Srinagar, June 23: Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasized that Panchayats should evolve into centers of innovation, digital governance, and public trust.
Sinha addressed the ‘Service to Prosperity: Regional Workshop on Panchayat-Based Service Delivery’ held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) on Tuesday. He welcomed representatives from across the country and thanked the Ministry of Panchayati Raj for organizing the workshop in Jammu and Kashmir.
He stated that Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) must progress beyond administrative units to become hubs of innovation, equal opportunities, sustainable development, and public trust. Sinha stressed that grassroots governance will play a crucial role in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Developed India.’
He further noted that Panchayat-based service delivery is a vital pillar of governance and reiterated the commitment of the Union Territory administration to strengthen local self-governance institutions.
Sinha expressed his belief that Panchayat-based service delivery is one of the most critical components of governance, a subject close to his heart.
He pointed out that in the past, Jammu and Kashmir lacked a fully functional three-tier Panchayati Raj system. However, significant efforts have been made in recent years to empower local bodies through the transfer of funds, functions, and functionaries.
Sinha mentioned that district plans were developed in collaboration with elected representatives, and development priorities set at the grassroots level were implemented accordingly. He added that locally operated schemes have facilitated the execution of several impactful projects in villages.
Reflecting on his early days in office, Sinha recalled that the governance system in Jammu and Kashmir heavily relied on the physical movement of files under the Darbar Move system.
He noted that when he arrived in Jammu and Kashmir in 2020, he witnessed around 154 trucks transporting government files from Srinagar to Jammu. He was surprised that even in the digital age, the administration depended on the physical movement of files.
Sinha stated that the administration later accelerated digitization and transitioned governance online, improving efficiency and transparency.
Highlighting achievements in e-governance, he mentioned that over 1,100 government services have been made available online within three years, positioning Jammu and Kashmir as one of the leading regions in digital service delivery in the country.
He concluded by stating that technology has proven to be one of the most effective means of providing services to citizens in a transparent and accountable manner.
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