Independence Day Address by Shri Manoj Sinha, Honorable Lieutenant Governor, Union Territory of J&K , August 15th, 2023

Dear, brothers and sisters,

1. 1. My hearty greetings to all of you on the sacred occasion of Independence Day. It is  a day of remembrance, dedication, and resolution for all Indians. I pay humble obeisance to our great ancestors, martyrs, and freedom fighters, the revered souls who had awakened the consciousness of this nation and guaranteed equality of all and empowerment of the poor and the underprivileged. They lit a spark of love for the motherland and waged a powerful struggle for freedom. Today, we salute our beloved tricolor and bow to self-sacrificing patriots and devoted men and women of ideas and ideals.
   2. On the 77^th anniversary of our  Independence, I pay tribute to the brave soldiers of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the  Central Security Forces, and the armed forces. Their awe-inspiring courage,  relentless bravery, and selfless sacrifice in  defense of the motherland have become the guiding light for the entire nation. Last year, on this very day, I had announced that a Balidaan Stambh shall be built in  their honor and memory. This sacred pilgrimage, being developed in the heart of  Srinagar, shall be our tribute to the Jawans of army, paramilitary forces, and police personnel who laid down their lives in combating terrorism, and it shall inspire the new generation to walk the righteous path.

1. 3. The new generation is being enlightened about the sacrifices of our brave martyrs.  They are being remembered and honored across Jammu and Kashmir to mark the  celebration of Independence Day. The young generation is realizing the virtues of  supreme sacrifice and remembering all  those whose dedication and commitment kept our flag flying high and ensuring the society is on the road to progress. On this  occasion, I bow down in reverence to the  families of martyrs. We are continuously taking concrete measures for their families, so that they can live a life of comfort and dignity.

1. 4. On this auspicious occasion, I want to  assure our brave soldiers guarding the borders that citizens of Jammu and  Kashmir and the entire nation, stand  shoulder to shoulder with you. We believe in peace, we believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and mutual goodwill. We are  fully committed to safeguard national  interests and if provoked, we are capable  of giving a befitting response to any  attempt of aggression.
   5. Brothers and sisters, three years ago, on  this very day, I shared a dream of building  a new Jammu and Kashmir with you, which  harmonizes modernity and spirituality, which moves forward with unwavering  passion and resolution. A Jammu and  Kashmir which thrives in diversity and focuses on inner and outer growth with faith and humanity. A Jammu and Kashmir  which cherishes equality, social justice and equal opportunities for all. A Jammu and  Kashmir where the people are at peace  and everyone has the freedom to live as  they want. A Jammu and Kashmir where the roaring sound of factories, the laughter  of farmers, the soaring ambitions from playgrounds and music reverberating from  lakes and rivers fills the sky. A Jammu and  Kashmir which brings new hope for the  youth, farmers and women. A Jammu and  Kashmir which commands respect and which contributes extensively in the  process of nation building. Brothers and  sisters, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed rapid growth over three successive years and we have been successful in realizing  these resolutions to a certain extent.  Wherever I go, I see our Union Territory on the move and various sectors are showing impressive growth. Yet, we have miles to go and many more milestones to  achieve.

1. 6. Three years ago, on this day, I said to you that I have no promises to make, but I have promises to keep. I have dedicated every moment of my life to keep those  promises and to usher Jammu and Kashmir  into a new era of peace and prosperity.  Sincere efforts have been made for the  welfare of the people; for ensuring peace  in everyone’s lives, for bringing smiles on  the faces of the people, for developing better infrastructure, to usher in a new green revolution, to make our businesses more prosperous, for boosting the  granaries, to build an inclusive society, to  bridge the gap between rural and urban areas and to reach out to the last man in  the queue. My ultimate aim is to put a  smile on the common man’s face. Every  policy and every decision has been taken  to ensure that all sections of society; farmers, soldiers, laborers, women,  teachers, engineers, doctors and  businessmen, are given a fair and equal  opportunity for a brighter future, so that  they can contribute in building a confident  and self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir.

