Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reaffirmed his previous statement that the previous governments in Jammu and Kashmir provided jobs to terrorists and their relatives. He substantiated his claim by mentioning that 47 individuals who fit this category have been terminated from their employment.
During his address to reporters at the inauguration of the Chancellor’s Trophy event at Jammu University, Manoj Sinha asserted that his previous statement regarding the provision of jobs to terrorists and their family members by previous governments in Jammu and Kashmir was factual. When asked about PDP President Mehbooba Mufti’s statement on the matter, Sinha responded.
“I will not like to comment on some allegations. This is a reality that 47 people were dismissed from Government services for anti-national activities. What I have said is based on reality,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
It may be mentioned here that the Government has regularly been sacking the Government officers/ officials who are involved in the terror activities or are linked to the terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sinha announced that the Services Selection Board (JKSSB) will conduct the deferred computer-based written tests (CBT) soon.
He reiterated that transparent and merit-based selection is the top most priority of his administration.
“The examination (to fill vacancies in various Government departments) has been deferred for the time being and will be conducted soon when the JKSSB will be completely satisfied (with the situation),” the Lieutenant Governor said, responding to a question about the deferment of CBT, scheduled to be held from March 16 to April 5, by the Government recruitment agency amid protests by job aspirants.
“I have time and again stated that transparency and merit-based selection of candidates is our priority. We will not make any compromise on it,” Sinha said.
He also welcomed Rs 1.18 lakh crore budget announced by the Centre for Jammu and Kashmir and said this will help the “new J&K” to reach new heights of development.
He said the budget for Jammu and Kashmir for 2023-24, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament on Monday, was praiseworthy.
“The budget should be looked into in totality. We have made our plan for holistic development with focus on all major sectors. The budget is commendable and it will help to take new J&K, the foundation of which was laid earlier, to new heights of development,” he said.
Sinha said 70 per cent of the population of Jammu and Kashmir is connected with agriculture and allied sectors and during the next five years, additional budget allocation of Rs 5,013 crore will be infused in this sector.
“Security is a priority and so are other focus areas such as tourism, youth empowerment and education,” he added.
Earlier addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor called upon higher education institutions to promote sports as a core subject.
“It is a powerful medium to ensure physical-emotional health, enhances learning efficiency and helps in character building,” he said.
He said sports nurture both mind and body and enables students to become well-rounded across disciplines.
“National Education Policy has given us an opportunity to promote sports through a multidisciplinary system and end fragmentation in the education system,” he said.
Citing various reports and studies on the impact of sports on the mind of an individual, the Lt Governor said the researchers considered Sports as a miracle for the brain. It is important that sports should be a part of our curriculum, he noted.
Highlighting the initiatives taken for holistic development of youth, Sinha said under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the National Education Policy is creating a progressive ecosystem for the students to translate their dreams into reality.
“The Prime Minister’s vision for FIT India, Khelo India, National Education Policy, start-up opportunities, is building a strong foundation for India’s future,” said the Lt Governor.
