Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 20 marked the inauguration, dedication to the nation, and laying of the foundation stone for a myriad of development projects in Jammu, collectively valued at over Rs 32,000 crores. These projects span diverse sectors such as health, education, rail, road, aviation, petroleum, and civic infrastructure, among others. In addition to this, the Prime Minister personally handed out appointment orders to approximately 1500 newly recruited government employees in Jammu and Kashmir. As part of the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu’ initiative, he engaged with beneficiaries of various government schemes, further emphasizing the government’s commitment to comprehensive development. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi reflected on the significant transformation evident in the current event compared to his past visits to Jammu. He marveled at the massive turnout despite challenging weather conditions and highlighted the three venues where citizens gathered to witness the proceedings on large screens. Praising the resilience of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister emphasized that the program’s impact extended beyond Viksit Bharat, involving millions of individuals from educational institutions across the nation. He acknowledged the widespread viewership of the event, spanning 285 blocks in Jammu and Kashmir, and commended the spirit of the Union Territory’s residents. PM Modi commended the articulate beneficiaries who shared the positive impact of government schemes, expressing confidence that the vision of Viksit Jammu and Kashmir would soon be realized. He underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that every deserving beneficiary receives their due. Highlighting the forward trajectory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister noted that today’s projects, valued at Rs 32,000 crore, would significantly enhance education, skill development, employment, healthcare, industry, and connectivity. He congratulated the youth for achievements such as IIMs, IITs, and job appointments. Addressing the historical challenges faced by the region, PM Modi mentioned the elimination of dynastic politics and the government’s focus on the welfare of the poor, farmers, youth, and women. He assured the people that the government would fulfill its commitments, stating, “Dreams that were lying unfulfilled for 70 years will be accomplished by Modi soon.” The Prime Minister highlighted the strides made in education and healthcare, citing the establishment of new schools, colleges, universities, and medical colleges. He stressed the significant improvement in health facilities, including the rise in medical colleges and the inauguration of AIIMS in Jammu. Discussing the abrogation of Article 370, PM Modi emphasized the region’s shift towards balanced development and the end of dynastic politics. He praised the positive changes in the atmosphere and recognized the neglect suffered by Jammu and Kashmir in the past. The Prime Minister acknowledged the fulfillment of constitutional promises, including social justice for refugee families and communities like the Balmiki Community. He highlighted the empowerment of women through various schemes and initiatives, emphasizing the positive impact of Article 370’s abrogation. He detailed the ongoing development projects, ranging from road and rail connectivity to electrification and the expansion of airports. He expressed confidence in the increasing tourist influx, attributing it to the fast-paced infrastructure development. Concluding his address, the Prime Minister spoke about India’s economic growth and the government’s capacity to spend on welfare schemes. He outlined the vision to make India the third-largest economic power globally in the next five years, ensuring prosperity for every family in Jammu and Kashmir. Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, and Union Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office, Dr Jitendra Singh, were present during the event, among other dignitaries.
“The focus has shifted to publishing calendars for education and employment, and activities such as stone-pelting are now a thing of the past. Worth noticing are the positive changes in daily life, with markets and schools remaining open throughout the year, and the common man enjoying nightlife in the Kashmir Valley. The fear that once pervaded evenings in certain districts has been replaced by the flourishing operation of cinema halls and restaurants until late at night.”
In his speech, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, commended the transformative leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, acknowledging the historic move on 5th August 2019 as the liberation of Jammu and Kashmir from seven decades of suffering. Under Prime Minister Modi’s visionary approach, the region has experienced liberation from injustice, separatism, terrorism, and corruption, emerging as a symbol of socio-economic empowerment. LG Sinha highlighted the remarkable journey of Jammu and Kashmir, now positioned as a new role model for progress and development, signaling a brighter future for its residents. He emphasized that the Prime Minister, in the past five years, has granted every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir the right to live as per their wish. The Lt. Governor pointed out significant achievements, including a 75% reduction in terror incidents, the cessation of local recruitment, and the discontinuation of strike calendars. The focus has shifted to publishing calendars for education and employment, and activities such as stone-pelting are now a thing of the past. He also noted the positive changes in daily life, with markets and schools remaining open throughout the year, and the common man enjoying nightlife in the Kashmir Valley. The fear that once pervaded evenings in certain districts has been replaced by the flourishing operation of cinema halls and restaurants until late at night. He highlighted the transformation of Jammu and Srinagar cities into new models of urban development LG Sinha welcomed and complimented Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for projects worth Rs 20,000 crore in April 2022 in Samba. He announced that the Prime Minister would lay the foundation stone and inaugurate historic development projects worth Rs 32,247 crore during the current program. Lt Governor outlined ongoing efforts, with projects worth Rs 20,000 crore set to be completed in the coming four months and additional projects worth about Rs 60,000 crore to be completed by March, dedicated to the welfare and development of citizens. He emphasized that the comprehensive transformation and development across Jammu & Kashmir attests the Prime Minister’s commitment on building a glorious, developed Jammu and Kashmir. The Lieutenant Governor underscored the strides made in social justice, equality, and inclusive development under the Prime Minister’s leadership. He highlighted the empowerment of various sections of society, including refugees, Dalits, tribals, women, and vulnerable groups. LG Sinha praised the participation of 42 lakh citizens in the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra, ensuring the benefits of all schemes reach every family. He also noted Jammu and Kashmir’s outstanding performance in public campaigns like “Azadi ke Amrit Mahotsav,” “Har Ghar Tiranga,” and “Meri Mati Mera Desh.”In essence, LG Sinha portrayed a Jammu and Kashmir eager to contribute to a developed India, making daily strides in business, science, technology, art, culture, and sports, moving towards peace and prosperity.
“The achievements in various sectors, the commitment to inclusive growth, and the ambitious projects in the pipeline all contribute to the region’s journey towards peace, prosperity, and becoming a vital contributor to India’s progress. The ongoing and upcoming projects, along with the active involvement of the people, position Jammu and Kashmir on a trajectory of sustained growth and development.”
Kashmir Horizon View: This visit of PM Modi was crucial for the tangible and symbolic strides it represents in the development, governance, and socio-economic upliftment of Jammu and Kashmir. Prime Minister inaugurates and dedicates several projects worth about Rs 13,375 crores. These included the permanent campuses of various prestigious institutions, improved infrastructure in higher education institutes, and the foundation stone laying for numerous projects aimed at upgrading educational facilities across the country. He inaugurated and dedicated educational institutions, including IIMs, IITs, and skill training institutes. This reflects a commitment to providing quality education and enhancing the skills of the youth. The announcement and commencement of various infrastructure projects, such as roads, railways, airports, and health facilities, signal a concerted effort to improve connectivity and the overall quality of life in the region. The Prime Minister spoke about India’s economic growth and the government’s capacity to invest in welfare schemes. This reflects a broader vision to enhance the economic standing of the nation, with a focus on providing benefits to the citizens, including those in Jammu and Kashmir. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the developments in Jammu and Kashmir paints a picture of a region undergoing a profound transformation. The liberation from historical challenges and the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister have brought about positive changes, symbolizing socio-economic empowerment. He also said under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is experiencing a golden age of development. The achievements in various sectors, the commitment to inclusive growth, and the ambitious projects in the pipeline all contribute to the region’s journey towards peace, prosperity, and becoming a vital contributor to India’s progress. The ongoing and upcoming projects, along with the active involvement of the people, position Jammu and Kashmir on a trajectory of sustained growth and development.
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