1. 7. Jammu and Kashmir today is characterized by peace and inclusive development. The  transformation and rapid progress in  diverse sectors in the last three years is unprecedented in its history. There is  renewed enthusiasm and vigour among  entrepreneurs for industrialization. New  roads, tunnels, railway lines, power  projects, airport terminals, industrial  estates and shopping malls are being  constructed and all around us we are witnessing the emergence of prosperity  and happiness. The hard work, dedication  and determination of 1.3 crore citizens is  shaping the new destiny of this beautiful  Union Territory and the society, united  with one resolve of Viksit Bharat is  marching towards a golden future.
   8. Last year, on this day, I gave a pledge to the people to build a fear-free, corruption free, employment-rich and drug-free  Jammu and Kashmir. By dismantling the  terror ecosystem, every citizen has been  given the opportunity to live their lives fearlessly and on their own terms.  Interventions of digital governance have  eradicated the systemic corruption that  was prevalent in our society, to a great  extent. A historic 90% approval rating in  delivery of online public services is a  testimony to growing relationship and trust  between government and the citizens.  Apart from merit-based selections for 29,806 government jobs, countless self employment opportunities are being made  available to kick start the entrepreneurial  journeys of youth. Last year, 786 youth  started their entrepreneurial journey.  Dedicated efforts are being taken for a  ‘Drug-free Jammu and Kashmir’. Drug-free  Panchayat campaign has strengthened our  fight against this menace at the grass root  level. Increase in registration of cases,  arrests and seizures under the PNDT Act,  shows the commitment of administration  towards realizing the goal of nasha-mukt Jammu and Kashmir.

1. 9. Brothers and sisters, this paradise on earth  has been the land of all spiritual streams  since times immemorial. However, the  terrorism exported by our neighboring  country had tried to destroy the tranquility  and cultural richness of this soil of  ‘Peer Vaer’. Terrorism is one of the gravest  threats to peace and progress. The  ideology of terrorism and separatism is  cancer for the society and all its forms have to be completely eliminated. We  need to identify the remaining elements  and isolate them. We need to stop using  double standards for terrorism. A terrorist  has to be called a terrorist. We  are determined to take decisive and  tough action against terrorism and strike  the last nail in the coffin of terrorist secessionist ecosystem.

1. 10. We have reignited love and brotherhood in  this sacred soil of Adi Shankaracharya,  Kalhana, Lalleshwari, Sheikh-ul-Alam, Syed  Simnani, Mata Roop Bhavani and Sikh  gurus and propagating the ageless ideals of humanism, communal harmony and  peace. On this occasion, I am reminded of  a poem by Shri Dinanath Koul “Nadim”-

हेल–मेल समवत�न से दुिनया को समान बनाना है, िहन्दू और मुसलमान को िफर से इंसान बनाना है,  जहां िदलो ं का शौक एक हो, सब की एक प्रवृि� रहे, जोश एक हो, होश एक हो, सबकी ममता वृि� रहे, उसी जगह पर मुझे �ार का देव�ान बनाना है, िहन्दू और मुसलमान को िफर से इंसान बनाना है, िहन्दू और मुसलमान को िफर से इंसान बनाना है। 

1. 11. With the timeless wisdom of saints, sufis  and the spirit of brotherhood, harmony and  mutual respect, we are rapidly marching  forward to build Viksit Jammu and  Kashmir. Overwhelming participation of  citizens in the G20 Summit, Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and Muharram procession after  three decades, testify the beginning of a  new era of peace and tranquility for the  Union territory. Today, we stand firm in our determination to build the Jammu and  Kashmir of our dreams.

1. 12. Brothers and sisters, on this occasion we  also need to remember that sacrifices were not limited to the freedom struggle in the  past. We have to re-dedicate ourselves to  serve the poorest of the poor and  contribute to our nation’s progress.
   13. On this auspicious day, I also urge every  one of you to ask yourselves about the  sacrifices you made in building Jammu and  Kashmir of your dreams. What has been  your contribution? What have you done  for the welfare of society? These questions will inspire each one of us to serve the  nation with renewed passion and vigor.

1. 14. Today, on the 77^th anniversary of our  Independence, I call upon everyone in  Jammu and Kashmir to realize their full  potential and contribute in the resolution  of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. We must resolve  to work together to fulfill the vision and PanchPran of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri  Narendra Modi Ji. I am confident that our  collective efforts will result in far greater  prosperity for Jammu and Kashmir.

