Srinagar, August 22, 2025 – Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha felicitated the winners of the Centre for Innovations in Public Systems (CIPS) Awards at a prestigious ceremony held in Srinagar, emphasizing the critical role of innovation in achieving a developed Jammu and Kashmir. The CIPS Awards, organized in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Institute of Management, Public Administration, and Rural Development, recognize transformative initiatives in public systems that drive rapid social and economic progress while inspiring others to become agents of change.In his address, Lieutenant Governor Sinha underscored the importance of fostering a culture of innovation within governance to realize the vision of Viksit Jammu Kashmir.
“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 stated. His remarks highlighted the need for systemic reforms to enhance public service delivery and promote sustainable development in the region.The CIPS Awards, instituted by the Centre for Innovations in Public Systems (established in 2010 with funding from the Government of India at the Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad), celebrate innovative practices in sectors such as Education, Health, Information Technology, Rural Development, Environment, and Surveillance.
The awards aim to identify, promote, and replicate groundbreaking initiatives, particularly in border districts, Union Territories, Northeastern States, and Hill States. Each awardee receives a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh and a citation, with the 2024 awards recognizing innovations operational for at least two years but not more than five.The Srinagar ceremony, a significant event in the region’s governance landscape, showcased initiatives that have made tangible impacts on communities by addressing complex challenges through creative solutions. The Lieutenant Governor called for collaborative efforts to streamline processes and adopt new technologies to improve governance, aligning with the broader goal of building a progressive and inclusive Jammu and Kashmir.The event also served as a platform to inspire administrators and policymakers to prioritize innovation, ensuring that public systems are responsive to the needs of citizens. By recognizing these achievements, CIPS aims to create a national ecosystem that encourages risk-taking and cost-effective innovations for societal benefit.