Jammu: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday laid the foundation stone for a 500-seat Auditorium and announced the upgradation of Government Higher Secondary School in Gurha Slathia, Samba, reiterating his government’s commitment to strengthening educational infrastructure and empowering youth through innovation and skill development.
Responding to a long-standing demand raised by local youth during his earlier visit in February 2025, the Lieutenant Governor revealed that the project has been made possible through charitable contributions, with the support of spiritual leaders and the local community.
“When I visited Gurha Slathia in February, the youth here requested a big auditorium. I assured them of help. While funds were initially to be arranged jointly with the MLA, I realised the need for an alternative. I sought help through charity, and I am grateful that the promise is now being fulfilled,” said the LG.
The upcoming auditorium, along with the school upgradation project, is expected to be completed within a year and will be equipped with modern technology to foster digital learning and innovation.
The LG also announced the establishment of a new sports facility in Gurha Slathia, to be funded similarly through charitable efforts, in line with his vision for holistic youth development.
In his address, LG Sinha called upon the youth to take full advantage of emerging opportunities in education and skilling, urging them to become the driving force behind Jammu and Kashmir’s transformation into a hub of innovation, equity, and economic growth.
“Education shapes a region’s destiny. Investment in education and skills has turned resource-poor regions into global economic powers. We must ensure the same for Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
He highlighted major reforms aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, noting how they have brought about a “new revolution” in the school and higher education sectors across the UT. Thousands of previously out-of-school children have been brought back into the education system, and rural areas are now witnessing greater access to quality education.
The LG also praised the transformative changes taking place across Samba district, especially in its border areas. He emphasized the importance of strong border infrastructure in safeguarding national interests and outlined the progress made over the last five years in terms of industrialization, connectivity, and economic integration.
“Strong border areas act as the first line of defence. Samba’s border belts have seen massive upgrades — from roads to industries — that now link local communities more closely to the national mainstream,” he stated.
Call for Collective Action
Appealing to all stakeholders, the LG urged the administration, civil society, and especially the youth to join hands in the ongoing journey of development.
“Let us work together to build a self-reliant, powerful and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir. The dreams of Samba’s people can only be fulfilled with unity, hard work, and a shared sense of purpose,” he concluded.
The event was attended by Shri Surjit Singh Slathia, Member of Legislative Assembly, Samba; Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Shri Rajesh Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Samba; alongside senior officials, prominent citizens, and a large gathering of youth and residents from the region.
