Avinash Azad
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the significant strides made in the development landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the transformative impact of recent initiatives aimed at bolstering education, healthcare, infrastructure, and overall progress in the region.
Addressing a gathering in Jammu, PM Modi underscored the importance of accurate information dissemination, noting the forthcoming release of a film on Article 370 as a positive step towards enlightening the public. He remarked, “It is a good thing as it will help people in getting correct information.”
Reflecting on the tangible improvements witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi highlighted the remarkable transformation from a period marred by unrest to a present characterized by burgeoning educational institutions and enhanced healthcare facilities. He stated, “There was a time when schools were burnt, today’s schools are being decorated. Today, health facilities are improving rapidly in Jammu and Kashmir.”
PM Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of soldiers, citing the implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP) as a testament to the BJP’s dedication to honoring their service. He remarked, “The previous governments never respected our soldiers. It is the BJP that brought OROP.”
Regarding the pivotal decision to abrogate Article 370, PM Modi emphasized its role in unshackling the region from developmental constraints, paving the way for comprehensive progress. He declared, “Article 370 was the biggest roadblock in the development of Jammu and Kashmir. However, the BJP government has abrogated it. Jammu and Kashmir is moving towards overall development now.”
PM Modi reaffirmed his pledge to realize the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, asserting, “We have taken a ‘Sankalp’ of ‘Viksit Jammu and Kashmir. I have full faith in you and I know that we will make Jammu and Kashmir ‘Viksit’.”
As a testament to the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, PM Modi flagged off the first Electric Train in the valley and distributed appointment orders to new Government recruits of Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of various projects spanning health, education, rail, road, aviation, petroleum, and civic infrastructure, signaling a renewed focus on holistic progress in the region.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Jammu underscores the government’s resolve to usher in an era of prosperity and inclusivity, as Jammu and Kashmir emerges as a beacon of development and opportunity.
In a step that will provide comprehensive, quality, and holistic tertiary care health services to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister inaugurated All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Vijaypur (Samba), Jammu. The institute, established under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana, boasts state-of-the-art facilities and specialized services in 18 Specialities and 17 Super Specialities.
Further bolstering connectivity and tourism, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for a new terminal building at Jammu Airport. “The new terminal building will strengthen air connectivity, boost tourism and trade, and accelerate economic growth of the region,” affirmed the Prime Minister.
The inauguration of various rail projects, including the new rail line between Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan and the electrified Baramulla-Srinagar-Banihal-Sangaldan section, aims to “improve connectivity, ensure environmental sustainability, and boost the overall economic development of the region,” noted PM Modi.
In a significant boost to road infrastructure, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for several road projects. These projects, including the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway and the upgradation of the Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri stretch of NH-01, will facilitate pilgrimage and enhance connectivity to tourist destinations. “The unveiling of these projects underscores the government’s commitment to holistic development and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir,” emphasized PM Modi and added, “We are ushering in a new era of growth and opportunity for the region.”
