Jammu, Dec 17: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that the divisive insider-outsider narrative must be put to end.
“The divisive insider-outsider narrative must be put to an end, and those spreading such a narrative are creating hurdles in the development process,” LG Sinha said, addressing the three-day ‘Strategic Management Forum Conference on Policy Making and Strategic Planning for achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047’ organised by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Jammu, in collaboration with Strategic Management Forum (SMF), and the NITI Aayog.
In his keynote address, he underlined the need to boost revenue by tapping into Jammu and Kashmir’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 to 7 years, we can generate additional annual revenue of Rs 15,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore,” the LG said.
He also called for maximising the hydro power sector, and suggested necessary amendments to the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) to ensure it meets evolving economic needs.
LG Sinha highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing India in a rapidly evolving world, as well as the critical role of policymakers 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 a growing population will be key for all-around development,” he said. “The core values, principles, ideals of our forefathers, and values of good governance will guide us to navigate the present challenges to build a prosperous future.”
The LG said 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 said.
LG Sinha said that the rapid growth, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was unprecedented in Indian history.
“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 renewed confidence among industry leaders to take on the challenge of the rest of the world. I also see our village industries, including the handloom and handicraft sector, competing with the best. PM Modi’s clarion call for Swadeshi has given fresh impetus to this sector. Inclusive and equitable growth lies at the core of the PM’s vision. The government policies have focused on job creation, support for small businesses, increased public investment, and financial empowerment of the middle class and entrepreneurs, ensuring that the economic progress benefits every citizen,” he said.
The LG reaffirmed his resolve to ensure that the benefits of programmes like ‘Modern India’ and ‘Digital India’ reach the citizens on the last ladder of development.
“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,” he said.
LG Sinha said that the terrorists hiding in rugged terrains, mountains, and dense forests will be eliminated soon.
He said that not a single top commander of terrorist organisations operating in the region was alive today.
“Local recruitment into terrorism has seen a sharp decline. Hardly one or two youth are being recruited now,” the LG said.
However, he said that the nature of terrorism had changed with educated and well-informed people getting involved in it.
“I believe that the task of eliminating terrorism in J&K, Karnataka, and a small part of Kerala cannot be carried out by the security forces alone. Society and certain wings of the administration must also contribute,” the LG said.
He accused Pakistan of continuing to push terrorists across the border through infiltration.
“People have developed confidence that they will no longer follow the path of terrorism. Those who have come from across the border are hiding in forests, and I assure you, they will be eliminated. No matter how long it takes, they will not survive,” LG Sinha said.
He also unveiled the Basohli Painting Exhibition.
The event also marked the valedictory session of the Basohli Painting workshop and felicitation of Basohli Painting artists by the LG.
“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,” he said.
Director, IIM Jammu, Prof B S Sahay; Chairman, Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission, J&K and Ladakh, R K Chaudhary; Economic Advisor NITI Aayog, Subash Chandra Meena; Founding Chairman, Strategic Management Forum (SMF), Prof Arunaditya Sahay; Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar; Regional Director, IGNCA, Shruti Awasthi; academicians, policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, artists and students attended the inaugural session.