1. 15. Brothers and sisters, I am proud to  announce that the participation level of  J&K in Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM)  remained unparalleled and the UT  organized highest number of events in the  country under AKAM; consistently ranking first under this campaign.

1. 16. Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav is concluding with  the Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign, the  biggest festival for the country which gives  us an opportunity to pay homage to our  motherland and its Veers; to honour and  pay tribute to the freedom fighters, brave  martyrs of the Indian freedom struggle. Let us all join together, hand in hand, with  unity in our steps to march towards a bright future.

1. 17. Brothers and sisters, 2023 has been  recorded as a golden year for the Union  territory. The successful G20 Summit,  which saw massive public participation, testifies that the citizens of Jammu and  Kashmir have broken their shackles and  they are raring to scale new heights.  Notwithstanding the conspiracies and  attempts of the neighboring countries to  disturb the event, representatives from 27  countries participated in this historic  summit – a loud and clear message to our  adversaries. The international community,  for the first time experienced peace,  prosperity, stability and aspirations of the  citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, and  witnessed the all round progress of the  Union Territory.

1. 18. The G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting  not only strengthened diplomatic ties, but  also opened new avenues for global  partnership that will help in tapping the  tourism potential of Jammu and Kashmir. I  am proud to inform you that since the G20 event, there has been an increase of 59%  in foreign tourist arrivals in Kashmir Valley, as compared to the previous year. Further,  we have welcomed 1.27 crore tourists till  July this year, another record in the history  of the tourism sector.

1. 19. Another milestone in the list of  achievements of 2023 in Jammu and  Kashmir is the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji  Yatra – 2023. This year’s yatra marks the  longest pilgrimage of Baba Barfani in  history. The message of peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir has attracted  devotees not only from various parts of the country but also from abroad, fulfilling the  decades old wishes of local & foreign  citizens. Our Shia brothers were able to  take out the procession on traditional  routes to pay tribute to the sacrifices of  Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) on Muharram after 34 years.

1. 20. Brothers and sisters, we have adopted  pragmatic approach to promote sustainable and equitable development to build a  vibrant society and have achieved  remarkable progress on all parameters  of development. Better infrastructure,  improved connectivity, rejuvenated  tourism, new beginnings in the agriculture and allied sectors, emphasis on modern  education, digital governance, energy  security, health for all and preservation of  heritage of handicrafts have been the  hallmarks of our journey. These  achievements have led to inclusive and  sustainable development and created a  robust economy that offers equal  opportunities, generates more income in  rural areas, access to appropriate  technology, access to institutional credit,  created wealth for society and ensured effective and efficient public service  delivery system.

1. 21. We are witnessing fast economic  development and rapid social change. GST  collection during the financial year 2022-23  was Rs. 7300 crores, and SGST cash collection in the last quarter has shown a  remarkable 35% increase. Stamp duty  collection has registered a growth of  10.8% during the current financial year. The new Jammu and Kashmir Excise Policy  2023-2024 has facilitated revenue collection of Rs. 767.89 crores, registering  a whopping increase of 66.23%.

1. 22. Brothers and sisters, over the last three  years, we have diligently infused new  momentum in projects that were stalled for  decades. Under the Prime Minister’s  Development Program, 32 projects, out of the sanctioned 53, have been completed and out of the remaining 21 projects, 13  projects shall be completed during the  current financial year.

1. 23. Three years ago, I had emphasized that on a new blueprint of infrastructural  development at the grassroots levels.  Today, infrastructure projects worth  Rs. 1.5 lakh crores are under execution.  The construction of 15 road projects under PMDP, 21 new tunnels, 39 new flyovers, 26  bypasses and 2 ring roads will prove to be the new foundation of modern and Aatm Nirbhar Jammu and Kashmir. We are  spending Rs. 519 crores per month on  roads, buildings, macadamization and  construction of rural bridges.

