J&K Transformed: LG Sinha Marks Five Years in Office

Natika Bhat

Srinagar July 16: As Jammu and Kashmir prepares to mark five years since the abrogation of Article 370, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has said the Union Territory is undergoing an era of “unprecedented transformation” across every sector — from infrastructure and investment to social justice and peace.

In an exclusive interview with The Week, Sinha reflected on his five-year tenure as the head of the UT administration. “I assumed office in August 2020, and on August 7 this year, I will complete five years here,” he said. “In that time, we’ve moved from uncertainty to opportunity.
From Conflict to Confidence: The New Face of Kashmir
Sinha emphasized that a sense of normalcy and peace has returned to the Valley. “Today, there are no shutdown calendars. Educational institutions function without disruption. Cinema halls, shut for decades, have reopened. Muharram processions, which were banned for over 30 years, are now conducted peacefully. Communities celebrate festivals together,” he said.
Highlighting the declining trend of militancy, the LG said only one youth has joined a terror outfit in the last year — a sharp contrast to previous years when recruitment was high. “This change is not accidental. It reflects a growing trust in governance, institutions, and the democratic process.”
Economic Growth and Investment: A Doubling of Prosperity
Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir’s economy has nearly doubled in size over the past five years. The J&K Bank, which previously ran losses of ₹1.2–1.3 crore, is now earning profits of ₹1.7 crore.
Private sector investment in the UT has also surged — from ₹14,000 crore to nearly ₹30,000 crore. Of this, projects worth ₹10,000–₹12,000 crore have already started production, generating thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
“Employment generation is central to our approach. Youth now see opportunities in entrepreneurship, tourism, infrastructure, and services rather than being driven by misinformation or militancy,” he added.
A Massive Infrastructure Drive
Infrastructure development has been a core pillar of change. Projects worth ₹1.5 lakh crore are in progress, particularly in roads, tunnels, and highways. “Earlier, it took 8 hours to travel from Jammu to Srinagar. Now, it takes just 4.5 hours,” Sinha said, citing the progress of major connectivity projects like the Zojila Tunnel and Chenani-Nashri Tunnel.
In rural connectivity, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is being expanded. While earlier the scheme targeted villages with 250+ population (2001 Census), now it includes settlements listed in the 2011 Census. An additional ₹4,000 crore has been sanctioned for this phase.
Education and Healthcare Boost
Thanks to the Prime Minister’s vision, several national-level institutions have been set up, including:
IIT, IIM, and NIFT campuses
Two AIIMS (in Jammu and Awantipora)
Seven new government medical colleges
“This is not just capacity building, it’s about empowering the next generation,” said Sinha.
Power Sector: Major Expansion in Generation and Distribution
Power generation has increased dramatically — with an additional 3,100 MW added to the existing capacity of 3,450 MW, bringing total availability to over 6,500 MW. “We’re not just generating more power, we’re distributing it more effectively. Transformers, feeders, and substations have been upgraded across the board,” the LG said.
Tourism: A Record-Breaking Revival
Tourism, a key economic driver for the region, has seen an unprecedented revival. “Last year, 2.38 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir — the highest ever,” he said.
This tourism boom has positively impacted the hospitality, transport, handicraft, and food service sectors, opening up thousands of jobs and entrepreneurial avenues.
Justice for Terror Victims
One of the more poignant issues the LG addressed was justice for families affected by terrorism over the past three decades. In Baramulla, many families had not received financial compensation, FIRs were not filed in several cases, and dependent certificates were missing — making them ineligible for jobs or welfare benefits.
“With help from district and police officials, we are now resolving these legacy issues,” Sinha said. “So far, 40 victims’ families have received government jobs. Financial assistance is being processed for the rest. In cases where no FIRs were filed, we are extending support proactively.”
He said the administration is adopting a “whole-of-government and humanitarian approach”, prioritizing justice, dignity, and support for these long-suffering families.
Stable Governance and Constitutional Clarity
On governance, Sinha clarified that there is smooth coordination with the elected government and Chief Minister. “The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act clearly defines the roles of the Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor. There’s no overlap. We resolve any confusion promptly. I am mindful of my constitutional limits and work within them,” he noted.
Final Thoughts: Integration and Aspiration
Concluding the interview, LG Sinha expressed satisfaction with the progress made under his leadership. “I feel I have used my abilities to bring peace, economic growth, and employment to Jammu and Kashmir. More importantly, the authority of the Indian state is now fully established.”
“Jammu and Kashmir is more closely integrated with the rest of India than ever before,” he said. “We are not just rebuilding infrastructure — we are rebuilding trust, hope, and a shared future.”