News Analysis India

Tag: Manoj Sinha

  • ‘New policy to create Rs 25,000-30,000 crore investment’: J&K L-G Manoj Sinha

    Express News Service
    SRINAGAR: The new industrial policy for Jammu and Kashmir that was announced in January last would generate an investment of Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 crore in the next two years and create as many as five lakh jobs, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha told this newspaper on Sunday.

    Although a man of few words as he believes in his work doing the talking, the Lt Governor revealed that 25,000 vacant posts in government departments had been advertised and the recruitment process would be transparent.

    Under a grey sky at Raj Bhawan’s guest lounge that overlooks the famed Dal Lake and the invigorating Tulip garden, Sinha described the Rs 28,400 crore outlay for the new policy as a massive initiative to usher industrial revolution in J&K.

    Asked about the response of investors, he said, “We are getting good response. In fact, every day, we get calls from 4-5 investors exploring possibilities to set up units in J&K.”

    After the hollowing out of Article 370 and 35A by the Centre on August 5, 2019, the J&K government had planned to hold its first Global Investors Summit in October that year but it could not be held due to various reasons.

    That did not distract Sinha, who took over as second Lt Governor on August 5 last year, as he quickly picked up the threads to govern the arguably toughest administrative unit in the country. His result-oriented style of functioning appears to be drawing investors.

    “We will give capital investment incentives. Those investing in Category A get 30% incentive while those in Category B get 50%,” Sinha said.

    To ensure that incentives are properly utilised to set up industrial units, “our government will give them incentives only on GST billing,” Sinha added.

    The GST linked initiative would amount to 300% of the eligible value of actual investment made in plant and machinery or building construction for 10 years. The J&K government has identified 24,000 kanals of land in different districts to set up industrial estates. It is, however, yet to be decided whether the land would be on lease or would the investors get proprietary rights.

    Asked to quantify the total investment and the number of jobs the government expects to create, Sinha, a seasoned politician from Uttar Pradesh and a three-time MP, said, “Going by the huge response, we expect an investment of Rs  25,000 to Rs 30,000 crore in different sectors in the next two years. The investment will generate about 5 lakh jobs.”

    On plans to launch a recruitment drive, he said, “The government has advertised 25,000 vacant posts in different departments so far.”

    Assuring transparency in recruitment, Sinha said, “We have a comprehensive plan on filling government job vacancies. All recruitments will be done in the most transparent manner.”

  • ‘Shows insecurity’: Mufti on order to hoist Tricolour on J&K government buildings; BJP hits back

    By Express News Service
    SRINAGAR: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said the J&K administration’s directions to hoist the national flag on all government buildings in the union territory reflect a sense of insecurity as no such order has been issued anywhere else in the country.

    L-G Manoj Sinha had asked officials to hoist the Tricolour on all government buildings in J&K late last month. 

    The administration also directed all deputy commissioners and divisional heads of departments to implement the LG’s order within a fortnight.

    “This shows their sense of insecurity. The sense of uncertainty. Why are such orders being issued in Jammu and Kashmir only? In other parts, the governor or the ruler does not issue such orders,” Mehbooba told reporters here.

    The former chief minister also said dissent has been criminalised in the country.

    “Anyone who differs with them (government), be it journalists, politicians, etc. they are booked,” she alleged.

    Asked about the recent exodus of leaders from her party, the PDP chief said the deserters should answer this question.

    “They did not leave when we made them ministers, MLCs and Rajya Sabha members. They have left now. They should answer what was the pressure or enticement for them,” Mehbooba said.

    Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina on Wednesday alleged the former chief minister was dreaming of hoisting the flag of another country which could not happen.

    He said Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of the country and while every citizen of the Union Territory was unfurling the tricolor with great enthusiasm, leaders like Mufti were feeling pain.

    Late last month, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had asked officials to hoist the tricolour on all government buildings in the Union territory.

    The administration also directed all deputy commissioners and divisional heads of departments to implement the LG’s order within a fortnight.

