Jammu and Kashmir: A Beacon of Progress and Prosperity

Ranjan Bharti

In a remarkable testament to resilience, innovation, and inclusive governance, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has emerged as a beacon of progress and prosperity. With a comprehensive approach spanning economic revitalization, social empowerment, and infrastructural development, the region has undergone a transformative journey under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The successful conclusion of the G20 summit in Srinagar not only showcased the economic prowess of J&K but also dealt a resounding blow to terrorism, fostering a climate of peace and stability. The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra witnessed unprecedented participation, setting a new record and highlighting the enthusiasm of the populace towards economic growth and development.
Under the able leadership of PM Modi, initiatives like the Holistic Agriculture Development Program and the Prime Minister’s Crop Insurance Scheme have ushered in a new era of agricultural prosperity. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, J&K is set to become a hub for agricultural excellence, with GI-tagged products like Sulai Honey and Bhaderwah Rajmash gaining international recognition.
The industrial revolution sweeping across the region has attracted substantial investments, paving the way for job creation and economic empowerment. With investment proposals exceeding Rs. 90,000 crores and the development of 46 new industrial estates, J&K is poised to emerge as a manufacturing powerhouse, contributing significantly to the ‘Made in India’ initiative.
The administration’s commitment to grassroots democracy is exemplified by the establishment of a strong three-tier Panchayati Raj system, empowering local governments and strengthening grassroots governance. Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) Yojana and the National Education Policy are revolutionizing the education sector, ensuring holistic development and global competitiveness of students.
Efforts to bridge the digital divide have led to a digital revolution, with over 1,040 public services now available online, promoting transparency and efficiency in governance. The successful implementation of the e-Shram portal and the Prime Minister’s Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana are ensuring the welfare of workers in the unorganized sector, providing them with social security and dignity.
The dream of railway connectivity from Kashmir to Kanyakumari is set to become a reality, with significant progress on projects like the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway and the Akhnoor-Poonch road. The construction of tunnels, flyovers, and bypasses under the Prime Minister’s Development Programme is enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth across the region.
The Jal Jeevan Mission has ensured access to clean tap water for every household, earning J&K the distinction of ‘High Achievers’ at the national level. Infrastructural upgrades in the health sector, including the development of new AIIMS and State Cancer Institutes, are revolutionizing public health services, ensuring access to quality healthcare for all residents.
J&K’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty continue to attract tourists from around the globe, with a record influx of visitors in 2023. Initiatives like the granting of industry status to the tourism sector and the International Film Festival of India are promoting J&K as a premier tourist destination and a hub for filmmaking.
The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, under the guidance of Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, witnessed an unprecedented participation of almost 4 million people, setting a new milestone in public engagement and enthusiasm towards economic development. The administration’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and job creation has resulted in economic assistance totaling Rs. 1384 crores being provided to 94,680 young entrepreneurs in Jammu and Kashmir. Merit-based recruitment processes and initiatives like the Holistic Agriculture Development Program have further bolstered the region’s economic growth, generating employment opportunities for thousands of youth and bringing monumental changes to the lives of farmer families.
The ambitious plans for infrastructural development have transformed the landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, with significant progress witnessed in projects like the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway and the Akhnoor-Poonch road. The construction of tunnels, flyovers, and bypasses is not only enhancing connectivity but also stimulating economic growth across the region. Moreover, initiatives like the Prime Minister’s Gram Sadak Yojana have ensured rural connectivity, linking all rural settlements as per the 2011 census data, and laying the foundation for inclusive development.
The administration’s focus on grassroots democracy has resulted in the establishment of a robust three-tier Panchayati Raj system, empowering local government institutions and strengthening grassroots governance. Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) Yojana and the National Education Policy are revolutionizing the education sector, ensuring access to quality education and skill development opportunities for students across Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover, the digital revolution has streamlined governance processes, with over 1,040 public services now available online, promoting transparency and efficiency in service delivery.
Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty continue to captivate tourists from around the world, with initiatives like GI tagging for handicrafts and the International Film Festival of India further promoting the region as a premier tourist destination. The region’s offbeat tourism destinations have witnessed a significant influx of visitors, contributing to the strengthening of the local economy and showcasing the diverse cultural fabric of Jammu and Kashmir.
The administration’s commitment to the welfare of marginalized communities, including Kashmiri Pandits, refugees, and tribal communities, is evident in initiatives like the granting of land ownership rights and the implementation of welfare schemes like the Prime Minister’s Van Dhan Vikas Yojana
As Jammu and Kashmir embarks on a journey of progress and prosperity, it serves as a shining example of inclusive governance, economic resilience, and social empowerment. With a holistic approach encompassing economic revitalization, infrastructural development, and cultural promotion, the region is poised to realize its full potential and emerge as a model of growth and development for the nation. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, J&K is truly shining bright, illuminating the path towards a brighter, more prosperous future for all its residents.
With meticulous planning and strategic implementation, Jammu and Kashmir has embraced a new era of progress and prosperity. From economic revitalization to social empowerment, the region has witnessed remarkable transformations under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The successful conclusion of the G20 summit in Srinagar served as a global platform to showcase the economic strength and cultural richness of J&K, while also delivering a resounding message against terrorism and extremism.