1. 24. Infrastructural gaps in 4291 panchayats are being addressed through the  Aspirational Panchayat Development  Program. J&K has achieved 97% of the  targets set under PMGSY-I & II by  constructing 7000 km of roads during the  last 3 years. We have provided roads to 98% habitations eligible under this  scheme. 1273 projects worth Rs. 4994.58  crores have been approved under NABARD,  which shall provide connectivity to a  further 1039 villages for the first time after  independence. Keeping in view the massive  infrastructural expansion, we have decided  to re-organize the PW (R&B) department from this auspicious day of 15^th August, for better monitoring and faster  implementation of all projects.

1. 25. Jammu and Srinagar smart cities are  competing to carve their own place among  the cleanest and most beautiful cities of  the country. The city of Srinagar and its  urban transformation is being considered as a role model for metropolitan cities like  Delhi and Mumbai. Under the Smart City  Mission, 159 projects worth Rs 2861.71  crores have been completed and the  remaining 102 projects, costing Rs 4354.18  crores, are under execution. Elevated  Metrolite scheme has been proposed for  both Jammu and Srinagar.

1. 26. Two years ago, on this very day, we  had decided to forge ahead with  industrialization and the development of a  knowledge-based economy. We were well  aware of the challenges because industry  sector was neglected for decades. In a  short span of time, we have not just  triumphed over difficulties, we have achieved much. Today, Jammu and  Kashmir is standing at the threshold of an industrial revolution.

1. 27. Industrial investment of over Rs 27,000  crores has been approved so far, including  record private investment of Rs 2153.45  crores in the last financial year. J&K has  received investment proposals worth over  Rs 80,000 crores till July 31, 2023.
   28. The first Foreign Direct Investment  proposal in the Union territory was  approved earlier this year. Land has been  allotted to Emaar Group for constructing a  1 million sq. ft. shopping mall in Srinagar  and land for construction of two IT towers,  one each in Srinagar and Jammu has also  been allocated to the Emaar group. We  have been ranked second among Union  territories in NITI Aayog’s Export  Preparedness Ranking. We are the first UT  to be integrated with the National Single  Window System in Ease of Doing Business.  More than 175 services are being provided through a single window system. 19 new  industrial estates are being developed. GI  tagging of 7 crafts has been approved.  Handicraft exports have registered twice  the growth in 2022-23 as compared to  2021-22. I assure all artisans of Jammu &  Kashmir that we are fully committed to  honor and nurture your skills and to  provide you with access to the global  market. Thousands of village units have  been set up under PMEGP and countless employment opportunities have been made  available to the youth and artisans.

1. 29. Regressive land laws have been abolished.  Land owners have been empowered while strict action is being taken against land  mafia. We have retrieved illegally occupied  land from the influential people who had encroached upon this valuable resource. I  have always emphasized that the poor and  deprived has the first right on Government  resources. The land that has been freed  from encroachers shall be used for the  welfare of the poor and downtrodden.

 

1. 30. The new era of development and  prosperity has brought new hope amongst  the marginalized section of the society.  Pucca houses bring in a sense of stability  in their lives and augment overall  development of the family. To fulfill their  dreams of owning a house, we have  decided to allot 5 marlas land to each  landless eligible Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (G) beneficiary that will ensure  house is constructed under the scheme.  Overall, 3.39 lakh houses have been  sanctioned under PMAY(G) scheme and construction of 1.74 lakh houses has been  completed. In the year 2023-24, sanction  has been accorded to the construction of  1.99 lakh houses under the PMAY (G) scheme. I believe it is our sacred duty to  empower the deprived sections of society and provide them with new opportunities so that their potential can be harnessed  and channelized in the right direction for  nation building.

1. 31. The three-tier Panchayati Raj system is  playing a pivotal role in the developmental journey of Jammu and Kashmir. This  year, three of our panchayats have  received National Awards. 6400 elected representatives were deputed for capacity  building and exposure visits to other parts  of the country. Under the Rashtriya Gram  Swaraj Abhiyan, construction of 500  Panchayat houses has been approved  during the current financial year. An outlay  of Rs. 862 crore for MGNREGA has been  approved, generating 200 lakh mandays. I  congratulate Team Jammu and Kashmir for  achieving ODF+ status.
   32. Our aim is women-led development. It is  the women entrepreneurs in the far-flung  rural areas, who keep the wheels of socio economic progress moving, helping the  administration to reduce the disparities, inequalities in the society for accelerated  growth with equity. Around 6.5 lakh  women associated with Self-Help-Groups in  Jammu and Kashmir have transformed the rural economy, creating jobs and some  have also shown the potential to  scale-up their enterprises. 7000 village  organizations and 503 cluster level  federations have been constituted to  bolster the women entrepreneurship.

