Focus On Terror Free J&K , Border Management, Infra Development, Youth Engagement
Srinagar: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Saturday chaired a high-level review meeting in Jammu to assess the progress of development projects across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating the Government of India’s commitment to building a developed, peaceful and prosperous J&K under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The review marked a key engagement during Shah’s two-day visit to the Union Territory, combining development assessment, security review and interaction with border guarding forces. The meeting focused on a comprehensive assessment of major sectors including road infrastructure, power, industry, tourism, sports development, dairy promotion and digital connectivity through 4G and optical fibre networks. The objective, officials said, was to ensure timely execution of projects, effective utilisation of funds and delivery of benefits to the intended beneficiaries at the grassroots level. The review meeting was attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Union Home Secretary and senior officials from the Central Government and the Jammu and Kashmir administration, who presented sector-wise updates and flagged challenges requiring policy intervention or inter-departmental coordination.
Centre Reiterates Commitment To Developed J&K: Addressing the meeting, Amit Shah said the Government of India remains firmly committed to the vision of a developed and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir. He said sustained and focused efforts of the Modi government have resulted in unprecedented progress in development projects across the Union Territory, despite geographical, climatic and security challenges. He said infrastructure-led growth has emerged as a key driver of transformation in Jammu and Kashmir, enabling better connectivity, economic activity and social integration. Stressing that development must be inclusive, balanced and people-centric, the Home Minister directed officials to ensure that policies and projects translate into visible improvements in the daily lives of citizens, particularly in remote and border areas.
100% Saturation Of Welfare Schemes Stressed: The Home Minister laid special emphasis on achieving 100 per cent saturation of all Central Government welfare schemes in Jammu and Kashmir. He said no eligible beneficiary should be left out and directed the administration to strengthen outreach, monitoring and grievance redress mechanisms to plug gaps in implementation. He underlined that the benefits of all development projects must reach the intended beneficiaries without delay or leakages, adding that transparency, accountability and last-mile delivery should remain central to governance. Officials were asked to use technology-driven monitoring tools to track progress and outcomes.
Focus On Hydropower Potential: On the power sector, the Home Minister said Jammu and Kashmir must fully harness its hydropower potential to achieve energy self-reliance and long-term sustainability. He emphasised expediting hydropower projects and strengthening transmission and distribution networks to ensure uninterrupted power supply across the Union Territory. He said reliable electricity is essential for households, industries and services and plays a crucial role in improving quality of life and supporting economic activity. Officials were asked to address technical and administrative bottlenecks affecting project execution.
Industrial Growth, Employment: The Home Minister reviewed the progress in the industrial sector and highlighted the need to create a conducive environment for investment and entrepreneurship. He said industrial growth is vital for employment generation, especially for youth, and is key to reducing economic dependence on government jobs. He directed officials to ensure effective implementation of industrial policies, single-window clearance systems and investor facilitation mechanisms to attract private investment and support local enterprises. Emphasis was laid on promoting MSMEs and value-added industries.
Tourism Remains A Major Growth Driver: Tourism figured prominently during the review, with Amit Shah stating that the enthusiasm of tourists from across the country to visit Jammu and Kashmir has not diminished. He said tourism has the potential to act as a major engine of economic growth and job creation, benefitting a wide range of stakeholders. He stressed aggressive marketing of Jammu and Kashmir’s tourist destinations in other states and called for promotion of lesser-known and offbeat locations alongside established destinations. He assured full support from the Centre for developing new tourist circuits, strengthening tourism infrastructure and improving visitor facilities.
Digital Connectivity Under Review: The Home Minister also reviewed the status of 4G services and optical fibre connectivity across the Union Territory. He said robust digital infrastructure is essential for governance, education, healthcare, business and service delivery. He stressed that seamless internet connectivity would help bridge the digital divide, enable digital service delivery and empower citizens, particularly in remote and rural areas. Officials were directed to fast-track projects aimed at improving network coverage and reliability.
Sports Infrastructure To Engage Youth: Emphasising youth empowerment, Amit Shah said focused efforts should be made to develop sports infrastructure and establish sports academies in Jammu and Kashmir. He said sports can play a transformative role in channelising the energy of youth in a positive direction and strengthening social cohesion. He said efforts would be made to mobilise around Rs 200 crore in investment by engaging with various sports bodies to create world-class facilities and structured training systems, enabling young talent to compete at national and international levels.
Dairy Sector Promotion Through NDDB: The Home Minister also called for promoting the dairy sector in Jammu and Kashmir through the National Dairy Development Board. He said dairy development can significantly enhance rural incomes, strengthen livelihoods and provide sustainable income opportunities to farmers. He directed officials to work closely with NDDB to introduce modern dairy practices, improve productivity and create market linkages for farmers, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
J&K Brought Under SASCI For First Time: A key highlight of the meeting was that Jammu and Kashmir has been brought under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme for the first time in the financial year 2025–26. Under the scheme, the Union Territory will be eligible for 50-year interest-free loans for capital expenditure projects. Amit Shah said this support would help strengthen fiscal discipline and stabilise the Union Territory’s fiscal deficit over time, enabling greater investment in infrastructure and development without additional financial burden.
Viksit Bharat 2047 Goal Reiterated: The Home Minister said India is steadily moving towards the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, marking 100 years of independence. He said the Government of India will continue to extend full support to Jammu and Kashmir in achieving this national objective, adding that development, peace and security in the Union Territory remain a top national priority. Senior officials briefed the Home Minister on timelines, inter-departmental coordination and steps taken to address implementation challenges. Amit Shah directed officials to adopt a mission-mode approach and ensure close coordination between the Centre and the UT administration.
High-Level Security Review Held In Jammu: In a separate engagement, Amit Shah chaired a high-level security review meeting on Jammu and Kashmir in Jammu to assess the prevailing security situation and the effectiveness of counter-terror measures. The meeting was attended by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Home Secretary, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Jammu and Kashmir, heads of Central Armed Police Forces and other senior officers.
Agencies Lauded For Dismantling Terror Network: During the meeting, Amit Shah appreciated the efforts of security agencies in dismantling the terror eco-system in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the terror network nurtured by elements inimical to the country has been almost crippled due to sustained and coordinated action by security forces. He reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to achieving the goal of a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir and said the gains made in recent years must be consolidated through continued vigilance, intelligence-driven operations and close coordination.
Focus On Watertight Security, De-Radicalisation: Innovative measures to further reinforce a watertight security cordon across the Union Territory were discussed during the meeting. The Home Minister noted that de-radicalisation efforts have recorded significant success and directed that more steps be taken to strengthen youth engagement to prevent radicalisation. He emphasised the importance of socio-economic engagement, stating that major initiatives are needed to strengthen the start-up ecosystem, sports sector and other income-generating avenues to keep youth positively engaged.
Home Minister Visits Border Outposts: On the second day of his Jammu visit, Amit Shah visited the Border Out Posts Gurnam and Bobiya along the India–Pakistan border. During the visit, he paid floral tributes to martyrs at the Ajey Prahari memorial and planted a sapling at Bobiya BOP. He inaugurated welfare projects worth about Rs 7 crore, including solar water heaters, solar power plants and an officers’ mess, and laid foundation stones for BSF infrastructure projects worth approximately Rs 242 crore. The event was attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and senior security officials.
BSF Valour, Modernisation Highlighted: Addressing BSF personnel, Amit Shah said the force’s history of bravery and valour has instilled a strong sense of duty and patriotism across the country. He described Operation Sindoor as a golden chapter in the BSF’s history and said the force has stood like an impregnable wall against infiltration and encroachment.
