Raman Suri
Four years after the abrogation of Article 370 and carving out of the new Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir, the results of prioritized development in the youngest UT have started becoming visible on ground. Be it infrastructural development or investment in education, health, and tourism sector besides generating employment and bringing an end to terrorism, everything is going on in active mode as prioritized by the Union Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah who, way back in 2019, had moved the resolution for revoking all the provisions of Article 370 in the Rajya Sabha on August 05.
Ever since then, J&K has remained the top priority of the Union Government when it comes to developing it at par with any other developed state or UT in the country. First and foremost, for any state to develop,the presence of complete peace and good infrastructure is required as these become the very basis of progress. Having nailed terrorism to the core, the Union Government as well as Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s administration have paved the way for everything that the people of J&K were craving for since ages.
Barring a few stray incidents of violence, the UT of Jammu and Kashmir has not only witnesseda massive number of tourists during all these years but has also seen religious tourism reaching new heights. Now, we will soon be getting the road to the cave shrine of Shri Amarnath ji, the bells of Shri Tirupati Balaji temple are ringing in the Majeen area of Jammu, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji Shrine is seeing massive footfall of devotees and Katra is emerging as North India’s biggest religious destination, which is going to be connected to Delhi via the new four-lane Expressway in a record time.
The erstwhile state of J&K, that never witnessed decentralisation of powers, is today having strong and fully-functional Panchayati Raj System and Urban Local Bodies as the UT’s most vibrant institutions which are empowering common masses and making them a part of the decision-making institutions. This could only become possible after the abrogation of Article 370 that enabled the UT to implement 73rd and 74th Amendments of the Constitution of India and strengthen these institutions, which otherwise were merely dummy bodies.
Four years after the abrogation, the UT has got the lion’s share of funds, attracted investment, generated employment, and ended corruption, secessionism and nepotism that were earlier the order of the day here. Now, there are no takers for strike calls imposed by separatists and terrorists in Kashmir anymore as the common man has started to reap the dividends of peace. According to the official data, several infiltration attempts have been foiled this year and not more than 12 locals have joined terrorism till July end.
One of the best things that has happened in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 is the restoration of administrative control. Encouraged and assured by the safe environment in J&K, investment projects worth nearly Rs 25 thousand crores are under execution in the UT while proposals to the tune of over Rs 80 thousand crores are under process, which will also generate massive employment. Mainstream parties, notably the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), remain bereft of a viable political narrative as their old accession-centric narrative has got washed out post the abrogation of the state’s special Constitutional status.
In this age of digitalisation, the erstwhile state was lackingeven the very basic necessities. Amid stone pelting, students were not able to go to school, women were not able to move freely on the streets, and people were not able to celebrate festivals; while the new UT has even got connected with the global economy as the exports of Kashmiri handcrafts touched an unexpected record-setting of Rs 1,116 crores. Another key development is the Mall of Kashmir as the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha laid the foundation stone of the first international mall in Jammu and Kashmir.
Several infrastructural development projects were also launched in the UT like the 8.45 km long new Banihal Tunnel which was inaugurated this year. Under PM Gram Sadak Yojana, 18001 km of roads were constructed covering 2074 places. Resource-wise too, J&K’s water connectivity has been enhanced through the Main Ravi Canal, Tral Lift Irrigation Scheme, and comprehensive flood management plan of River Jhelum.
It is worth mentioning that Jammu is the only city to have an IIT, IIM and AIIMS. Seven medical colleges, two state cancer institutes and fifteen nursing colleges have been operationalised in J&K with two AIIMS, one for each division, being sanctioned with an estimated budget of Rs 2,000 crores each. The number of Government Degree/Engineering Colleges has increased from 96 to 147. For the first time since independence, the common people of J&K can think freely and express their feelings without any fear from separatist-terrorist networks. It is one of the biggest transformations the common people are witnessing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In Bazars like Lal Chowk and Polo View Market in Srinagar as well as Raghunath Bazar and Apsara Road in Jammu,which have either been renovated or the work is nearing completion, people enjoy their evenings till late hours. Old Jammu city willbe coming up as the most sought-after place once the revamping work will be completed. Successful conduct of G20 meet too has sent a strong message across the globe that Jammu and Kashmir is not going to look back to the years of violence and has come a long way in providing people with ample opportunities where young boys and girls are generating employment through their start-ups.
In wake of the historic abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a transformative journey towards prosperity and peace. The Union Territory has emerged as a beacon of development, showcasing prioritized growth across various sectors.
From robust infrastructure to advancements in education, health, and employment, every facet of J&K’s development is being meticulously addressed. The resolute efforts to quell terrorism have paved the way for a new era of progress and opportunity, fulfilling the long-standing aspirations of the people.
As we reflect on four years of resounding progress, it is quite evident that J&K has not only turned a new leaf but is scripting a narrative of hope, opportunity, and resilience. In today’s digital age, J&K is embracing progress, providing essential amenities and a safe environment for its people, where wasteful and unproductive practices like annual Darbar move too have come to an end. This is the new Jammu and Kashmir, which is going to transform the lives of common people in years to come.
(The writer is Bharatiya Janata Party J&K Executive Member)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
