On Sunday, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized the crucial role of robust border infrastructure in safeguarding the nation’s core, serving as its primary defense line. He stated that his administration has significantly boosted infrastructure development in border regions over the past five years, ensuring an inclusive development plan that has benefited all sections and regions of the Union Territory.
Sinha made these remarks during a foundation stone laying ceremony for an auditorium and the upgrade of a Government Higher Secondary School in Gurha Slathia, Samba district. He recalled a request from local youth during his February visit for a 500-person capacity auditorium. While he initially proposed a 50-50 funding split with the local MLA, he later realized this approach was unfeasible due to budget complexities. However, he confirmed that an alternative funding method had been secured, expressing optimism for the auditorium’s completion within a year and the technological advancement of the school. He also announced a charity-funded sports facility for Gurha Slathia.
Expressing his satisfaction at the realization of this “big dream,” Sinha underscored that education is pivotal in shaping a region’s destiny, driving inclusive development, and ensuring stability. He stressed the importance of investing in educational infrastructure to foster economic growth and entrepreneurial ventures.
Sinha highlighted the transformative impact of initiatives aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which he stated have revolutionized school and higher education across Jammu and Kashmir. He cited global examples of resource-scarce regions achieving economic power through substantial investments in education and skill development. He added that equitable access to quality education has been ensured in rural areas, leading to the return of thousands of out-of-school students to classrooms.
He urged the youth to leverage these new educational and skilling initiatives to transform the Union Territory into a hub of innovation and equity, securing a brighter future. Reaffirming his initial assertion, Sinha reiterated that strong border areas act as the country’s first line of defense, noting the “massive infrastructure upgradation” and “fast-paced industrialization” in Samba’s border areas over the past five years, which have fostered economic growth and integrated the local populace into the national mainstream.
Finally, the Lt Governor appealed to all stakeholders to maintain the momentum of development, work collaboratively, and support the administration in building a better present and future for Jammu and Kashmir.
