>Congratulates people, election machinery for successful conduct of DDC polls
> All preparations in place to administer COVID-19 vaccine
Jammu, Dec 20: Asserting that various developmental plans are ready to take off, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that his four-month experience in the Union Territory is ‘amazing’.
“My four-month experience in Jammu and Kashmir is ‘amazing’ and ‘very nice’” Sinha told reporters here at the sidelines of a press conference.
Sinha took over as J&K Lieutenant Governor on August 7.
On development, he said that the plan is ready and will soon be executed.
“We have development plans ready, give us some time,” said Sinha adding, “we will make you travel in Metro in next three years.”
He also said that the tourism sector will also get a boost.
Meanwhile, on COVID vaccination, the LG said, “All preparations are in place and maximum of the population on priority, will be covered in a phased manner.”
Those above 50 years of age and unwell, will be vaccinated on priority once the exercise begins, he said.
Earlier addressing a press conference, Sinha congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the election machinery for the successful conduct of District Development Council (DDC) and Panchayat Elections in the Union Territory.
“I thank and congratulate the people of J&K, especially the First-time voters, Independent Candidates and Political Parties for strengthening grass-root democracy and paving way for progressive future of the UT and participating in the elections with such enthusiasm and zeal and making them a massive success”, said the Lt Governor.
Giving a new direction to the developmental process, people from all sections of the society – Youth, Women, Elders, Farmers, Labourers, Businessmen, voted in large numbers and played their crucial role in strengthening the grass root democracy so that progress and prosperity shall reach every citizen of the Union Territory, he added.
Speaking on the enthusiasm shown by first-time voters, the Lt Governor observed that the participation of first-time voters in DDC and Panchayat elections is a matter of pride for our democratic setup.
Rejecting the regressive agenda, people voted for progress and development, he added.
Strengthening the 3-Tiers of Panchayati Raj System in J&K, the DDC elections were held for the first time in the UT and the response to the DDC Elections has been very encouraging, he said.
“I have fulfilled the promise of free and fair elections. Except for one or two incidents, the elections were conducted in a free and fair manner”, the Lt Governor remarked.
Despite harsh weather conditions, the polling stations across the UT witnessed long queues of enthusiastic voters and people came out to vote in large numbers, with the voter turnout percentage even in the traditionally low percentage areas registering manifold increase as compared to earlier held Parliamentary elections, which itself manifests that faith of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the democratic process has deepened, he added.
He further said that with the culmination of DDC elections, the people of J&K will, for the first time in history, see a truly empowered grass-root democracy entailing direct funding and decentralized decision making in the planning and development of rural areas.
“The three-tier democracy will make J&K modern, AatmaNirbhar, besides giving a determined push to the developmental process. I am sure the elected representatives will give momentum to the developmental schemes on the ground”, maintained the Lt Governor.
He also lauded the State Election Commission, J&K Police, Security Forces, all on-duty officers/officials and media persons for working day and night for ensuring successful and peaceful conduct of DDC and Panchayat elections.
“I am confident that with the elected representatives of J&K complementing the Government’s efforts, J&K will reach new heights of development and welfare schemes for the people would reach every household”, said the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor has also extended Christmas and New Year greetings to the people of J&K in advance.
BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary, Power Development Department and Information Department; Sanjeev Verma, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu and Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar, Director Information and Public Relations were present on the occasion.
