Modi's Vision of a Developed J&K: Reforms Post-Article 370 Yield Rs 32,000 Crore Projects

20th February, 2024: While addressing a public rally in Jammu on February 20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised an infrastructure overhaul in the Union Territory. “We will create such an infrastructure in Kashmir valley, that people will forget Switzerland,” said PM Modi in Kashmir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects for education, railway, aviation, and road sectors, worth over Rs 32,000 crore in Jammu.

This massive investment in infrastructure is in line with PM Modi's promise to transform the region, particularly the Kashmir valley. By comparing the proposed infrastructure to that of Switzerland, he set high expectations for the improvements that would be seen in J&K.

In the realm of education, the establishment of two Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and two All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) signifies a significant advancement in providing quality education in the region. Additionally, the inauguration of one of these AIIMS during the event is a clear testament to the government's commitment to enhancing healthcare services for the people of J&K.

Furthermore, the focus on connectivity and transportation through projects in the railway and road sectors indicates a push towards improving accessibility and facilitating economic growth in the region. The launch of the first electric train in Kashmir represents a move towards environmentally friendly transportation, in line with broader global sustainability goals.

All these projects combined, backed by significant financial investment, underscore the government's holistic approach towards development in J&K. The removal of Article 370 and the subsequent reforms have opened doors to unprecedented opportunities for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and PM Modi's promise of "Viksit J&K" appears to be well on its way to realization.

Launching over 220 projects worth Rs 32,000 crore for the Union territory, he highlighted the positive transformation that had occurred since the abolition of Article 370.

PM Modi framed the removal of Article 370 as a milestone that has opened up opportunities for development and peace in Jammu and Kashmir, which had previously been hindered by "dynasty politics" for seven decades. He assured the audience at Maulana Azad Stadium that under his leadership, the aspirations of the past 70 years would be realized, calling it "Modi's guarantee." He encouraged the people to support the BJP and NDA in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, aiming for a 400-plus mandate, and expressed confidence in achieving a developed Jammu and Kashmir, which he called "Viksit J&K".

Modi expressed satisfaction that the removal of Article 370 had dismantled a "wall between the country and Jammu and Kashmir's development." He criticized families that had governed J&K since independence, accusing them of prioritizing power grabs over the welfare of the people. Although he did not explicitly name any individual or political party, he alluded to Congress and regional parties like the National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which had been in power in J&K before 2019.

The Prime Minister highlighted the transformation that had taken place in J&K since the abolition of Article 370, shifting the narrative from one dominated by conflict to one focused on education, connectivity, inclusivity, and development. He emphasized the progress in education, citing the establishment of two IITs, two AIIMS, and the inauguration of one of these institutions during the event. He also pointed out the increase in the number of medical colleges and the inclusion of certain communities in social justice advancements, such as granting SC status to the Valmiki community and including Paddari, Pahari, Gadda Brahmans, and Kolis in the ST category.

Finally, PM Modi flagged off the first electric train in Kashmir, celebrating this milestone and the progress being made in the region.

Overall, PM Modi's address underscored the positive impact of the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, framing it as a significant step towards the region's development and peace.