1. 33. The unprecedented progress and growth in  Agriculture and Allied sectors in the Union  Territory is a testimony to our resolve that  there should be prosperity in all the  farming households and the steady, viable  and profitable farming should inspire the  young generations to take up farming.  Sustained efforts of the administration have resulted in agricultural prosperity,  which has given a new hope to farming  families constituting 70% of our  population. Pulses Revolution, Milk  Revolution, Yellow Revolution, and  improvements in horticulture sector have  ushered in new hope for a bright and  prosperous future for farmers of Jammu  and Kashmir.

1. 34. With the aim of transforming subsistence  agriculture into sustainable commercial  agri-economy with inbuilt functional value  chain, and to set the agriculture and its  allied sectors on a rapid growth trajectory, a Holistic Agriculture and Allied Sector  Program, with an outlay of Rs. 5013  crores, is being implemented. Our goal is  to double agricultural production through  the meticulously curated 29 interventions  under this project, which shall also create  around 3 lakh new jobs, establish 18,861  new business enterprises and increase the  Gross State Domestic Product by more  than Rs 28,000 crores. In the horticulture  sector, a focused campaign has been  launched for high density plantation of 11  fruits other than apple. Capacity of 2 lakh  metric tonnes of CA storage has been  developed. These combined efforts shall  increase the income of agricultural families  and ensure equitable growth of all  stakeholders.

1. 35. I strongly believe that the path of all-round  development passes through a strong  agriculture economy. Our dream is not only  to build a strong farming ecosystem, but  also to create opportunity for food  processing units. A new initiative has  yielded positive results and applications  received from 270 entrepreneurs have  been approved. Special attention is being  given to the livestock sector and millet  cultivation. Innovation and research are  being promoted in agriculture and allied  sectors. More than 12 lakh farmers have  been provided Kisan Credit Cards for easy  credit access and assistance worth Rs. 2512 crores has been delivered directly in  the accounts of farmers under the Pradhan  Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi.

1. 36. Reforms in the Cooperative sector have  started to yield results. More than one  thousand cooperative societies have been  established in various sectors like poultry,  dairy, agriculture, consumer, housing,  health and education. Three District Cooperative Banks – Jammu Central  Cooperative Bank, Baramulla Central  Cooperative Bank and Anantnag Central  Cooperative Bank have been revived. Apex  Level Dairy Federation has been  established in Jammu and Kashmir after 27  years. Computerization of 537 Primary  Agricultural Credit Societies is underway,  which shall also help in realizing the vision  of Hon’ble Union Home and Cooperative  Minister, Shri Amit Shah of establishing the  world’s largest grain storage. I have full  faith that Village Cooperative Societies and  Agriculture Cooperative Societies shall  drive the change at grassroot level.

1. 37. Health care of every citizen is one of our foremost priorities. Around 4000 health  facilities have been developed and five  new medical colleges have been made functional. In the field of medical  education, 500 MBBS seats have been  increased to 1300. 3000 health and  wellness centers have been set up. 83 lakh  golden cards have been issued. Under various healthcare programmes, Rs 2  crores per day is being spent on the  healthcare of the people. In the category  of universal health insurance coverage,  Jammu and Kashmir has been adjudged  the top performer among all UTs. Jammu  and Kashmir is among the top 5  performers in the country on key health  parameters. We have also launched the  country’s first Tele-Manas chat bot. Today,  a fleet of 480 geo tagged ambulances are  operating under the ‘Online 102/108  initiative’.

1. 38. The power sector has been transformed. Pakal Dul, Kiru, Ratle and Kwar Mega Hydro Projects are progressing at a  breakneck speed, and are likely to be  completed by 2025-26. With the  completion of these projects J&K will gain  an additional power capacity of about 3400  MW that will significantly reduce our  energy constraints.

