Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that sincere efforts are made to build a modern Jammu and Kashmir.

“We have made sincere efforts to build a modern Jammu and Kashmir, which represents the ambition of the common man,” Sinha said addressing the gathering on the auspicious occasion of the 75th Republic Day at Maulana Azad Stadium here.

“A Jammu and Kashmir, where policies are framed with the ideals and values of humanity, where merit is valued, and an environment of peace and tranquillity prevails,” he said adding, “a Jammu and Kashmir, which offers endless opportunities to youth, women, farmers, and workers, where the aspirations of society are taller than mightiest hills, where a poor man can dream big and the entire government machinery works with dedication to make his dreams come true.”

Extending greetings and best wishes to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, the Lt Governor said, “On this very day in 1950, our great nation adopted the Constitution embracing the ideals of a democratic republic. Today, on this sacred occasion, I pay tribute to the brave souls, freedom fighters, and policymakers whose sacrifices and vision paved the way for building this great nation of ours.”

He also paid homage to the Bravehearts of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Armed Forces, and Central Armed Police Forces who laid down their lives in safeguarding the unity and integrity of the nation.

“Today, India has risen to be the world's fifth-largest economic power. Several communities neglected since independence, have found a voice, touched by development that is inclusive.

Serving as a beacon and guide to a world that has been going through difficult times, India is paving the way for the well-being and prosperity of entire humanity with the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and the resilient image of a self-confident India is now reverberating in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The dream of a free life and social equality has been realized,” Sinha added.

“Over a period of just four years, overcoming countless challenges, we have built a new Jammu and Kashmir standing tall and self-reliant. Our first resolution for the year 2024 is to lay the foundation of a new society for the new generation, which is energized with new skills, modern knowledge and a plethora of resources, together contributing in rapid progress of the country,” said the Lt Governor.

Under the leadership of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ campaign has reached the doorsteps of beneficiaries to ensure 100 percent saturation of flagship schemes, he said, “Jammu and Kashmir has maintained its tradition of being at the forefront in such campaigns throughout the country. Almost 4 million people from the Union Territory participated in this Yatra, setting a new record.”

Sinha further said that the administration was fully prepared to conduct timely elections in all Panchayats and urban local bodies, however owing to constitutional obligations to extend reservation and rationalization, the process has been slightly delayed.

“Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, a strong three-tier Panchayati Raj system has been established in Jammu and Kashmir, and we are committed to empower local government institutions and strengthen grassroots governance,” he said.

(With UNI Inputs)