August 5, 2020 marked the first anniversary of the dawn of politics of development which celebrated the decision by the government of India to reorganize the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories: Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), and Ladakh. With vision for development, enhanced governance, and socioeconomic justice for disadvantaged sections of the population the region is marching on the path of progress…
Critical Human Resource
Human resource is critical to the citizen-centric governance and service delivery. Creating a robust education system can be an enabler in this goal.
Fifty new educational institutions have been established which will offer 25,000 additional seats for students where 500,000 students have also taken advantage of a number of government scholarship schemes.
The J&K government has advertised 10,000 posts at all levels under an accelerated recruitment process for young people that will give added weight to applicants who are residents of the area, divorced women or orphaned girls, among others.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu has started functioning from its own campus which shall give a boost to technological development. The J&K government has also approved the establishment of two centers for invention, innovation, incubation and training which will strengthen the partnerships between industry and academia in technical fields.
Similarly for strengthening health sector two All India Institutes of Medical Sciences, seven new medical colleges, five new nursing colleges and a State Cancer Institute are planned.
Robust Infrastructure
Bottlenecks that delayed various crucial infrastructure projects have been removed. It is being ensured that the region is future-ready and has the capacity to tap industrial revolution 4.0.
The cities of Jammu and Srinagar are being developed as modern and sustainable smart cities.
The Chenab Bridge, to be the world’s highest rail bridge, forms the crucial link in the 111-km stretch between Katra and Banihal and is a part of the Udhampur- Srinagar-Baramulla section of the Kashmir Railway project is all set to get completed soon. It will ensure all-weather connectivity to the region.
The power sector ecosystem is being transformed with the support of central power utilities and finance companies. Recently, lieutenant governor of J&K inaugurated ten projects in power distribution that were executed at reducing the power shortages in various areas.
Jammu & Kashmir has a potential for about 20,000 Mw worth hydro-electric power capacities. Once the entire power potential is exploited, Jammu & Kashmir can be turned into a net energy exporter.
Tackling the Pandemic
J&K is one of the best-performing union territories or states in India in the management of covid-19 global pandemic. Besides having testing rate of four times the national average, it has been able to set up seventeen dedicated covid-19 hospitals. They provide 60,000 beds, including 20,000 in intensive care and 25,000 in isolation units with oxygen facilities.
Meanwhile, $46 million of assistance has been approved for groups adversely affected by the pandemic, including houseboat owners, artisans and self-help groups involved in the handloom and handicrafts sectors.
The performance under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) which provides comprehensive financial protection of 5 lakhs per family is has won good will of the people towards the delivery of quality healthcare.
Entertainment
People in India call Kashmir “A Paradise on the Earth”. Its scenic landscapes and amazing talent makes it the potential entertainment hub of India. However the incidents of cross border terrorism have dampened its true potential. After Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi appealed to the movie industry in India to shoot their films in the valley, there is a new ray of hope for future.
Conclusion
The improvement in overall governance and the participation of youth in the process of development sets Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on the path toward progress and equitable development. Still many challenges remain. Decades of cross border terrorism and gaps in governance which resulted in resentment needs fresh air of peace and development. Let us give it a chance to realize its dream of a better life.
Pradeep Kumar Rawat is the Ambassador of India to Indonesia
