14-10-2023 : Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, underscored three pressing challenges in the Union Territory: corruption, a separatist agenda, and the presence of anti-India ecosystems. Speaking during the inauguration of the Apsara Road project as part of the Smart City initiative, Sinha pointed out that these issues are currently affecting the region. He emphasized that the administration, operating under the Government of India, has not provided any leeway for these problematic groups.
Regarding the SEHAT healthcare scheme, which has faced criticism, Sinha defended it by providing statistics: “In the SEHAT scheme, they raised questions. I want to say 982 crore premium, 1288 crore dispersed to patients, 5 lakh 66 thousand patients treated, and 2.5 crore per day is being paid per day on this scheme. No such scheme exists in the country.” He highlighted the benefits the scheme provides to the poor.
Sinha further added, “If poor people are treated, they have a problem. If we give 5 marlas, the poor have a problem. If I say now that those who can pay power bills in J&K, we will provide free electricity to the poor people in J&K power.” His remarks underscored the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of the underprivileged.
The Lieutenant Governor also celebrated the inauguration of Apsara Road, which marks the introduction of the first pedestrian market in Jammu. He explained that the project would not only benefit traders but also boost tourism in the region.
Addressing a statement by Omar Abdullah, who claimed that Sinha had said that 80 percent of J&K’s residents do not want elections, Sinha clarified, “I did not make such a statement. It was a media person who told me that people have said this. I am not here to contest elections. I have contested elections earlier and will contest in the future.”
Earlier, Lieutenant Governor Sinha inaugurated a significant project for the Jammu Smart City initiative. The project involved the comprehensive development of the Apsara Road High Street area along with its adjoining roads. This endeavor aimed to modernize and upgrade a 13.5-kilometer road network in Gandhi Nagar, with a particular focus on transforming a 600-meter Apsara road stretch into a High Street.
Sinha emphasized that the primary objective is to transform Jammu City into a hub of opportunities, fostering growth and nurturing young entrepreneurs. The focus is on upgrading basic amenities to meet the demands of an increasingly urbanized population, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and sustainability.