‘Srinagar Has Emerged As Model Of Urban Transformation In Country’
Web Story Desk
BARAMULLA, Jan 16: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday asserted that panchayat and urban local bodies polls would “definitely” be conducted in the Union territory after the reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) is implemented.
He alleged that those who deprived the local bodies of funds during their rule were now doing politics on the issue and want the situation to revert, but “we will not allow that”.
“I want to tell those colleagues of mine who were panchs, sarpanches and ULB representatives – after the State Reorganisation Act came into force, the reservation of other backward classes was a constitutional necessity and the administration has started the process.
“I want to assure you that after concluding this exercise, ULBs and Panchayat polls will definitely be conducted in Jammu and Kashmir. I want to assert that they will definitely be held,” Sinha said here.
He was addressing a gathering after inaugurating a stadium named after the country’s first chief of defence staff General Bipin Rawat in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
Sinha said some people were indulging in politics over the delay in conducting the polls, but people know their intentions.
“Some people are doing politics over the issue. Those who choked ULBs and Panchayats have started remembering them now. I do not want to say anything, but, I think the people here know very well who those people are and what their intentions are.
“They want Panchayats to return to the same situation and that everything should happen through them, but, I want to assure you that we will not allow that,” he said.
He appealed to the people, especially the youth, to participate in the Republic Day celebrations and keep the tricolour flying high.
“I urge you to take part in large numbers in the ‘Jhanda Ooncha Rahay Hamara’ programme. I want the skies of Baramulla to be filled with Tiranga,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Lieutenant Governor said Srinagar has emerged as the model of urban transformation in the country due to the smart city project.
He was speaking to reporters after inaugurating the renovated Habbakadal bridge in Shehre Khas (interior areas) of the city here.
“Srinagar has emerged as the model of urban transformation. Today, Srinagar’s urban transformation is the talk of the country. In fact, it is talked about in a much better way than other cities of the country. The officers of Smart City Project have worked with utmost dedication. I am grateful to the people of the city as well for supporting it,” Sinha said.
The LG said the renovation of the bridge under the Smart City Project is a huge gift for the people of the Shehre Khas.
Work has also started for the 5-km Jhelum Riverfront phase two at the cost of Rs 17.85 crore and it would have 24 ghats, he said.
“I think it will improve the quality of life of the residents of the city, especially people of Shehre Khas,” he added.
Asked if Srinagar was neglected by the previous governments, Sinha said while it was not right to say that, the city has become better, and there will be further improvement.
