Jammu: Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh on Friday said that there was possibility for elections to the J&K assembly by the end of this year.
After completion of the Delimitation process, it is for the first time that any time frame has been indicated by the government of India for the polls in J&K.
“Recently delimitation process was completed in J&K. Now the Assembly complexion is going to change. Hitherto there were 83 seats, 36 from Jammu and 46 from Kashmir. Now there is change. 43 seats will be from Jammu and 47 from Kashmir division,” Rajnath Singh said while addressing a function here to celebrate the 200th year of the coronation of Maharaja Gulab Singh.
“I think by the end of this year, process of assembly elections will get started,” said Rajnath, who is on a two-day visit to J&K.
Earlier in the day, Later, Rajnath Singh attended the 9th Executive Council and 4th General Body meeting of Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports (JIM&WS) at Pahalgam.
In his address, he lauded the rigorous training standards, excellent management, devotion and technical proficiency of the trainers and instructors that have established JIM&WS as one of the leading institutes in the country.
He described mountaineering and allied activities as a sign of not just physical endurance, but also of mental toughness and enthusiasm.
He also appreciated the increasing number of women participants in these activities, which once witnessed male dominance. He also acknowledged the differently-abled Divyangjans who are completing mountaineering expeditions with skill and enthusiasm. Singh made special mention of Indian mountaineer Ms Arunima Sinha who became the first woman amputee to scale Mount Everest with her firm determination. It is, therefore, very important that all training programmes in this institute are oversubscribed, he said.
Saying that the Government’s focus on increased public-private partnership in various fields has provided a new thrust to the country’s development, he suggested JIM&WS to join hands with the private sector in order to further their training programmes. “There are many technologies, expertise and innovations in the private sector which are not available with the public sector. Collaboration with the private sector will help JIM&WS to connect the people, especially the youth, with activities such as mountaineering and ensure local prosperity,” he said.
Singh also exhorted the institute to further acquaint people, especially the youth, with mountaineering and winter sports through its various training programmes and infuse patriotism, courage & energy in them. He said, this will not only increase the popularity of these activities, but also generate employment opportunities, thereby giving a boost to local economy. This will also increase the participation of the local community and provide an opportunity to connect with their culture, he said. The minister stressed that local people should not just be a Sherpa, but partners in the national-cultural unity.
Rajnath Singh also reiterated the Government’s resolve of development of border areas to bolster national security and said that institutions like JIM&WS can help in carrying forward that vision and contribute to the progress of the country. Emphasising on the importance of environment protection, he called upon the institutions like JIM&WS to promote eco-sensitive tourism and contribute in saving nature. He concluded his address with the hope that JIM&WS will become one of the leading institutes of the world in the coming times. (GNS)