1. 39. 2345 MVA capacity has been added in the  distribution sector to provide better power  supply to the people. 8550 new distribution  transformers have also been installed in a  record time of four months. The  implementation of Smart Metering is a  significant step towards reducing losses,  better demand management and achieving  24×7 power supply for all.
   40. Dear brothers and sisters, the Tourism  Working Group Meeting has given a new  recognition to the Union territory on the  world tourism map. Peace and stability  have taken this sector to new heights. Last  year, a record 1.88 crore tourists had  visited Jammu and Kashmir and till July  this year, 1.27 crore tourists have already  visited the UT. There has been a 350%  increase in foreign tourist arrivals as  compared to last year. While preserving  the cultural heritage of Jammu and  Kashmir, 300 new destinations and sites  are being developed. Tourism sector has  been granted the status of industry, and we have launched a new home-stay policy,  film policy and established tented colonies  to strengthen the economy and create new  employment opportunities for the youth  and the people associated with the  hospitality sector.

1. 41. Jammu and Kashmir is emerging as a role  model in the country for digital governance  with focus on transparency, accountability  and citizen-centric approach to delivering  public services. Many steps have been  taken to ensure corruption-free Jammu  and Kashmir and increased ease of living  of citizens. The Union territory is top  ranked among UTs in e-governance. With  an average of 20 lakh e-transactions per  day, we are competing with developed  states. Delivering efficient, effective, and  accountable governance is our top priority. 480 government offices have been  connected with e-office. 722 online services are being made available to people. 301 services have been integrated  with the Rapid Assessment System.Jammu and Kashmir is the first in the country to  integrate Service Plus platform with the  auto appeal feature and linking 300  services with it. Under the Public Service  Guarantee Act, time limits for service  delivery have been notified.

1. 42. Brothers and sisters, Jammu and Kashmir  is making its mark as a new powerhouse in  the field of sports. Our young talented  players are excelling at national and  international level. To provide facilities to  the talented sports persons, 702  infrastructure projects relating to sports  facilities have been completed and indoor  sports halls are being constructed in all the  districts. 60 lakh youth of Jammu and  Kashmir actively participated in sports  activities organized over the last year.  Besides, 18 National Games and 1  International Tournament were also organized in Jammu and Kashmir. More  than 25,000 players represented J&K in  regional and National level competitions last year.

1. 43. All schemes relating to social welfare have  been completely digitized. Senior Citizen  Homes have been set up in 18 districts.  Schemes for the welfare of the disabled  and the underprivileged shall be saturated  soon. 1819 Sangini and 2611 Sahayika  under Aangawadi have been appointed  recently.
   44. Peace and stability have kindled new hopes  of a bright future for the coming generation, schools and colleges are functional throughout the year now, and  the future of a modern Jammu and  Kashmir is being shaped by the  implementation of the National Education  Policy. Special emphasis is being laid on  new skills, research, innovation and future  technology under the guidance of the  Higher Education Council. Common  University Entrance Test has been adopted  for admission to undergraduate,  integrated, postgraduate, diploma,  certification courses and research programs in degree colleges. Uniform  academic calendar has been adopted in all  higher educational institutions. Gyanodaya Express will provide new opportunities to  the students to explore wealth of  knowledge and learning beyond the four  walls of class rooms. Design Your Degree  initiative is triggering the curiosity of  educationists from across the country. In  the school education sector, emphasis has  been laid on Early Childhood Education. Pre-primary classes have been started in  more than 15,000 schools. School  enrollment has increased by 17.2% due to  the Aao School Chale campaign. Through  Talaash app, more than 95,000 out of  school children have been identified and  efforts are being made to re-enroll them in  schools. Virtual reality labs are being set  up in each district with the aim of  developing scientific temper among  students. Prioritizing the education of girls,  35 girls’ hostels have been constructed.  Quality education is being ensured for every section of our society.

