‘Statehood to be restored at appropriate time’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 27: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, today stated that the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir has contributed significantly to the region’s peace and development.
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Addressing media persons at Convention Centre here, Athawale called the decision (of Article 370 abrogation) a historic move that has had a positive impact on the region.
He said, “The scrapping of Article 370 has helped end terrorism and bring peace and development in the region, paving the way for the tricolour to be proudly hoisted.”
Athawale added that after the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, the region has seen a rise in employment opportunities for the youth.
The Union Minister said that in the past, people would hesitate to visit Jammu and Kashmir due to safety concerns.
However, he said, since the scrapping of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, over 2.5 crore tourists, both domestic and international, have visited the Union Territory, strengthening the tourism sector that forms the backbone of the region’s economy.
Praising the decision to remove the special status, Athawale also mentioned that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are now demanding Statehood.
He assured them that, as promised by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah when the special status was revoked in the Parliament, the region would be granted Statehood at the right time.
“I promise that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will get Statehood soon, and all their problems will be resolved,” he added.
The Minister also highlighted the record voter turnout in recent elections in the region, noting that this was a significant shift from the past, when people were often reluctant to vote due to the region’s turmoil.
He lauded the high participation in the Parliamentary and Assembly elections, stating that it was a positive sign for democracy.
Athawale also acknowledged that while the INDI Alliance won the recently held Assembly elections, the participation of people in the democratic process is what truly matters.
He emphasized that the Government’s priority remains the development of Jammu and Kashmir, regardless of which party holds power.
The Union Minister also took the opportunity to highlight several welfare initiatives launched by the Government, including Jan Dhan Yojna, Ujwala Yojna, Mudra Yojna, and PM Awas Yojna in the Union Territory.
He said that under the Jan Dhan Yojna, 54.8 crore accounts have been opened across the country, including 28 lakh in Jammu and Kashmir, providing citizens with access to banking services.
Additionally, 4.7 lakh LPG connections were provided in the Jammu division under the Ujwala Yojna, he said.
Athawale also noted that 51.9 crore people have benefitted from loans under the Mudra Yojna, with 1.4 lakh beneficiaries in Jammu and Kashmir.
Under the PM Awas Yojna, he said, 90.5 lakh houses have been built nationwide, with 2.5 lakh houses constructed in Jammu.
In terms of healthcare, Athawale said the Union Government has provided benefits to 8.2 crore people under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (Ayushman Bharat), while 36.8 crore LED bulbs have been distributed to beneficiaries through the Ujala Scheme.
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