While winding up his 2-day Jammu visit, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated that PM Modi led regime is committed to build peaceful and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir. Chairing a high-level review meeting in Jammu to assess progress of development projects across the Union Territory, the Union Home Minister assured the J&K Government that Centre would provide all the possible support to develop new tourist destinations and help the J&K administration to overcome all the challenges. Expanding tourism beyond traditional hotspots can help distribute economic benefits more evenly, create local employment opportunities, and strengthen community participation in growth. Sustainable tourism, if pursued thoughtfully, can become a powerful driver of both prosperity and cultural preservation. Besides tourism the Home Minister assessed the progress made in key sectors including road infrastructure, power, industry, tourism, and digital connectivity through 4G and optical fibre networks. New roads and highways have not only reduced travel time but also connected remote areas to markets, healthcare, and education. After the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed tremendous progress in all the spheres. New roads and highways have been built; industrialization has taken place and youth have been provided with new opportunities in all the sectors. J&K has changed for the good. What was once a region grappling with uncertainty and limited investment has gradually emerged as a space witnessing renewed infrastructure activity, industrial interest, and expanding opportunities for its youth. The Union Home Minister assessed the development scenario and stressed on the need to harness the full potential of the region’s hydropower resources. He also called for special emphasis on achieving 100 per cent saturation of government welfare schemes, ensuring that benefits reach every eligible citizen. It is crucial for building trust between the state and the people. Welfare delivery, when transparent and inclusive, strengthens social equity and reinforces the idea that development is meant for all, not a select few. Jammu and Kashmir’s journey is far from complete, and challenges undoubtedly remain. However, the progress achieved so far signals a positive shift. With continued political will, cooperative federalism, and people-centric policies, the vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and confident Jammu and Kashmir can steadily become a lived reality rather than just a stated goal. |