Dr Abhijeet Jasrotia
In the last five years, the Modi Government in Centre have done tremendous work in Jammu & Kashmir, under the steady and visionary leadership of LG Manoj Sinha, has achieved transformative milestones that have reshaped the region’s development landscape. From economic growth to infrastructural advancements, the LG administration’s reforms have redefined progress for J&K, setting new standards in governance, inclusivity, and prosperity. Now, as the administration has laid this solid foundation, the baton of responsibility rests with the National Conference (NC) under Omar Abdullah’s leadership to carry this momentum forward.
Economic Resilience and Financial Growth
One of the most striking achievements is the remarkable growth in J&K’s economy. The region’s GDP has grown from 1.17 lakh crore in 2017 to a robust 2.63 lakh crore in 2023-24. Banking, once plagued with losses of Rs 1.139 crore, now stands as a profitable sector with earnings of Rs 991 crore. These accomplishments reflect the administration’s commitment to economic resilience, bolstering both local businesses and the overall economic environment.
Power Sector Reforms
The power sector, once burdened with losses in the thousands of crores, has undergone critical reforms under the LG’s leadership. Despite calls for measures like free 200-unit electricity, which sound appealing but could add financial strain, the administration has focused on ensuring stability in the sector. This reform-oriented approach is vital for a sustainable future, and it is now upon the NC to preserve this foundation and continue building a more efficient power infrastructure.
Bridging New Paths to Growth
The Modi Govt with a commitment of new Jammu and Kashmir focussed on infrastructure has revolutionized connectivity in J&K. Over 2.5 lakh projects have been completed, including the connection of 2,140 villages, with another 2,130 to follow. Major projects like the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra highway, two ring roads, and 21 tunnels have not only improved local accessibility but also set J&K up as a thriving hub for tourism and trade. Additionally, airport infrastructure has been expanded to handle double the air traffic, now including night-landing facilities.
Meeting Essential Needs
Under the ‘Har Ghar Jal’ initiative, 15 lakh households now have access to clean water, addressing long-standing needs in rural areas. In healthcare, two state cancer institutes, two bone and joint hospitals, a 500-bed children’s hospital, and seven new medical colleges have been established. Moreover, over 3,000 health and wellness centers have been set up in villages, ensuring that healthcare services are accessible to all. The NC must now focus on maintaining and enhancing this progress in essential services to ensure a healthy and thriving society.
Education and Employment
J&K’s educational landscape has seen unprecedented development with the establishment of prestigious institutions like IIM, IIT, AIIMS, and a central university. The New Education Policy (NEP) has been implemented across 51 new degree colleges, modernizing education standards and expanding opportunities for the youth.
In employment, the administration has created over 42,000 transparent job opportunities, restoring public trust in the recruitment process. Women empowerment, too, has flourished with the creation of over 90,000 self-help groups, benefiting over 7.5 lakh women. These strides in education and employment need continuity, and it’s now in the hands of Omar Abdullah’s NC leadership to build upon this foundation, further empowering J&K’s youth and women.
Social Welfare and Housing
Through the Awas Yojana, 1.15 lakh houses have been built for those in need, while 477 poor families received five marlas of land, setting a new standard in social welfare. This commitment to equity and welfare represents a vision of inclusive growth, and the NC will need to prioritize these achievements to ensure continued support for J&K’s underprivileged.
Showcasing J&K on the World Stage
High-profile events like the Miss World pre-event and Formula 4 car racing have placed J&K on the global tourism map, portraying the region as a destination open to diverse cultural and sporting activities. With these successes, the NC has a unique opportunity to keep J&K in the global spotlight, promoting it as a world-class tourism destination.
Continuing the Path of Progress
The BJP-led Government under LG Manoj Sinha has achieved remarkable milestones in the last five years, from economic revitalization to improved connectivity, and from healthcare advancements to educational empowerment. With a foundation this strong, J&K stands ready to thrive, but the journey is far from over.
Now, as the torch passes to the National Conference under Omar Abdullah’s leadership, the expectations are high. Dr jasrotia said that the the people of J&K have witnessed unprecedented development, and they now look to the NC to not only uphold these achievements but also deliver impactful, ground-level results that continue to uplift every segment of society. The ball is indeed in the NC’s court, and it is time for them to prove that their governance can carry forward the momentum of change, prosperity, and stability in Jammu & Kashmir.
(The author is spokesperson for BJP)
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