    “This shows their sense of insecurity. The sense of uncertainty. Why are such orders being issued in Jammu and Kashmir only? In other parts, the governor or the ruler does not issue such orders,” Mufti told reporters in Srinagar on Wednesday.

    In response, Raina said, “India is completing its 75th year of independence in 2022 and to mark the occasion, the national flag is being hoisted on all government buildings across the country. Similarly, the tricolour is being hoisted on every building in the union territory.”

    He said Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and the national flag will be unfurled across the Union Territory.

    “It’s our national flag and nowadays every individual is unfurling it with great enthusiasm. Leaders like Mufti are feeling pain because they dream of hoisting the flag of another country in the UT but that cannot happen. Jammu and Kashmir is (a part of) India and only the tricolor will be unfurled here,” Raina said without mentioning which other country he was talking about.

    He said the flag which Mufti wanted to hoist in Jammu and Kashmir could not be hoisted till doomsday.

    “Every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir is an Indian and loves the country because India is our great nation. We salute our flag and the country,” the BJP leader said.

    (With PTI Inputs)

  • J-K L-G Sinha visits hospital to enquire about Farooq Abdullah’s health

    By PTI
    SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the SKIMS hospital here on Sunday to enquire about the health of National Conference (NC) president and MP Farooq Abdullah, who is undergoing treatment for COVID-19.

    Sinha, who met Abdullah’s son and NC vice president Omar Abdullah at the hospital, instructed the doctors at the SKIMS to provide best treatment to the MP from Srinagar.

    “In Srinagar, I met Omar Abdullah at SKIMS Hospital, Soura. Enquired about Farooq Sahab’s health and instructed the doctors to provide best treatment. I pray for his long and healthy life,” the LG’s office tweeted.

    The LG also offered to shift the senior Abdullah to another facility or hospital for better monitoring and care.

    “I have also offered to shift Farooq Sahab, who is admitted at SKIMS, to another facility or hospital for better monitoring and care,” the LG’s office said.

    Omar Abdullah expressed gratitude to Sinha for visiting the hospital and offering to shift his father, and said the NC president is getting the best possible care at the SKIMS.

    “Thank you for your visit to enquire after my father @manojsinha_ ji. We are grateful for the offer to shift my father, the doctors & other medical staff at SKIMS Srinagar are amongst the best anywhere & my father is getting the best possible care,” he wrote on Twitter.

    The 85-year-old NC president tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday.

    He was kept in home isolation initially, but doctors on Saturday decided to shift him to a hospital for better medical care.

    “Based on the advice of doctors to enable them to better monitor my father, he has been admitted to hospital in Srinagar. Our family remains grateful to everyone for their messages of support & their prayers,” Omar Abdullah tweeted on Saturday.

  • Scrapping of Article 370 ended sufferings: L-G

    By Express News Service
    SRINAGAR: Years of suffering of the people of J&K ended on August 5, 2019, when its special status granted by Article 370 was abrogated, Lt-Governor Manoj Sinha told the foreign diplomats who met him on the second day of their-two-visit. 

    “Efforts of the PM ushered the UT into a new era, which has brought about socio-economic development and empowerment of the people,” Sinha told the 24 foreign envoys on the political, security and economic situation in J&K.

    He informed the envoys that the Modi government had drawn up excellent ideas and initiatives of industrialisation even in far-flung areas so that jobs could be created for youth. He said the government is investing more than ever before in infrastructure, industries, education, healthcare, skill development, sustainable livelihood.

    Terming militancy as the biggest enemy of human-kind, Sinha said: “Despite attempts by our neighbour to destabilise the security situation and trigger social disharmony, the government remains resolute.

  • Fair, free elections will be held in J&K after completion of delimitation process: LG Manoj Sinha

    By ANI
    JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday assured that after the Delimitation Commission completes its work, elections will be conducted in a free and fair manner in the region.

