Emphasising the importance of public participation, particularly from the youth, in governance, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha highlighted the need for transparency, accountability, and the inclusion of marginalised sections in decision-making for sustainable development.
Delivering a keynote address at the G20 Connect Lecture Series on ‘Good Governance’ held at the University of Delhi today, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. urged universities and higher educational institutions to foster innovation and technological empowerment among the youth.
‘’Public participation positively impacts fair resource distribution and contributes to responsive, effective, efficient, equitable, and inclusive governance. Citizens have the right to better services, and administration must function as an efficient service provider,’’ stated Lt Governor Sinha.
Discussing the role of technology, Lt Governor Sinha noted the integration of Artificial Intelligence and new digital tools across all sectors. He emphasised the importance of focusing on “Data & Dialogue” and “Speed & Scale,” stating their critical role in empowering people, driving innovation, sustaining the economy, and ensuring good governance.
“Change is constant, and everyone must contribute, considering the increasing role of technology in governance. Our youth should be equipped with skills, confidence, and optimism to turn every new opportunity into growth,” he emphasised.
Lt Governor Sinha shared the J&K Vision 2030 and highlighted the reforms introduced by the J&K Administration in recent years, resulting in increased transparency, responsiveness, and accountability at the grassroots level.
He showcased the success of the Digital Jammu Kashmir program, which offers over 1000 online public services, citizen feedback mechanisms, and links services with the Public Services Guarantee Act, ensuring transparent service delivery without human interface.
The Lt Governor underscored the impact of initiatives like the BEAMS portal, PaySys, PROOF, and e-GRAS, which have brought about a transformational change in the governance system, with the number of executed projects rising significantly.
Lt Governor Sinha attributed new developmental milestones in the UT to people’s voices in policies and increased public participation in project planning. Prof. Yogesh Singh, Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi; Prof. Chander Shekhar, Chairperson, International Relations, Delhi University; Heads of Departments, faculty members, and students of the university attended the event.