JAMMU: Adv. Purnima Sharma, Spokesperson BJP J&K and former deputy Mayor on Wednesday said that the central government led by PM Narendra Modi has transformed J&K into a development hub offering numerous bounties to the people after bailing them out of misery and turmoil.
In a statement issued to media persons, the senior BJP leader said that previously known for violence, including blasts, shootouts, encounters, strikes, and stone-pelting incidents, the region has now become a Union Territory that is thriving and competing with other states and Union Territories in just a few years after the abrogation of Article 370.
Purnima said, “Modi government has undertaken significant efforts to transform Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) into a hub of development. Following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which granted special autonomy to the region, the government aimed to integrate J&K more closely with the rest of the country and foster economic growth.”
She said several initiatives have been implemented to promote development in the region. “The launch of various infrastructure projects, including highways and tunnels, has enhanced connectivity within J&K and with the rest of India. This improved infrastructure is not only boosting local economies but also facilitating the movement of people and goods. Additionally, special attention has been given to sectors like tourism and agriculture. Efforts to showcase the scenic beauty of J&K and promote it as a tourist destination are underway, contributing to economic diversification. Agricultural reforms have been introduced to empower local farmers and enhance productivity,” she added.
Purnima also highlighted the remarkable transformation in Jammu and Kashmir’s youth post the abrogation of Article 370, noting that 60 lakh youth actively participated in sports events in 2023. She commended the Department of Youth, Services, and Sports for achieving its goal of involving around 30 lakh students from over 28,000 J&K schools in sports activities. She emphasized the initiatives taken at the panchayat and block levels to ensure every boy and girl gets an opportunity to play.
The senior BJP leader said that the government has emphasized good governance and the delivery of public services. “By extending various welfare schemes and development programmes to J&K besides creating avenues for employment and entrepreneurship, the Modi government aims at uplifting the standard of living for residents”, she said, adding that all this transformation involved a multi-faceted approach, including infrastructure development, economic diversification, and improved governance, to foster growth and prosperity in the region.
