Union Minister Highlights Transformation in J&K

Srinagar, Aug 23: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday said there has been a paradigm shift in the mindset of people in Jammu and Kashmir after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power at the Centre. Addressing a two-day meeting of BJP office-bearers in Srinagar, Singh said the atmosphere has changed, with peace returning and development progressing at a good pace.

"The mindset in Jammu and Kashmir has changed completely just like in the Northeast. This happened after the Narendra Modi government was formed in 2014," Singh told reporters, as reported by Greater Kashmir. He added that since the Prime Minister's tenure began, "the atmosphere here has changed. There is peace, and normalcy is returning. Development works are going at a good pace," according to the same report.

Youth Aspirations and Development

Singh emphasized that the youth of Kashmir are "highly aspirational and keen to be part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's growth story," as reported by The Economic Times. He said greater engagement with citizens, particularly the younger generation, would help strengthen their participation in opportunities emerging from the country's development journey.

Speaking at the meeting, Singh said, "Aspirations of Kashmir's youth represent an important opportunity for the future of J&K. With increasing access to education, professional opportunities and development, the younger generation is looking towards a future defined by growth, achievement and participation. They want to be part of PM's growth story," as quoted by The Economic Times.

Singh, who is minister of state (independent charge) for science and technology and earth sciences, cited the performance of young people from J&K in civil services examinations and their selection to engineering and medical colleges as evidence of changing aspirations. According to Daily Excelsior, he said, "You can see how well the youngsters of J&K are performing in civil services examinations and in engineering and medical colleges. They are highly aspirational and determined not to miss this opportunity."

The minister also highlighted new economic opportunities such as lavender farming, which he said is spearheading a "Purple Revolution" in the region, and the construction of new dams, as reported by ANI. He said these advancements position the region to play a pivotal role in Prime Minister Modi's vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.

Reflection on Past Difficulties

Singh referred to a "painful period of 35 years" and noted that three generations had faced difficult circumstances, as reported by Daily Excelsior. "They have seen how bad the situation was for over three decades, with three generations having faced it. But today's youngsters do not want to miss the opportunities available to them," he said.

Greater Kashmir reported that Singh said many BJP workers were lost to violence in Jammu and Kashmir, and that he is lucky to have survived to witness the change in the mindset of the people.

Meeting Context and Opposition Response

The meeting, which began on Sunday, was held after the constitution of a new team of functionaries by the BJP's national president, according to The Economic Times. Members discussed strategy for the upcoming assembly session in J&K starting September 21, and the BJP has planned a protest against the National Conference government in Srinagar on September 2, the same report said.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the leader of the opposition in the J&K assembly, Sunil Sharma, said, "People had high hopes with the popular government but it has failed on all fronts. We will discuss the issues and how to raise them, and make the government accountable," as quoted by The Economic Times.

Perspectives

  • Union Minister Jitendra Singh: Attributes the transformation in J&K to PM Modi's government, citing peace, development, and youth aspirations, and calls for greater engagement with citizens.
  • Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma: Criticizes the National Conference government, saying it has failed on all fronts, and emphasizes the need to make the government accountable.