependent family member of a civilian, who has died as a result of militancy/terrorist related action or due to law and order situation or due to enemy action and who is not involved in militancy related activity, in Government Service.
The conferment of relaxation of age/qualification for appointment under J&K Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme-2022 solely lies with the Lieutenant Governor.
The appointment of Gulnaz Akhter has been made by the LG under exceptional circumstances as her husband was a civilian and not a Government employee. Further, appointment has been made in relaxation of her educational qualification. There is no role of Fisheries Department in granting relaxation as well as appointment in the instant case.
Acknowledging the supreme sacrifice of Adil Hussain Shah during the terrorist attack at Baisaran Pahalgam, the Lieutenant Governor in exercise of the discretionary powers has considered the appointment of wife of the slain civilian in relaxation of her educational qualification, so that it can bring a succour to the family.
This decision is a heartfelt gesture to support the bereaved family and ensure their dignity and well-being, reflecting the administration’s unwavering commitment to justice and compassion.
Speaking to reporters after the visit at Hapatnard, Sinha said, “This visit is a solemn commitment. We had assured the family of all possible support, and today’s step reflects our efforts to stand by them in this hour of grief.”
Sinha assured full Government support to Gulnaz and her children, reiterating that the administration remains committed to supporting the families of terror victims.
“We wanted to come personally and meet the family, offer condolences, and ensure they know they are not alone in this tragedy,” he added.
The Government has already appointed his brother in the Waqf Board earlier.
Meanwhile, Sinha today announced reopening of 16 tourist destinations across Jammu Kashmir, which were temporarily closed as precautionary measures after the Pahalgam terror attack on tourists on 22nd April.
Of these tourist spots and parks, 8 are in Jammu Division and 8 in Srinagar. The Betab Valley and Parks in Pahalgam Market, Verinag Garden, Kokernag Garden and Achabal Garden will reopen from 17th June.
The LG said that other tourist destinations being reopened include Badamwari Park, Duck Park, Taqdeer Park in Srinagar, Sarthal, Dhaggar in Kathua, Devi Pindi, Siyad Baba, Sula Park in Reasi, Guldanda and Jai valley in Doda and Pancheri in Udhampur. “Reopening will be in a phase-wise manner,” he added.
Following the Pahalgam attack out of 87 tourist destinations the Government had ordered closure of 48 places temporarily in April this year.
Sinha also met the delegation of Member of Legislative Assembly, DDC Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons, tour and travel operators, Ponywala association and hoteliers’ associations at Pahalgam. He assured the delegation that restrictions on other tourist spots will be lifted after thorough security assessment.
The LG exuded hope that the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra will help in reviving tourism in Kashmir. “I urge people to come forward and make the annual Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrimage successful. This Yatra is not just the responsibility of the administration or security forces, it is the people’s Yatra. Everyone should feel proud to contribute to it,” he said.
He said the security agencies have prepared a comprehensive security plan and urged the pilgrims to travel in the designated convoy.
Sinha said over the past few years, significant improvements have been made in infrastructure to support the Yatra which include better roads, improved power and telecom connectivity, increased accommodation facilities, and strengthened security systems.
The LG also visited the Nunwan base camp and reviewed the progress of Disaster Management Centre and Yatri Niwas. He also inspected security and other arrangements for Shri Amarnathji pilgrimage beginning 3rd July.
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