J&K Undergoing Remarkable Transformation in Education, Economy & Women Empowerment: LG Manoj Sinha

Shopian, July 12, KNT: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday asserted that Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a remarkable transformation, particularly in the fields of education, women empowerment, and economic growth, with deep changes visible on the ground and in the collective mindset of the people.

Addressing a public gathering in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, LG Sinha took a strong stand against the misinformation campaigns that once discouraged community participation in development-oriented programmes. Highlighting the example of Army Goodwill Schools, he recalled how earlier narratives were built to instill fear and alienation.

“There was a time when people were told not to send their children to Army Goodwill Schools. Narratives were created to instill fear and mistrust. But I ask you—if our brave soldiers can protect our borders, then why can’t they help educate our children?” the LG said.

He stressed that such propaganda has lost its ground over the last five years, and today, Army Goodwill Schools have emerged as symbols of opportunity, providing quality education and shaping students into responsible, competitive citizens even in remote and conflict-hit areas.

Turning to the subject of women empowerment, LG Sinha noted a significant shift in rural Jammu and Kashmir, where thousands of women have formed Self Help Groups (SHGs) and are actively driving change. “They are no longer job seekers—they are job creators,” he said, applauding the growing leadership of women in areas like horticulture, tailoring, food processing, and agri-business.

Citing flagship schemes such as National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Umeed, and Tejaswini, he emphasised that these platforms are not merely financial tools but vehicles of transformation. Through training, mentorship, and credit support, women are not only launching businesses but also achieving economic independence and social confidence, he added.

“The confidence on their faces says it all—they believe in themselves, and they believe in the future,” LG Sinha remarked while interacting with members of SHGs in the area.

Commenting on the broader economic landscape, the Lieutenant Governor said that Jammu and Kashmir’s economy has doubled over the past five years, attributing this success to improved law and order, transparent governance, and increasing public participation in the developmental process.

“This growth is not just about statistics. It reflects in better roads, schools, digital infrastructure, and livelihoods. We are hopeful that this upward trajectory will continue,” he said. [KNT]