    “The delimitation process is on. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have assured the country that after the delimitation process is completed, the assembly elections will be held. After the Delimitation Commission finishes its work, I assure, elections will be conducted in a fair and free manner,” Sinha said.

    The delegation of foreign envoys visiting Jammu and Kashmir met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan in Jammu on Tuesday.

    The Delimitation Commission comprising of Chairperson Retired Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, Ex-Officio Member Sushil Chandra (Election Commissioner) and ex-officio member, KK Sharma (State Election Commissioner, J-K) held a meeting today in New Delhi with the Associate members from J-K, for seeking their suggestion/views on the process of delimitation with respect to the union territory.

    An overview of the process of delimitation based on the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019 and Delimitation Act, 2002 was presented before the members detailing various Sections of these Acts related to the delimitation exercise of Jammu and Kashmir.

    “The two Associate Members appreciated Commission’s efforts and suggested that delimitation of constituencies shall be as far as practicable, be for geographically compact areas and while delimiting them regard shall be given to physical features; existing boundaries of administrative units; facilities of communication and public convenience,” read the press release by Election Commission today.

    They also suggested giving special attention to the difficult terrains while carrying out the delimitation exercise in Jammu and Kashmir.

    On August 15, 2020, PM Modi said that the ‘delimitation process’ is underway in Jammu and Kashmir and added that polls will be conducted soon in the Union Territory soon.

  • Village in J&K’s Doda gets electricity for the first time

    By PTI
    JAMMU: Ganouri-Tanta village in the mountainous Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir saw the light of an electric bulb for the first time on Sunday, ending the decades of darkness from the lives of the villagers.

    The electrification work of the village was taken up on the order of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, after a group of locals put forward the demand before him at the last “LG Mulaqaat” programme, an official spokesperson said.

    The LG asked the Doda district administration to ensure electrification of the village within a month.

    Thanks to the quick action by the district administration, the herculean task of electrifying the remote village was completed in a record time of 15 days.

    Acting upon the LG’s directions, the district administration, in coordination with the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) and Shalaka officials, started the work on a war footing, despite the adverse weather conditions that made the task extremely difficult.

    To celebrate the historic moment with the villagers, District Development Commissioner (DDC) Sagar D Doifode visited the village and formally declared it as electrified by lighting a bulb amid huge rounds of applause, the spokesperson said.

    The DDC congratulated the villagers on getting electricity supply for the first time.

    He reiterated the resolve of the LG’s administration to provide all basic amenities to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially those living in far-flung areas.

    Doifode said the progress of the electrification work of the village was monitored on a daily basis, while providing every logistic support to the JPDCL team associated with the task.

    “The executing team demonstrated great resolve by finishing the work in just half-a-month, 15 days ahead of the deadline,” he said.

  • Heavy snowfall declared as state-specific natural calamity under SDRF in Jammu and Kashmir

    By PTI
    JAMMU: Extending much needed relief to the people of snowbound areas, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday declared ‘heavy snowfall’ as state specific natural calamity under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms.

    The Lt Governor was chairing a meeting to take stock of the winter management, particularly, snow clearance efforts of the administration, with all deputy commissioners and senior superintendents of police of Kashmir Division through virtual mode, at the Raj Bhavan here, an official spokesperson said.

    ‘Heavy Snowfall’ did not figure in the list of ‘natural calamities’ under SDRF norms, due to which disbursement of relief and ex-gratia for the damages due to heavy snowfall was not possible for the Districts’ Disaster Management Authorities.

    Now, processing of ex-gratia relief under SDRF will become faster, thereby giving huge relief to the affected people living in snowbound areas, the spokesperson said.

    He said the Lt Governor sought a detailed report on issues and problems faced by the people due to heavy snowfall and future course of action of the administration at all levels to overcome the challenges thereof.

    On being apprised about the shortage of small rescue vehicles for the movement of people requiring medical assistance, particularly, in remote areas and areas having narrow lanes, Sinha directed that 4×4 rescue vehicles and ambulances be provided to snow affected districts with immediate effect for helping the people in distress.

