PM Modi Ignites Development and Tourism Surge in Jammu and Kashmir with Multibillion Projects
PM addresses Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir programme in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the "Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir" program in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir today. He dedicated the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme, valued at approximately Rs 5000 crores, to the nation and launched multiple projects in the tourism sector exceeding Rs 1400 crores under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes. This includes the project for the 'Integrated Development of Hazratbal Shrine' in Srinagar. The Prime Minister also launched the 'Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice Tourist Destination Poll' and the 'Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign', announcing tourist destinations selected under the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) Scheme. He distributed appointment orders to about 1000 new government recruits in Jammu and Kashmir and interacted with beneficiaries of various government schemes, including women achievers, lakhpati didis, farmers, entrepreneurs, etc.
Nazim Nazeer from Pulwama, a beekeeper, shared his expansion story with the Prime Minister, highlighting his growth from 25 to 2000 beekeeping boxes by leveraging the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme. His venture has engaged about 100 youth in the region, marking a significant contribution to the local economy and the beekeeping sector. The Prime Minister praised Nazeer for leading a sweet revolution in Jammu & Kashmir and encouraged further innovation in honey production.
Ahtesham Majid Bhat, a Srinagar-based bakery entrepreneur, has brought innovation to the bakery industry through a food technology skill development program. Supported by the incubation center at Government Polytechnic for Women Skill Development and a streamlined government process, she has successfully involved her friends in her entrepreneurial ventures, setting a new example for youth across the nation.
Hamida Bano of Ganderbal has made strides in the dairy business with support from the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). She has opened a processing unit for milk products, employing other women and ensuring the quality and environmental friendliness of her products.
The Prime Minister's commitment to the development of Jammu & Kashmir through these initiatives emphasizes the region's potential in agriculture, tourism, and entrepreneurship. His statements underline the transformation of Jammu & Kashmir into a brand synonymous with innovation, heritage, and progress post the abrogation of Article 370, setting a new precedent for development and unity in the region.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the indescribable feeling of arriving in "heaven on earth" — the breathtaking beauty of Kashmir's nature, air, valleys, and the warm affection of its people. He highlighted the participation of citizens, with over 1 lakh people from 285 blocks connecting to the event via video link, illustrating the new era of Jammu and Kashmir long awaited since the days of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee.
The Prime Minister expressed his deep gratitude for the affection from the people of Jammu and Kashmir, committing to relentless efforts to win their hearts as a personal guarantee. Reflecting on his recent visit to Jammu, where he initiated infrastructure and education projects worth Rs 32,000 crores, he also noted the day's focus on tourism, development, and agriculture projects, along with the distribution of appointment letters.
"Power of development, potential of tourism, capabilities of farmers, and the leadership of the youth will pave the way for a developed Jammu Kashmir," Modi stated, emphasizing Jammu and Kashmir's vital role as the crown of India, symbolizing development and respect.
The Prime Minister recalled the era when national laws and welfare schemes were not accessible in Jammu & Kashmir, marking today as a turning point with schemes for the entire nation launched from Srinagar. This positions Jammu & Kashmir as a leader in tourism, celebrated by participants from over 50 places in India. He detailed the launch of six projects under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, the initiation of its next phase, and the development efforts at the holy Hazratbal Dargah.
Highlighting the 'Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice' campaign to develop tourist destinations based on public opinion and the 'Chalo India' campaign encouraging NRIs to visit India, Modi congratulated the citizens on the development works that promise to boost the region's tourism industry and create new employment opportunities.
Emphasizing the impact of noble intentions and determination, Modi pointed to the successful hosting of the G-20 summit in Jammu and Kashmir as evidence of the region's transformative growth in tourism. "There was a time when people questioned the appeal of Jammu and Kashmir for tourism. Today, it's breaking all tourism records," he said, noting that in 2023 alone, Jammu and Kashmir welcomed over 2 crore tourists, setting a new record. This surge includes unprecedented numbers of pilgrims for the Amarnath Yatra and Vaishno Devi, alongside a significant increase in foreign tourist arrivals and visits by celebrities and international guests, showcasing Jammu and Kashmir's global allure.
Moving on to agriculture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized Jammu and Kashmir's agricultural strengths, including saffron, apples, dried fruits, and cherries, positioning the region as a significant agricultural hub. He announced a Rs 5,000 crore agricultural development program expected to spur unprecedented growth in the sector over the next five years, with a particular focus on horticulture and livestock development. "This initiative will create thousands of new opportunities, especially in the fields of horticulture and animal husbandry," he stated.
