Union Home Minister Amit Shah led a review meeting in Jammu to evaluate the status of development projects in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting encompassed a thorough assessment of various sectors such as road infrastructure, power, industry, tourism, 4G, and optical fiber connectivity. Notable attendees included Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Union Home Secretary, and senior officials from both the Central government and the Jammu and Kashmir administration.
Home Minister Shah emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, to fostering a prosperous and developed Jammu and Kashmir. He lauded the remarkable progress of projects in the region, attributing it to the relentless efforts of the Modi-led government to expedite development initiatives. Shah stressed the importance of maximizing the potential of hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir and ensuring the comprehensive implementation of government welfare schemes for the benefit of all intended recipients.
Addressing the tourism sector, Shah highlighted the enduring interest of tourists from across India in visiting Jammu and Kashmir. He advocated for aggressive promotion of the region’s tourist attractions in other states to fully tap into its tourism potential. The government pledged full support for the development of new tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, underscoring the need for enhanced sports infrastructure and the establishment of sports academies to engage the youth in developmental activities.
Efforts are underway to attract investments of approximately Rs 200 crore by collaborating with various sports organizations to bolster the sports sector in the region. Shah also emphasized the promotion of the dairy industry in Jammu and Kashmir through the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). Notably, Jammu and Kashmir has been included in the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme for the first time in FY 2025–26, enabling access to interest-free loans for capital projects over 50 years.
The Home Minister emphasized the significance of fiscal discipline in stabilizing the fiscal deficit of the Union Territory over time. He reiterated India’s progress towards the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the centenary of independence, pledging continued support to Jammu and Kashmir in achieving this objective. Shah’s visit underscored the government’s resolute commitment to prioritizing the development, peace, and security of Jammu and Kashmir on a national scale.