1. 45. We are working tirelessly for the holistic  development of tribal communities, providing and securing their rights,  promoting entrepreneurship amongst tribal  youth and women, identifying challenges,  pursuing research activities for capacity  building for the social, economic and  educational empowerment of our tribal  community. Eight new hostels have been  inaugurated and foundation stones of 25  hostels have been laid. Besides, 200 smart  schools have been developed for better  arrangements for the education of the  future generations of the tribal community.  Last year, a new record was set when the  Government of Jammu and Kashmir  granted scholarships to the tune of Rs  32.50 crores to tribal students and this  year, an outlay of 52 crores has been  decided for disbursement among tribal  students. After the successful launch of  various schemes like HOST-50, TOP-50 and  STARS-100, administration has launched a  new scholarship scheme LAW20 for tribal students enrolled in law degrees and  courses. 6 Eklavya Residential Model  Schools and 1873 Seasonal Schools have  been established for ensuring quality education for tribal migratory students.  Smartcards are being provided to all  migrant families. For the health care of 4  lakh migrant tribal population, 9 mobile  medical units and 17 tribal sub-centres  have been set-up. Van Dhan Vikas Kendras are being established under the Pradhan  Mantri Van Dhan Yojana for empowerment  of women of tribal community.

1. 46. We are firmly committed to the welfare of  Kashmir Pandit brothers and sisters and  ensuring justice to Pandit community  members whose land and houses were  illegally occupied and to those who had to  sell their land under duress. The process  of construction of houses for Kashmiri  Pandit Government employees has been  expedited and we are committed to  execute all the projects within the time frame. The issues of Kashmiri Pandit community, Pakistan Occupied Kashmir  and West Pakistan refugee families are  being resolved through the Special  Governance Camps, for which, programmes were organized in Delhi,  Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Pune,  Haridwar, Chandigarh and Pathankot.

1. 47. Brothers and sisters, in the last three  years, we have built a Jammu and  Kashmir, which is aspirational, by focusing  on balanced development that benefits all  sections of society and shaping the  glorious future of the Union Territory. The  revival of ageless cultural ethos, renewed  vigor in the society, return of cinema have  created a new atmosphere, and ushered in a new era of hope and dreams. Every  section of the society is now a guardian for the new generation. We need to think about the kind of world we want to leave  for our youth. It should be our top priority  and on this auspicious day, I call upon every section of society to create new  opportunities for youth, in which every department will play an active role. Our  second prime objective is to ensure socio economic empowerment of women and  their due rights so that they can shape the  future of this Union Territory and also  contribute in nation building. Along with  economic independence, the safety of  daughters, mothers and sisters, and  guaranteed social rights need to be  ensured. Let us build a Jammu and  Kashmir in which our Nari-Shakti are able  to realize their full potential.
   48. Let us build a  Jammu and Kashmir which has only one  religion – India; let us build a Jammu and  Kashmir which has only one caste – Humanity; let us build a Jammu and  Kashmir which has one goal – Unity and  Integrity of the country; let us build a  Jammu and Kashmir, where different languages sing one tune – Vijay Vishwa  Tiranga Pyaara. Let us together build a  glorious future of Jammu and Kashmir.

है फू ट रही लािलमा, ितिमर की टू ट रही घन कारा है, 

जय हो, िक �ग� से छू ट रही आशीष की �ोितधारा है, 

बज रहे िकरण के तार, गूँजती है अंबर की गली–गली, 

आकाश िहलोर� लेता है, अ�िणमा बाँध धारा िनकली, 

मंगल–मु�त�, रिव उगो, हमारे �ण ये बड़े िनराले ह�, 

हम ब�त िदनो ं के बाद िवजय का शंख फूँ कनेवाले ह�, 

हो जहाँस� की िचंगारी, सुलगे, सुलगे, वह �ाल बने, 

खोजे अपना उ�ष� अभय, दुदा�त िशखा िवकराल बने, 

आगे वह ल� पुकार रहा, हाँकते हवा पर यान चलो,

सुरधनुपर धरते �ए चरण, मेघो ं पर गाते गान चलो, 

बदली थी जो पीछे छू टी, सामने रहा वह तारा है, 

आकाश चीरते चलो, अभी आगे आदश� तु�ारा है, 

आकाश चीरते चलो,अभी आगे आदश� तु�ारा है। 

Come; let all of us together raise our voices in saying:

Bharat Maata ki Jai!

Bharat Maata ki Jai!

Bharat Maata ki Jai!

Jai Hind!