Additionally, Modi mentioned direct transfers of nearly ₹3,000 crore under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme to the accounts of farmers in Jammu and Kashmir. To boost storage capacity for fruits and vegetables, significant investments have been made to enhance storage facilities in the region. The Prime Minister also announced the start of the 'world's largest warehousing scheme', aiming to construct numerous warehouses across Jammu and Kashmir.
Highlighting the rapid pace of development, Modi mentioned the inauguration of AIIMS Jammu and ongoing work at AIIMS Kashmir, the establishment of 7 new medical colleges, 2 cancer hospitals, and institutions like IIT and IIM in the region. With two Vande Bharat trains operating and the start of rail services from Srinagar to Sangaldan and from Sangaldan to Baramulla, the expansion of connectivity has given a significant boost to economic activities. On making Jammu and Srinagar smart cities, he remarked, "In the coming times, the success story of Jammu and Kashmir will become an example for the whole world."
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of handicrafts and cleanliness in the region, linking Jammu and Kashmir's connection with the lotus symbol. He highlighted the government's efforts in developing every field for the youth, from skill development to sports, mentioning modern sports facilities built in every district. With 17 multi-purpose indoor sports halls and national sports tournaments hosted, "Jammu and Kashmir is emerging as the winter sports capital of the country," Modi added, noting the participation of nearly 1000 players in the recently held Khelo India Winter Games.
Modi reflected on the post-Article 370 era, stating, "Jammu & Kashmir is breathing freely today, hence achieving new heights," acknowledging the respect for the youth's talent and provision of equal rights and opportunities for all. He spoke about significant social reforms, including voting rights for refugees, the Valmiki community, and sanitation workers, as well as reservation advancements and the inclusion of various communities in the Scheduled Tribes.
Addressing the transformation of J&K Bank, Modi criticized past mismanagement and corruption, detailing the reforms undertaken to restore the bank's health. With a significant increase in profits, business, deposits, and a reduction in NPA, he underscored the impact of transparent governance.
Condemning the impact of dynastic politics on Jammu & Kashmir, Modi assured accelerated development for the region in the coming years. He concluded his address with best wishes for the holy month of Ramzan and Mahashivratri, expressing his hope for peace and harmony.
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, and Union Minister of State, Dr. Jitendra Singh were among the dignitaries present at the occasion.
In a significant move to bolster the agri-economy of Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the 'Holistic Agriculture Development Programme' (HADP) to the nation. HADP, an integrated program, covers the entire spectrum of agricultural activities across horticulture, agriculture, and livestock husbandry in Jammu and Kashmir. The program aims to skill about 2.5 lakh farmers through a dedicated Daksh Kisan portal, establish around 2000 Kisan Khidmat Ghars, and implement robust value chains for the welfare of the farming community, thereby generating employment for lakhs of marginal families in the region.
The Prime Minister's vision to enhance the visiting experience of tourists and pilgrims at prominent pilgrimage and tourism sites across the country by developing world-class infrastructure and amenities was emphasized. Under this vision, multiple initiatives worth more than Rs 1400 crore were launched under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes. Notable projects include the 'Integrated Development of Hazratbal Shrine' in Srinagar, development projects in the Northeast circuit in Meghalaya, Spiritual Circuit in Bihar and Rajasthan, and several others across the country.
The 'Integrated Development of Hazratbal Shrine' project aimed at creating world-class infrastructure and amenities to enhance the holistic spiritual experience of visitors. Key components include site development, illumination, improvement of Ghats and Devri Paths, construction of a Sufi interpretation center, Tourist Facilitation Centre, multilevel storied car parking, and more.
Furthermore, approximately 43 projects were launched to develop a wide range of pilgrimage and tourist sites nationwide. These projects encompass religious sites like the Annavaram Temple in Andhra Pradesh, Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, and many others, alongside various experience centers and ecotourism zones across the country.
The Prime Minister also announced 42 tourist destinations selected under the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) Scheme, introduced in the Union Budget 2023-24. This innovative scheme aims to enhance end-to-end tourist experiences, promote sustainability, and introduce competitiveness in the tourism sector, categorized into Culture & Heritage, Spiritual, Ecotourism, Amrit Dharohar, and Vibrant Village.
Launching the 'Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice 2024', a nationwide initiative to gauge the nation's tourism preferences, the poll encourages citizen engagement to identify preferred tourist attractions across various categories. Hosted on the MyGov platform, this initiative aims to uncover hidden tourism gems and promote diverse tourism categories including Wellness, Wedding Tourism, and more.
Additionally, the 'Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign' was introduced to motivate the Indian diaspora to act as ambassadors for Incredible India, promoting tourism to India among their non-Indian friends. This campaign leverages the large Indian diaspora to act as cultural ambassadors, highlighting their role as a powerful catalyst for boosting Indian tourism.