    The Lt Governor asked the officers to be more sensitive and responsive to the issues of the public and take requisite measures to minimise the difficulties of common people.

    “Be visible and take early measures. Need more feet on the ground. Quickly reach out to the people to address their needs and requirements,” the Lt Governor asked the officers.

    Sinha lauded the efforts of employees working 24×7 on ground in challenging climatic conditions.

    He directed rationalising deployment of machinery and equipment for snow clearance from the roads, besides making necessary emergency facilities available to render critical help in contingent situations.

    Taking cognizance of media reports, social media posts and grievances received from the public, the Lt Governor asked the administration to identify gaps and take immediate corrective measures to fill the same to redress the concerning issues of the people.

    He also directed the officers to continuously monitor the situation and work in synergy with various departments to avoid any inconvenience to people.

    During the meeting, the Lt Governor took a detailed district wise review of the overall status of the power scenario, snow clearance, road connectivity, water supply, essential supplies, disaster management, food supplies, availability of power buffer stock and other issues, the spokesperson said.

  • 4G network may be back as L-G assures ‘good news’

    Express News Service
    SRINAGAR: Lt Governor Manoj Sinha’s assurance on ‘good news’ has rekindled the hopes of the people about the restoration of high-speed 4G internet in Jammu and Kashmir. High-speed 4G internet was suspended hours before the scrapping of Article 370 and the bifurcation of J&K by the Centre on August 5, 2019. 

    Following the Supreme Court directions, 4G network was restored in two districts – Ganderbal in the Valley and Udhampur in Jammu – on August 16 last. However, the network remains suspended in 18 others districts despite repeated pleas from students, traders, government employees, civil society members, professionals, doctors and politicians.

    There were expectations that restoration of 4G network would follow the successful completion of the first-ever District Development Council (DDC) polls in J&K.  However, it has not happened so far. “I know 4G is working in just two districts of J&K. A committee is examining the issue. There will be good news soon in the coming days,” Sinha had told reporters in Jammu on Thursday.

    Currently, landline and mobile phones with 2G throttled mobile internet services is operational in J&K after their restoration on January 25, 2020. Due to the suspension of high-speed internet, people from all sections of society, including students, government employees, and doctors, have been facing inconvenience. The students have been the worst hit, as they could not properly attend the online classes due to low-speed internet after the outbreak of Covid-19 in March last.  

  • LG Manoj Sinha administers oath to Justice Pankaj Mithal as Chief Justice of HC for J-K, Ladak

    By PTI
    JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday administered the oath of office to Justice Pankaj Mithal as the new Chief Justice of the common High Court for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh at a swearing-in ceremony held at Convention Centre here.

    The Lt Governor congratulated Justice Pankaj Mithal for his new appointment.

    The Registrar General of the high court read out the warrant of appointment.

    Proceedings of the oath ceremony were conducted by Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor.

    Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal has been appointed to head the High Court for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh in view of the retirement of Chief Justice Gita Mittal recently.

    Former Chief Justice, J-K, Justice Mittal, judges of the J-K high court, judges from Allahabad High Court, Members of Parliament, advisors to the Lt Governor, among other officials, were present on the occasion.

  • Modi took a big decision that any person in the country can buy land in Jammu and Kashmir

    Modi Government has taken a big decision. In Jammu and Kashmir, now any person of the country can buy land law and settle there. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a new notification under this. Now any citizen of the country can now buy land for his house, shop and business in beautiful Jammu and Kashmir like heaven. There will be no restriction on him. However, the ban on farming land will continue. Let me tell you that earlier only residents of Jammu and Kashmir could sell and sell land. But now people from outside can also buy land and start their work there. According to Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, we want outside industries to be set up in Jammu and Kashmir, hence there is a need to invest in industrial land. But the cultivated land will remain only for the people of the state. The Union Home Ministry has taken this decision under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, under which any Indian can now buy land for a factory, house or shop in Jammu and Kashmir. For this, proof of being a local resident will not be required.