Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Highlights Efforts to Promote Tourism and Empower Youth in Jammu & Kashmir
On Republic Day, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized the importance of promoting tourism and empowering youth in Jammu & Kashmir. He commended Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for participating in the Kashmir Marathon, which he stated reinforced confidence, unity, and projected Kashmir as a safe and welcoming tourism destination.
During his address at M A Stadium in Jammu, Sinha outlined the government’s initiatives to boost tourism in the region following the Pahalgam terror setback. He highlighted the Kashmir Marathon as a flagship initiative for sports tourism and destination branding, aiming to position Kashmir as a global hub for sports and wellness tourism. Sinha also announced the launch of the Jammu Marathon in March 2026.
Additionally, Sinha discussed the Mission YUVA Programme, which focuses on empowering youth through skill development, mentorship, and financial support for entrepreneurship. The program aims to harness the potential of young minds for economic growth and nation-building in Jammu & Kashmir.
Under the capacity-building component of the program, over 5000 youth have completed an entrepreneurship development course, laying the foundation for sustainable self-employment and enterprise creation. Sinha revealed that the mission aims to create 1.35 lakh entrepreneurial units and provide employment to 4.5 lakh youth.
Moreover, Sinha highlighted the government’s efforts in promoting transparency and fairness in public employment. He mentioned the recruitment of 7650 government positions in 2025 and the ongoing process for an additional 23,800 posts. Additionally, 910 compassionate appointments were provided in 2025 to support families affected by violence and tragedy.
Sinha also touched upon achievements in the agricultural sector, including the Yellow Revolution, which has become a significant source of income for farmers in Kashmir. He noted the industrial transformation underway in Jammu & Kashmir, with the establishment of 2227 industrial units generating employment for 73,827 individuals.
Furthermore, Sinha mentioned the approval of claims worth Rs 805 crore under the New Central Sector Scheme and the registration of 1316 J&K-based startups on the DPIIT portal. These initiatives reflect the growing entrepreneurial momentum in the region.
Overall, Sinha’s address highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting tourism, empowering youth, and driving economic growth in Jammu & Kashmir. The achievements in various sectors, including health, sports, urban development, and handicrafts, demonstrate the progress and potential of the region.
