Jammu, February 2, 2026 :Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said the transition to popular governance in the Union Territory has strengthened public faith in democratic institutions and restored participatory governance.
Addressing the Assembly at the start of the 27-day Budget Session, spread over three months with double sittings, the LG said the government’s first year in office has focused on combining development with dignity, growth with social justice, and progress with peace.
He said tackling unemployment, bridging infrastructure gaps and expanding social welfare remain key priorities. “Issues concerning employees, daily wagers, contractual workers and marginalised sections have been addressed with empathy, and corrective steps taken wherever required,” he added.
Highlighting governance reforms, Sinha said over 1,500 public services have been made available online, with 391 services integrated with the auto-appeal system to ensure timely delivery. He termed the formation of an elected government after years as a major milestone.
On employment, the LG said 7,650 government posts were filled in 2025 through transparent recruitment, while hiring for 23,800 more posts is underway. He added that 910 compassionate appointments, including 464 to kin of terror-affected families, were made.
Under Mission YUVA, aimed at creating 1.35 lakh entrepreneurial units, over 1.51 lakh youth have registered, with loans worth more than ₹800 crore sanctioned so far.
Sinha said social welfare schemes now cover lakhs of beneficiaries, with enhanced pensions and expanded ration support under NFSA and PM-GKAY. He also highlighted progress in housing, urban development, industrial growth, startups, agriculture and handicrafts.
Calling for cooperation, the LG urged members to work collectively to build a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring dignity, opportunity and hope for every citizen.
