Innovation at the Core of Governance: LG Manoj Sinha Felicitates CIPS Award Winners in Srinagar

A landmark moment unfolded in Jammu and Kashmir as Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha felicitated the winners of the prestigious Centre for Innovations in Public Systems (CIPS) Awards in Srinagar. The ceremony highlighted the transformative power of innovation in public governance, reinforcing the vision of a Viksit Jammu Kashmir. The awards, organised in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Institute of Management, Public Administration, and Rural Development, recognised pioneering initiatives that have reshaped public systems across key sectors such as education, health, information technology, rural development, environment, and surveillance. Each award carries a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and a citation, celebrating innovations that have been operational for two to five years and proven impactful. In his address, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stressed the urgency of cultivating a culture of innovation within governance frameworks. “For a developed Jammu and Kashmir, we must nurture excellence and foster a culture of innovation within governance. We must redouble our efforts to adopt modern practices to build a truly inclusive society and ensure effective, transparent, and accountable governance,” he said. The ceremony served not only to reward innovative practices but also to inspire administrators, policymakers, and citizens alike. LG Manoj Sinha emphasised that systemic reforms are essential to enhance public service delivery, integrate sustainable development, and embrace modern technologies to streamline processes. The Centre for Innovations in Public Systems (CIPS), established in 2010 with Government of India support at the Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad, has been instrumental in creating a platform for replicable, cost-effective, and impactful governance models. Special focus is given to border districts, Union Territories, Northeastern States, and Hill States, where challenges are more complex but opportunities for innovation are immense. The Srinagar event showcased how simple yet creative interventions can bring about monumental change at the grassroots level, empowering communities and strengthening trust in governance. By acknowledging these efforts, CIPS aims to cultivate a national ecosystem of innovation, encouraging risk-taking and creative problem-solving for public good. The awards, beyond being a recognition, symbolised a call to action: that inclusive, technology-driven, and citizen-centric governance is the way forward for Jammu and Kashmir’s journey towards prosperity.