THE NEWS FREEDOM
SRINAGAR, MARCH 7
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that Jammu and Kashmir is scaling new heights of development and experiencing newfound freedom following the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution. Addressing the Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir program in Srinagar, he emphasized that the removal of Article 370 has fostered respect for youth talent and ensured equal rights and opportunities for all.
The Prime Minister criticized dynastic politics, which he said had previously deprived other backward classes of their reservation rights in Panchayats, Municipalities, and Municipal Corporations. He lauded various measures undertaken by the BJP-led central government, including granting voting rights to refugees from Pakistan, the Valmiki community, and sanitation workers, fulfilling the Valmiki community’s demand for SC category status, and reservation of seats in the assembly for Scheduled Tribes, Paddari tribe, and the inclusion of Paddari tribe, Pahari ethnic group, Gadda Brahmin and Koli communities in the Scheduled Tribes.
Highlighting the transformation of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank, the Prime Minister lamented its past mismanagement due to dynasty politics and corruption. He outlined government reforms aimed at revitalizing the bank, including a financial infusion of ₹1000 crore and action against improper appointments. The Prime Minister highlighted the bank’s improved performance, citing increased profits, business growth, and reduced non-performing assets (NPA) under the transparent recruitment process implemented over the past five years.
Addressing the region’s history of dynastic politics, Prime Minister Modi pledged to continue the development campaign in Jammu and Kashmir relentlessly. He expressed confidence in accelerated development over the next five years.
The event also witnessed the dedication of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme worth approximately ₹5000 crore and the launch of various tourism-related projects valued at over ₹1400 crore. These projects include the ‘Integrated Development of Hazratbal Shrine’ and initiatives under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes. The Prime Minister also inaugurated the ‘Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice Tourist Destination Poll’ and ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign,’ and announced tourist destinations selected under the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) Scheme. Additionally, the Prime Minister distributed appointment orders to around 1000 new government recruits and interacted with beneficiaries of various government schemes, including women achievers, farmers, and entrepreneurs.
Nazim Nazeer, a beekeeper from Pulwama, shared his success story with the Prime Minister, highlighting his business expansion facilitated by government subsidies and support programs. He described how his enterprise grew from 25 to 2000 beekeeping boxes, creating employment opportunities for about 100 youth in the region. Nazeer’s testimony underscored the positive impact of government initiatives on grassroots entrepreneurship.
जम्मू-कश्मीर इसलिए विकास की नई ऊंचाइयों को छू रहा है, क्योंकि ये पूरा क्षेत्र आज खुलकर सांस ले रहा है। बन्दिशों से ये आजादी आर्टिकल 370 हटने के बाद आई है। pic.twitter.com/nrhbBqTRzC
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 7, 2024
आज शुरू हुए दो अभियानों से जम्मू-कश्मीर सहित देशभर के पर्यटन को बहुत बढ़ावा मिलने वाला है। मेरा एक नया मिशन भी है, वेड इन इंडिया- शादी हिंदुस्तान में करो। pic.twitter.com/z1ztikqi9e
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 7, 2024
जम्मू-कश्मीर में पुलवामा के नाजिम नजीर जी ने मधुमक्खी पालन के क्षेत्र में जो कमाल किया है, वो हर किसी के लिए एक मिसाल है। pic.twitter.com/Laxq36zGz9
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 7, 2024