“The new generation of Jammu and Kashmir will live with permanent peace”:Narendra Modi

Srinagar :20/67/24: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the ‘Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K’ event at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir today. The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects in J&K worth more than Rs 1,500 crores encompassing the sectors of road, water supply, and infrastructure in higher education. He also launched the Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) worth Rs 1,800 crores. Shri Modi also initiated handing out employment letters to 200 fresh government recruits. On the occasion, the Prime Minister took a walkthrough of the exhibition and interacted with young achievers of the Union Territory.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister expressed excitement about his visit to Jammu & Kashmir and mentioned two specific reasons for it. He said, “Firstly, today’s event is related to the inauguration and foundation stone laying of developmental projects in Jammu & Kashmir and secondly, this is the first meeting with the people of Jammu & Kashmir after the Lok Sabha elections.” Recalling his recent visit to Italy for the G7 Summit, the Prime Minister highlighted the impact of continuity of the government for three terms as it has changed the outlook of the world towards India. He also said that the all-time high aspirations of Indians are the nation’s biggest strength. He said that this high aspiration leads to high expectations from the government and in this backdrop, the third continuous term of the government is special as the only parameter of an aspirational society is performance. “People have faith in the intentions and policies of the government”, he added.

Referring to the developments that have taken place in Kashmir in the last 10 years, the Prime Minister said that the world is witness to the recent changes in the Kashmir valley. It continues to praise the people of the valley for their hospitality during the G20 Summit. He said that the organization of a global event like the G20 Summit in the valley has made the people of Kashmir proud. Seeing children continue to play at Lal Chowk till late in the evening fills every Indian’s heart with joy. Similarly, the bustling markets of the valley light up everyone’s face. Recalling the sports car show held near Dal Lake in March this year, Shri Modi said the whole world watched that program, which stands as a testimony to the progress in the valley. He mentioned how tourism in Kashmir has become the talk of the town, adding that tomorrow’s International Yoga Day programme will attract even more tourists here. Quoting Lieutenant Governor Sinha, the Prime Minister said that the figure of over 2 crores tourists visiting the valley is record-breaking and contributes significantly to the local economy.

Referring to the projects for which foundation stones were laid or inauguration was done, the Prime Minister mentioned major developmental projects worth more than Rs 1,500 crores and Agriculture and Allied Sectors (JKCIP) Project worth Rs 1,800 crores. He praised the UT administration for fast recruitments in government jobs and informed that in the last 5 years, about 40,000 recruitments were done. He also noted the positive impact of massive investments in Jammu & Kashmir.

Hailing the progress in Kashmir, the Prime Minister said that today the valley is witnessing major development works on almost every front, including rail connectivity, education, health infrastructure, electricity, and water. He highlighted that thousands of kilometers of roads have been built under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojna, adding that besides new highways and expressways, the valley is also going to be connected with railways. The alluring view of the Chenab railway bridge fills everyone with pride. Notably, the Gurez Valley in north Kashmir gained access to grid connectivity for the first time. Shir Modi reiterated that today, the valley is brimming with opportunities in every field, from agriculture to horticulture to sports and start-ups.

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, and Union Minister of State for Ayush (Independent Charge) Shri Prataprao Jadhav were present on the occasion.

Background

The event ‘Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K’ is pivotal for the region, which showcases progress and inspires young achievers.

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone and inaugurated 84 major developmental projects valued at more than Rs 1,500 crore. The inaugurations will include projects related to road infrastructure, water supply schemes, and infrastructure in higher education etc. Additionally, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for projects like improvement of the Chenani-Patnitop-Nashri Section, development of Industrial Estates and construction of 06 Government Degree Colleges.

The Prime Minister launched the Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture & Allied Sectors (JKCIP) Project worth Rs 1,800 crores. The project will be implemented in 90 Blocks across 20 districts of J&K, and will have the project outreach of 300,000 households covering 15 lakh beneficiaries. The foundation stone laying/inauguration and launch of these projects will empower the youth and upgrade the infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir.

The Prime Minister also distributed appointment letters to more than 2000 persons appointed in government service.