Darbar Move was nexus, misuse of state exchequer equal to Gau Maas for me: LG

Sinha, Jitendra inaugurates Jammu HAAT

Jammu: In the wake of controversy triggered after scrapping of century old Darbar Move exercise, the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha terms it a huge nexus and said that any misuse of state exchequer is equal to Gua Maas for him.

“There is a discussion that scrapping of the century old Darbar Move will impact the economy of Jammu and Kashmir but I want to say it was big nexus and some people with vested interest advocated for its continuation,” LG said adding that there is no question to work on the views of some people.

He added that after assuming charge there were over 200 files, which were moved in trucks and important files went missing, now everything is moved to e-offices.

“I assure that the centre and administration of Jammu and Kashmir will take every possible step to improve the economy of the union territory,” he said after inaugurating Jammu Haat at Exhibition Ground.

He further assured every possible step for the development of local traders and people.

He added that there is misunderstanding among few people, who believe that Jammu and Kashmir will run on their views.

“Now the era in which some corrupt people interfere in the lives of masses has come to an end. I want to say with full responsibility that even misuse of a single penny from government funds for me is equal to Gau Mass. Every money belongs to people and will be utilised for their welfare.

He added that Jammu Haat will be a unique marketplace, in the heart of the city and will display the richness of J&K's culture. “It will serve as a platform for organizing buyer-seller meets creating opportunities for enhancing local business & exports on a permanent basis by connecting local artisans with a multitude of markets, '' he added.

He said that the Haat will empower the local entrepreneurs to build successful businesses by providing high-quality training programs, advisory services and this access will help people achieve economic self-sufficiency through small business development, besides promoting local heritage & tourism.

“I believe that Jammu Haat can bring about a massive change in the handicraft, handloom and local industry at the grassroots level in Jammu”, the Lt Governor added.

LG said that the tradition of handicrafts, handlooms has been part of our society for the last ten thousand years. “Our primary focus is to scale up the local industries of handloom and handicrafts to global level”, he added.

LG noted that the UT government is not only committed to the preservation and development of local art but also for the social and economic upliftment of lakhs of people associated with the handicraft sector in J&K.

He recalled that the Karkhandar scheme started in August this year aimed to create a bridge between traditional crafts and market, besides training the artisans, weavers associated with this rich heritage. The scheme broadly aims to revive the languishing crafts; upscale the learning techniques of trainees; improve the wages of the craftsmen through collectivization and creating linkages with producer organizations to inculcate entrepreneurial skills and aptitude to the trainees.

“Under the 'Karkhandar' scheme during the training beneficiaries will be given an honorarium of Rs 2,000 per month and an additional Rs 25,000 to buy raw materials and other items. After the training, all the craftsmen and weavers who want to start their own unit will be provided all possible financial assistance from the administration”, the Lt Governor said.

Besides extending financial support to the people associated with local crafts, the UT government is making sustained efforts to promote the branding of GI tagged handicrafts on priority basis so as to provide international market to the artists through e-commerce. Very soon Basohli painting, Basohli pashmina products, Kishtwar loi and Chikriwood craft will also get the GI tag, the Lt Governor added.

He said that a major part of the Udhampur Industrial Estate has been reserved for women entrepreneurs. Similarly, Jammu Haat will also act as an exclusive hub for Women Entrepreneurs associated with small and medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), and will play an important role in the Sustainable Economic Growth of the entire region”, he added.

LG said that the UT government is making committed efforts for youth empowerment, especially women, through programmes like Hausla, Himayat, Mumkin, Parwaz, Umeed, Tejaswini, Sankalp, Saath, Rise Together etc. Besides, youth clubs have been established in all panchayats, making the Youth a partner in the governance process and UT’s development. In the last few months, around 20,000 youth have been empowered financially to start their enterprises, he added.

LG announced the extension of financial assistance to the artisans and youth who want to start their enterprise in the field of traditional crafts or any other small scale industrial unit.

“There will be no limit as far as the numbers are concerned. We will reach out to every person. In Jammu division our aim is to provide financial support to two lakh artisans and youngsters willing to start their own business,” he added.

LG said that under ‘One District One Product’ scheme, PM Narendra Modi has transformed the economically backward districts into engines of inclusive development with the promotion of local skills and arts.

lauded the efforts of Industries department, which worked with full dedication and fulfilled the years old demand of the people of Jammu.

Speaking on the occasion, Union minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday said northeast India has been converted into heartland from hinterland by the BJP government, which has also made the "northeast development model" an example throughout the country.
Addressing an event here, he said by 2047, when the country would emerge as "vishwaguru" (world leader) on completing 100 years of independence, it will be an absolute India consisting of east, west, north and south, of which Jammu and Kashmir is also a part.
Therefore, the people of the region must remain steadfast and prepare themselves for that important historic moment, Singh said.
The Union minister of state for personnel inaugurated the "Jammu Haat", a hub of export promotion, at the exhibition ground here. He said when India is celebrating "Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" to mark 75 years of independence, the next 25 years are going to be crucial for the nation's growth and progress.
Singh further said soon after taking oath on May 26, 2014, one of the mantras given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was "minimum government, maximum governance" and it was unanimously decided that the states and Union territories left out in terms of development, governance etc. by the previous governments will be taken care of and every step will be taken to bring them at par with the other states.
The best example of this maxim is the "Mission Northeast" started by the government, of which the "Northeast Development Model" has become an example throughout the country, he added.
Northeast has been converted into heartland from hinterland by this government, the minister was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the personnel ministry.
On the ongoing public outreach programme in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said after taking oath for the second term, the prime minister strongly emphasised on "Mission Jammu and Kashmir", of which one of the important steps taken is the extensive public outreach programme involving Union ministers.
Listing the achievements in the last two years in Jammu and Kashmir, he said all the central laws are now applicable to the Union Territory, be that the anti-corruption law or other laws, and it was done to bring the region into the country's mainstream, the statement said.
The minister, who is also a Lok Sabha member from Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur, said investments of more than Rs 50,000 crore are expected in the Union Territory, which will change the dynamics of development in the region in the coming years.