J&K witnesses remarkable transformation
Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, July 12 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said that the women-led development in Jammu and Kashmir is key to eradicating terrorism and ushering in lasting peace and prosperity.
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Addressing the valedictory function of women vocational training course at Army Goodwill School Balapur here in Shopian, the LG said, “Under PM Modi’s guidance women’s empowerment has been transformed into a mass movement in Jammu and Kashmir. The social and economic upliftment of women has been our top priority. I strongly believe that women-led development will lead us to overcoming challenges like terrorism, drug addiction, other social evils, and to build a peaceful and prosperous J&K.”
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He said that Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed remarkable transformation during the past five years.
“Our villages are progressing because of the contributions of women. They are not just beneficiaries of change-they are the catalysts,” he said, adding that women-led growth is crucial for dismantling the ideological and social roots of terrorism.
Sinha highlighted that initiatives like homestay programs launched five years ago have seen remarkable participation by women. “Today, 58% of homestays are being run by women. This is not just entrepreneurship-it is empowerment in action,” he added.
The LG emphasized the urgent need to bridge the gender gap across sectors. “We must fill in the gaps between men and women in all spheres-economic, social, and administrative. Promoting the women workforce is not optional; it is essential,” he said.
Calling women the true symbols of self-sacrifice and courage, Sinha said women have often demonstrated greater capabilities than men. “If one woman is empowered, she uplifts an entire family and, by extension, society. That is why women’s empowerment remains a top priority of our administration.”
He also referred to flagship governance programs like Back to Village, under which women have been provided 40% reservation and access to loans up to Rs 20 lakh without the need for guarantees. “Such progressive measures have ensured that more women can now dream big and turn their aspirations into enterprises,” he said.
Underlining the role of Nari Shakti in grassroots development, the LG revealed that “in university convocations across J&K, 75% of the gold medals have been bagged by girl students-a clear indication of the changing dynamics and the rise of women in every field.”
Sinha assured that the administration would continue to create policies and platforms to unlock the full potential of women in J&K. “Our development story will only be complete when women stand equally in every sector-empowered, respected, and leading the way forward.
He felicitated the women trainees who completed their vocational training and life enhancement skill courses at the school and five other entrepreneurship and livelihood enhancement centres at Pulwama, Kulgam, Budgam, Anantnag and Pampore.
Citing flagship schemes like the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Umeed, and Tejaswini, the LG said these programs are not just financial tools but platforms of transformation.
He said that the UT’s economy has doubled in the past five years, a feat made possible by good governance, improved law and order, and increased public participation in developmental processes.
“This growth is not just in numbers-it reflects in better roads, schools, digital infrastructure, and livelihoods. We are hopeful that this trend will continue this year as well,” he said
Sinha said that the Army Goodwill Schools as symbols of hope and opportunity for many in remote and far- flung areas.
“There was a time when people were told not to send their children to Army Goodwill Schools. Narratives were created to instill fear and mistrust. But I ask you-if our brave soldiers can protect our borders, then why can’t they help educate our children?”
He said Army Goodwill Schools have become symbols of hope and opportunity for many in remote areas. “Today, students from these schools are not just learning subjects-they’re becoming responsible citizens, and many are excelling in competitive fields.”
Sinha said that people now recognise the value and quality of education being provided in these institutions.
He praised the role of Army Goodwill Schools and various army-backed initiatives in transforming the ground situation in J&K. “These institutions have not only nurtured talent but also instilled a sense of security and purpose among the youth,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor lauded the Army’s community engagements and development programme.
“The Indian Army is not only ensuring the unity and integrity of India with full alertness, but also continuously performing virtuous work of transforming the society,” he said.
He also lauded the Army’s community engagements and development programme. He said the Indian Army is not only ensuring the unity and integrity of India with full alertness, but also continuously performing virtuous work of transforming the society.
General Officer Commanding (GOC) 15 Corps, Lieutenant General Prashant Srivastava; GOC Victor Force Major General Dhananjay Joshi; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; DIG SKR Javid Iqbal Matoo, Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Shishir Gupta; senior officials of police, civil Administration and Army; members of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar Vikas evam Sewa Sansthan, and youth in large number were present on the occasion.
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