Industrial growth must go hand in hand with social welfare: L-G Sinha

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday addressed the Strategic Management Forum Conference on Policy Making and Strategic Planning for achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047, at Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Jammu.

The 3-day conference is being organised by the IIM, Jammu, in collaboration with Strategic Management Forum (SMF), and the NITI Aayog.

The L-G highlighted the challenges and opportunities for India in a rapidly evolving world and the critical role of policy makers and business leaders.

“Our focus should be on macroeconomic stability and high investment in education and health. Digital tools, participatory governance, transparency, accountability, speedy project implementation and effective public services for growing population will be key for all round development,” Sinha said.

He emphasised that the policies must be formulated in accordance with the needs of the people, industry, trade and business, and it must be ensured that their voices are heard. There is also a need to maintain the balance between industrial growth and social welfare initiatives, he further said.

“Wherever I go, I see that our great nation is on the move towards progress and prosperity. Our manufacturing and services sectors are showing impressive growth and there is a renewed confidence among industry leaders to take on the challenge of the rest of the world,” he said.

“Decentralised governance has brought about significant positive change, and continuous efforts are being made to ensure that policies are not merely on paper but are responsive, morally sound, and action-oriented, thereby shaping the commitment to a people-first approach,” the L-G said.

Sinha underlined the need to boost revenue by tapping into Jammu Kashmir UT’s vast but underutilised mining sector.

“J&K holds immense potential in limestone, sapphire, lithium and other minerals. With strategic planning, in the next 5-7 years, we can generate an additional annual revenue of Rs 15,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore,” he said.

He stated that the divisive “insider-outsider” narrative must be put to an end. “Those spreading such narrative are creating hurdles in the development process,” he said.

On the occasion, Sinha unveiled the Basohli Painting Exhibition. The event also marked the valedictory session of Basohli Painting workshop and felicitation of Basohli Painting artists by the Lieutenant Governor.

“Basohli Painting is our priceless artistic heritage which holds immense value for present and future generations. I commend IIM, Jammu, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) for the unique initiative,” the L-G said.