Public confidence restored through participatory governance: J&K L-G Sinha

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that the formation of an elected government in Jammu and Kashmir after a gap of several years has strengthened public faith in democratic institutions, with the administration focusing on rebuilding public confidence and participatory governance.

Addressing the Legislative Assembly at the start of the Budget session, the L-G described the past year as a significant milestone in J&K’s democratic journey. “The transition to popular governance has reinforced public trust in democratic institutions. My government has focused on restoring participatory governance, rebuilding public confidence, and ensuring that the voice of every region and community is reflected in policymaking,” he said.

Emphasising that good governance remains the cornerstone of the government’s development strategy, Sinha said sustained reforms in transparency, accountability, digital governance, and citizen-centric service delivery have enhanced public trust and institutional efficiency.

Highlighting industrial growth, the L-G said Jammu and Kashmir is undergoing a major industrial transformation. “Since 2020, as many as 2,227 organised industrial units with investments worth Rs 15,940 crore have commenced production, generating employment for over 73,800 people. Another 1,028 units, involving a proposed investment of Rs 27,613 crore, are under implementation, with 396 units expected to begin production by March 2026,” he informed.

Describing J&K as one of the fastest-growing states/UTs in the country, Sinha said the economy is currently recording an annual nominal growth rate of around 11 per cent in 2024–25. He attributed this momentum to sustained policy reforms, infrastructure development, and proactive investment facilitation.

The L-G said the road sector has witnessed unprecedented investment of Rs 61,528 crore, encompassing expressways, national highways, ring roads, and tunnels, significantly improving regional and inter-regional connectivity.

Despite security challenges and natural calamities, tourism continues to be a vital pillar of J&K’s economy, he said. “Recognising tourism as a lifeline of J&K’s economy, the government undertook confidence-building measures, improved facilitation, and strengthened coordination with stakeholders. Special efforts were made to revive pilgrim tourism in Jammu, adventure tourism in Kashmir and eco-tourism in tribal and border areas, ensuring equitable regional growth. The government is going to introduce a major project for sustainable development of emerging tourist destinations with investment from government funding as well as private sector participation to broaden the tourism footprint in J&K,” Sinha added.

The L-G also highlighted renewed focus on agriculture and allied sectors under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). Strengthening post-harvest infrastructure and market integration remains a priority, he said.

“Strengthening post-harvest infrastructure and market integration remains a key priority. Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage capacity has increased to 2.92 lakh metric tonnes through public and private investment, with an additional 15,000 MT being added this year, raising the total to 3.07 lakh MT. To improve returns, 17 mandis have been integrated with the e-NAM platform, registering 55,355 farmers, traders, FPOs, and stakeholders, and facilitating trade worth Rs 1,680.34 crore involving 28.26 lakh quintals of agricultural and horticultural produce,” he said.