Dr D K Manyal
On the occasion of the 9th anniversary of the Modi Government, it is crucial to acknowledge the remarkable transformation that has taken place in Jammu and Kashmir. Over the past nine years, we have witnessed significant changes that have set the stage for a brighter future for the people of this region.
One of the defining moments in our history was the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A by the Modi Government. This historic decision paved the way for true integration and ushered in a new era of development and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir. It has granted equal rights to all citizens, empowering women, Dalits, and marginalised sections of society. The removal of discriminatory Articles such as 370 and 35A has opened doors to investments, employment opportunities, and a vibrant future for our youth.
Data from the Ministry of Home Affairs reveals a substantial decrease in terror incidents, from 417 in 2018 to 242 in 2022. Between 2018 and 2022, civilian killings fell by 23% and martyred security personnel by 66%. The government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, has successfully curbed cross-border infiltration from Pakistan, with the number of infiltration attempts decreasing from 614 in 2018 to 73 in 2021.
Infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir has surged unprecedentedly since 2014. The Modi Government’s commitment to improving connectivity has led to the construction of crucial road and highway projects, reducing travel time and boosting trade and tourism. The length of road construction in Jammu and Kashmir has increased from 39,345 kms in 2019 to 41,141 kms in 2022. Furthermore, numerous projects have been undertaken, with funds totaling ? 27,274 crore provided for their completion, creating new opportunities for private businesses in the region. Notably, the construction of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, costing over ? 7,500 crore, exemplifies the government’s unwavering dedication to infrastructure development.
The Chenani-Nashri tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir stands as a remarkable engineering feat that has brought significant benefits to the region. As the longest highway tunnel in India, it has reduced travel time between Jammu and Srinagar by over two hours, facilitating easier and faster transportation. Additionally, the tunnel has contributed to a reduced carbon footprint by saving approximately Rs 27 lakh worth of fuel daily and preventing large-scale deforestation.
The expansion of the railway network in Jammu and Kashmir has been rapid, with the completion of the first three phases of the Jammu-Baramulla Railway project. Currently, work is underway on the challenging 111-km Katra-Banihal section. Notably, the world’s highest railway bridge has been built over the Chenab river, reflecting the government’s commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Jalandhar-Pathankot-Jammu Tawi Railway Doubling Project, which was stalled for years, was expedited by the Modi government, completing it in 2022 at a cost of ? 852 crore.
The National Smart Cities Mission goes beyond mere construction of smart buildings and infrastructure. It is a visionary endeavor to establish citizen-friendly and sustainable urban living. In line with this objective, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have taken a significant stride by having two of their cities, Srinagar and Jammu, selected for this monumental project. An impressive sum of ?254 crore has been allocated to the UT for these two cities, with 42% of the funds already utilized judiciously.
Another noteworthy initiative, the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme, aims to provide essential services such as water supply, sewerage, and urban transport, along with building amenities in cities, particularly benefiting the poor and disadvantaged. In J&K, out of the 107 projects sanctioned by the Central Government, 81 have been completed. Srinagar, in particular, has greatly benefited from this program, with 44 projects related to water and sewage infrastructure, sewage treatment, stormwater drainage, green spaces, and non-motorized transportation successfully implemented.
The Modi Government has prioritized the enhancement of medical infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, acknowledging the significance of quality healthcare. Through the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) SEHAT scheme, over 20 lakh families in the UT have become eligible for free insurance coverage of up to ?5 lakh per family. The registration of beneficiaries under this scheme has reached 83.97% in J&K. Additionally, the Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs) initiative aims to provide universal, free primary healthcare services closer to the community. As of December 2022, 1,291 HWCs have been established in J&K.
Emphasis on hiring qualified paramedical professionals has been a significant focus of the government’s efforts. By ensuring a high recruitment rate in this field, the government has aimed to enhance the healthcare system’s capacity and ensure the availability of skilled personnel to support the medical infrastructure in GMCs and other healthcare facilities.
The Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) focuses on creating advanced tertiary healthcare infrastructure, medical education, and research facilities across India. In J&K, two projects for medical college renovation were completed in 2017-18, and the construction of two AIIMS is underway as part of Phase V of PMSSY. The number of medical colleges in J&K has increased from 4 in 2014 to 12 in 2023, and the Modi government has facilitated the upgradation of old Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) by introducing Bone & Joint and Cancer hospitals.
The Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana has provided affordable generic medicines and surgical equipment, resulting in savings of approximately ?3,000 crore for Indian citizens. In J&K, there are 227 Jan Aushadhi Kendras offering these medicines and equipment as of April 2023.
During the COVID-19 crisis, the Modi government responded swiftly and proactively, ensuring organized management of the pandemic in J&K. Dedicated COVID-19 hospitals were established, essential medical equipment was procured, and a comprehensive vaccination drive reached all corners of the region, effectively containing the spread of the virus.
The education sector in J&K received a budget allocation of ?11,832 crore in the 2022-23 budget, aimed at improving the education system and providing better facilities for students.
A total of ? 104 crore is being spent to improve school facilities in tribal areas. Modi government has ensured the highest ever disbursement of scholarships amounting ? 45 crore in order to support the educational needs of tribal students pursuing courses at postgraduate level, graduate levels, pre-matric, and post-matric levels.
Under the NDA rule, the number of schools with access to electricity increased from 7,665 in 2014-15 to 20,336 in 2019-20, while the number of schools with access to computers rose from 5,100 to 8,191 during the same period. To strengthen the education sector further, the government approved the establishment of two new colleges, GCET at Kathua, Jammu, and GCET at Safapora, Ganderbal, Kashmir, with an outlay of ?52.00 crore each.
The government’s approval of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) aimed to bring about transformative reforms in the school and higher education systems. NEP 2020 has been formulated after an unprecedented process of consultation that involved nearly over 2 lakh suggestions from 2.5 lakhs Gram Panchayats, 6600 Blocks, 6000 ULBs, 676 Districts. The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD, now renamed as Ministry of Education) initiated an unprecedented collaborative, inclusive, and highly participatory consultation process from January 2015.
Recent G20 meetings held in Kashmir have brought numerous benefits such as increased tourism, employment opportunities, investment, and economic growth. Improved infrastructure, grassroot democracy, and a more peaceful environment over the past four years have significantly contributed to the region’s economic development, countering Pakistan-fueled insurgency.
Beyond mere numbers and metrics, a far more profound measure of the success of government policies is whether they have fostered a deep sense of belongingness to the nation among its people. Have they managed to overcome the psychological barriers that once held the J&K at bay, and brought it into the fold of the nation’s mainstream? In this regard, the Modi government’s success has been nothing short of exemplary. By reaching out to the people of the J&K, by listening to their voices and concerns, and by working hand-in-hand with them to build a brighter future for all, the government has succeeded in bringing about a sea change in the region’s psyche. The walls of mistrust and division have begun to crumble, and in their place, a new sense of pride and purpose has taken root.
With a visionary focus on unity, progress, and development, the government has established a solid foundation for the region’s prosperity. This has opened the doors to a new era for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, where opportunities are plentiful, and aspirations can be transformed into reality.
(The author is general secretary, BJP J&K UT.)
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