Says budget session not just legislative ‘formality’ but reflection of Govt’s pledge
Srinagar: Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that the government remains ‘steadfast’ in its commitment to addressing legitimate desire of the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir for ‘full statehood’.
In his address to the maiden budget session of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly after over seven years, Sinha also said that the ‘session is not just a legislative formality but a reflection’ of government’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and inclusive development.
“One of the foremost aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is the restoration of full statehood. My government remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing this legitimate desire of the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
“My government recognises the emotional and political significance of the statehood for the people and is actively engaging with all stakeholders to facilitate this process in a manner that ensures peace, stability, and progress,” he said.
He said that the budget carries historic significance as it is the first in over seven years to be presented by an elected government in Jammu and Kashmir.
“It symbolises the people’s power, as it is prepared by the representatives chosen by the people themselves,” Sinha said in his address.
The budget, he said, is not merely a financial document but a testament to the aspirations of the masses, reflecting their hopes for a brighter future.
“For the first time, the chief minister has personally chaired meetings for all twenty districts, separately, engaging directly with elected representatives to understand their aspirations, regional needs, and development priorities in Budget formulation,” he said, adding, “ The voices of the people are again shaping the allocation of resources and the prioritisation of development goals.”
The budget, he said, is a true celebration of democracy-an expression of the dreams and expectations of every household, every community, and every region of Jammu and Kashmir.
“It marks a moment of renewal and empowerment, where the collective efforts of the people’s representatives are shaping the future of this land. This budget represents a new era of participatory governance, ensuring that the needs and aspirations of the common man remain at the heart of policy making,”
Sinha said that the government takes immense pride in composite culture and centuries-old traditions of amity and brotherhood.
“My Government is committed to preserving the unity in diversity that defines Jammu and Kashmir,” he said and underlined that the government was “firmly committed to maintaining peace and harmony, ensuring that the aspirations of our people are protected from divisive influences and cultivating an inclusive society built on mutual respect and harmony, paving the path to a prosperous and peaceful future.”
“As I have mentioned earlier, my Government remains fully committed to implementing its promises made to the people, as a representation of the people’s aspirations for further political empowerment, and for creating an enabling environment for employment, sustainable development, social inclusiveness and expansion of the economy for enhancing the overall quality of life,” he said, adding, “It will work relentlessly on the three principles of Economy, Ecology and Equity that will shape our future. We commit ourselves to this balance for a better and brighter future for all.”
He said good governance remains the cornerstone of a prosperous and harmonious future for Jammu and Kashmir.
“My government remains firmly committed to transparent and accountable decision making, ensuring the efficient and effective allocation of resources so that the people of Jammu and Kashmir fully benefit from every penny spent,” he said, adding, “Innovative initiatives such as digital governance, streamlined public service delivery, effective grievance redressal, and the promotion of socio-economic programs are designed to bridge developmental gaps and strengthen public trust.” (GNS)
