‘Will not leave any stone unturned to repay this debt of affection’: PM Modi in J-K

SRINAGAR (Jammu and Kashmir) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended gratitude to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the affection he has received and said that he will not leave any stone unturned to repay this debt of affection.

“Modi will not leave any stone unturned to repay this debt of affection. I am doing all this hard work to win your hearts and I believe that I am on the right path. I will continue my efforts to win your hearts. This is Modi’s guarantee and all of you know that Modi’s Guarantee means the guarantee of fulfillment of guarantee,” he said.

He dedicated to the nation Holistic Agriculture Development Programme worth about Rs 5000 crores and launched multiple projects related to the tourism sector worth more than Rs 1400 crore under Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD scheme including the project for ‘Integrated Development of Hazratbal Shrine’, Srinagar.

The Prime Minister also launched the ‘Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice Tourist Destination Poll’ and ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign’ and announced tourist destinations selected under Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) Scheme distributed appointment orders to about 1000 new government recruits in Jammu and Kashmir and will also interact with beneficiaries of various government schemes, including women achievers, lakhpati didis, farmers, entrepreneurs etc.

Nazim Nazeer from Pulwama, who is a beekeeper, described his journey to the Prime Minister about expanding his business by availing benefits from the government, where he bought 25 boxes for beekeeping at a 50 percent subsidy.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that the feeling of arriving in heaven on earth cannot be put into words.

“This unparalleled form of nature, the air, the valley, the environment, and the love and affection of Kashmiri brothers and sisters,” he remarked.

He also acknowledged the presence of citizens outside the venue, and more than 1 lakh people from 285 blocks connected to the event via video link.
Underlining that the new Jammu and Kashmir is the one that has been awaited for decades, the Prime Minister said, “Dr Shyama Prasad Mookerji had sacrificed for this Jammu and Kashmir.” He stated that the new Jammu and Kashmir has the sparkle for the future in its eyes and the determination to clear all obstacles.

“140 crore citizens feel at peace when they see the smiling faces of the people of Jammu & Kashmir,” PM said.

Recalling his recent visit to Jammu where he started infrastructure and education projects worth Rs 32,000 crores, PM Modi mentioned today’s projects related to tourism and development, and agriculture along with appointment letters that were distributed today.

“Power of development, potential of tourism, capabilities of farmers and leadership of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir will pave the way for Viksit Jammu Kashmir,” the Prime Minister said.

“Jammu Kashmir is not just a place, Jammu Kashmir is the head of India. A head held high is a symbol of development and respect. Therefore, Viksit Jammu and Kashmir is the priority of Viksit Bharat,” the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister recalled the time when laws implemented in the country were not implemented in Jammu and Kashmir and mentioned schemes for the welfare of the poor that could not be availed by the deprived.

Highlighting the change of fortunes, the Prime Minister said that schemes for the entire nation have been launched today from Srinagar and Jammu & Kashmir is leading the way for tourism in the country.

Addressing the transformative growth in tourism, the Prime Minister noted, “There was a time when people questioned who would visit Jammu and Kashmir for tourism. Today, Jammu and Kashmir are breaking all tourism records.”

He further elaborated, “In 2023 alone, Jammu and Kashmir welcomed over 2 crore tourists, surpassing previous records. Over the past 10 years, the Amarnath Yatra has witnessed the highest number of pilgrims participating, and Vaishno Devi also recorded a significant increase in devotee footfall.”
Highlighting the surge in foreign tourist arrivals and the growing attraction for celebrities and international guests, the Prime Minister stated, “Now, even prominent celebrities and foreign guests visit the valleys of Jammu and Kashmir to explore and create videos and reels.”

Moving on to agriculture, the Prime Minister emphasized the strength of Jammu and Kashmir’s agricultural produce, including saffron, apples, dried fruits, and cherries, branding the region as a significant agricultural hub.

He said that the Rs 5,000 crore agricultural development program will result in unprecedented growth in the agricultural sector of Jammu and Kashmir over the next 5 years, particularly focusing on horticulture and livestock development. “This initiative will create thousands of new opportunities, especially in the fields of horticulture and animal husbandry”, he said.

Additionally, he mentioned direct transfers of nearly Rs3,000 crore under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme to the accounts of farmers in Jammu and Kashmir. To enhance the storage capacity for fruits and vegetables and ensure their prolonged preservation, significant investments have been made to increase storage facilities in Jammu and Kashmir. Furthermore, the Prime Minister pointed out that the commencement of the ‘world’s largest warehousing scheme’, will include the construction of numerous warehouses across Jammu and Kashmir.

Noting the rapid pace of development in Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister mentioned 2 AIIMS as AIIMS Jammu has already been inaugurated and work is going on at AIIMS Kashmir. He talked about 7 new medical colleges, 2 cancer hospitals and institutes like IIT and IIM in the region. He said that 2 Vande Bharat trains are running in Jammu and Kashmir and rail services from Srinagar to Sangaldan and from Sangaldan to Baramul have started.

This expansion of connectivity has given a push to economic activities. Referring to new projects to make Jammu and Srinagar as smart cities, the Prime Minister said “In the coming times, the success story of Jammu and Kashmir will become an example for the whole world.”

Recalling his mentions of handicrafts and cleanliness of the region in his Mann ki Baat programme, the Prime Minister underlined Jammu Kashmir’s connection with lotus.

