Covid crisis: Time to build more resilient, sustainable society

growth projection among the top and advanced economies across the world.

Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we fought the last year’s (pandemic) crisis with grit. Now, with the second wave across the country, the responsibility of each individual would be much bigger. We must forge partnership with others like academia, private sector, self-help groups, public sector and the various arms of the administration for a common path of development.

Young human capital our biggest asset

J&K has more than 69% population below the age of 35 years. This young energy, the vibrant human capital is our biggest asset that will contribute immensely in almost every sector in the post-covid era.

There will be restructuring and challenges in trade, governance, health, labour, technology and we will only be able to successfully shoulder these, if we act together now.

I urge every citizen to exploit the opportunities the Covid crisis offers to build a more resilient society and sustainable economy. We need to focus on boosting productivity, investments and ensure recovery speed is not hampered. On the policy front, there will be long-term economic challenges but I believe with people participation, we can increase growth outlooks and reduce unemployment further.

In the midst of this crisis, we must not abandon the strategy that combines new innovation, research and development, services and investment in transformational products for long term success.

Despite challenges, we have focused on people’s participation in formulating our policy framework for this financial year. When we decided to release the first installment of the budget on April 1, it was the first step towards accelerating development process and making Jammu Kashmir more competitive.

The first sign of growth can already be seen in infrastructure like roads and creation of more jobs through selfemployment.

And, our performance demonstrates that we responded to ongoing Covid challenges with resolute steps. We are making most of the opportunities in education and skill training by exploring various online modes, working on growth and prosperity, good governance and grassroots development with the help of elected panchayat representatives and people.

Sharp focus on consolidating growth We have corrected imbalances in different sectors and consolidated our growth. The industries department is gearing up to step up business competitiveness and ‘Mission Youth’ is already working on several plans to provide sustainable livelihood for youth.

The officers will make on-ground assessment of area-specific developmental needs of the districts to formulate realistic district developmental plans that touches lives of ordinary citizens. We are also making efforts for on-boarding maximum services on web-based platform for easy access and minimising human intervention to weed out corruption and enhance transparency. The development plans to focus on the broad contours of enhancing employment, augmenting health sector besides ensuring availability of basic amenities of a progressive society.

There is a fundamental truth in life. For a tree to grow, the root must go deeper. That is why certain balance in governance is needed and the roots, our villages, have to grow if the Union Territory wants to flourish. That is why, at our planning stage, we have made sure to make them our integral stakeholder.

Bottom-up planning

The bottom-up planning process involving gram sabha, panchayats, block and districts will identify and address the key issues being faced by the common man. Each district will also come up with a district employment plan. We are ensuring that wage earners can be provided employment under MNREGA and job card holders to be provided with minimum 100 days of employment.

Similarly, youth seeking self-employment in any panchayat will also be identified and the necessary financial assistance will be provided. The aim is to give them with an opportunity to become an entrepreneur.

My idea of governance is that every single individual in UT counts. We must make a common effort to preserve the vibrant culture of Jammu Kashmir and its enormous potential for a new, strong Aatmnirbhar Bharat. Job-oriented-education, focus on agriculture- horticulture, food-processing plants, research, and innovation, I believe, are vital tools for sustainable growth, secure jobs, and prosperity.

COMPASSION STRENGTHENS A SOCIETY. I URGE EVERY CITIZEN OF JAMMU KASHMIR TO BE MORE KIND, COMPASSIONATE AND BE AVAILABLE TO HELP EACH OTHER TO DEAL WITH THIS UNPRECEDENTED HEALTH CRISIS