Highlighting the efforts of the government for the development of the youth of Jammu & Kashmir in every field, the Prime Minister said that new opportunities are being created ranging from skill development to sports and mentioned the modern sports facilities being built in every district of Jammu and Kashmir. He gave the example of multi-purpose indoor sports halls built in 17 districts and Jammu & Kashmir hosting many national sports tournaments. “Now Jammu and Kashmir is emerging as the winter sports capital of the country. Nearly 1000 players have participated in the recently held Khelo India Winter Games”, the Prime Minister added.

“Jammu & Kashmir is breathing freely today, hence achieving new heights”, the Prime Minister said noting the abrogation of Article 370 which has led to the respect of the youth’s talent and equal rights and equal opportunities for everyone. He spoke about the refugees from Pakistan, the Valmiki community and sanitation workers getting voting rights, fulfilling the demand of the Valmiki community for SC category, reservation of seats in the assembly for Scheduled Tribes, Paddari tribe, and the inclusion of Paddari tribe, Pahari ethnic group, Gadda Brahmin and Koli communities in the Scheduled Tribes. The Prime Minister also pointed out that dynastic politics in Jammu & Kashmir deprived the right to reservation to other backward classes in Panchayat, Municipality and Municipal Corporation as provided in the government. “Today every class is being returned its rights”, PM Modi added.

Dwelling on the transformation of the J&K Bank the Prime Minister recalled the mismanagement of the past and called it a victim of dynasty politics and corruption. The Prime Minister listed the reforms to restore the health of the bank. He mentioned 1000 crore rupees assistance to the bank and action against wrongful appointments. The Anti Corruption Bureau is still investigating thousands of such appointments. He highlighted the transparent recruitments in the last 5 years. As a result, the J&K Bank profit has reached Rs 1700 crores and business has reached Rs 2.25 lakh crores from Rs 1.25 crore rupees 5 years ago. Deposits also increased from Rs 80,000 crores to Rs 1.25 lakh crores. NPA that had crossed 11 percent 5 years ago has been brought down to below 5 percent. The share of the bank has also seen 12 fold rise to about Rs 140 from Rs 12 5 years ago. “When there is an honest government, the intention is for the welfare of the people, then the people can be brought out of every difficulty”, PM Modi added.

Pointing out that Jammu & Kashmir has been the biggest victim of dynastic politics since independence, the Prime Minister assured the people that the development campaign for Jammu and Kashmir will not stop at any cost and the region will develop more rapidly in the next 5 years.

The Prime Minister concluded his address by extending his best wishes to the entire nation on the holy month of Ramzan. “It is my wish that everyone should get the message of peace and harmony from the month of Ramadan. Tomorrow is Mahashivratri, I wish everyone the best of this holy festival,” PM Modi concluded.

In a step that will provide a major boost to the agri-economy of Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister dedicated ‘Holistic Agriculture Development Programme’ (HADP) to the nation.

HADP is an integrated program encompassing the full spectrum of activities in the three major domains of agri-economy viz Horticulture, Agriculture and Livestock husbandry in Jammu and Kashmir.

The programme will equip about 2.5 lakh farmers with skill development via a dedicated Daksh Kisan portal.

Under the programme, about 2000 Kisan Khidmat Ghars will be established and robust value chains will be put in place for the welfare of the farming community.

During the programme, the Prime Minister announced 42 tourist destinations selected under Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) Scheme. The innovative scheme, announced during Union Budget 2023-24, aims to provide end-to-end tourist experiences by catalyzing the development of tourist destinations while also promoting sustainability and ushering competitiveness in the tourism sector. The 42 destinations have been identified in four categories – 16 in Culture & Heritage Destination, 11 in spiritual destinations, 10 in Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar and 5 in Vibrant Village.

The Prime Minister launched the first-ever nationwide initiative to identify the pulse of the nation on tourism, in the form of ‘Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice 2024’.

The Prime Minister launched the ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign’ to inspire the Indian diaspora to become Incredible India ambassadors and promote tourism to India. The campaign is being launched based on the clarion call of the Prime Minister, wherein he requested that Indian diaspora members to encourage at least 5 non-Indian friends to travel to India. With more than 3 crore overseas Indians, the Indian diaspora can serve as a powerful catalyst for Indian tourism, acting as cultural ambassadors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeted the opposition parties while addressing the Republic Summit 2024 in Delhi on Thursday.
The Prime Minister asserted that in the last 10 years, people of the country have seen solutions, not slogans, adding that the opposition parties have neither issues nor solutions to offer.

“I have placed before you a report card of 75 days, but I am also carrying a roadmap for the next 25 years and every second is precious to me. Even in this election environment, we are going to the public regarding our work. But on the other side (INDIA bloc) there is anger, abuse, and disappointment. They neither have any issue nor any solution. This is because these parties fought elections only on slogans for seven decades. In the last ten years, the people have seen solutions, not slogans,” the Prime Minister said.

Talking about the global uncertainty and instability in the present times, the Prime Minister referred to the expert’s opinion about the present moment being the most unstable in its intensity and expanse with governments all over the world facing waves of opposition.

“Amidst all this India is like a ray of trust as a strong democracy”, the Prime Minister said.

He further said, “India has proved that good politics can be done with good economics.”Noting global curiosity about India’s performance, PM Modi said, “This happened because we fulfilled the needs as well as dreams of the nation, we focussed on prosperity while working on empowerment.”

He further gave an example of the reduction in corporate tax while bringing down the personal income tax.

Recalling his earlier remarks on the importance of the current decade for India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that even today, the world is recognizing that the current decade belongs to India, adding that this is the most important decade since the country got independence.
Addressing the Republic Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “I had once said that this decade will belong to India. Now, even the world is saying that this decade belongs to India. This is an important decade to fulfill the dreams of ‘Viksit Bharat’. This is the most important decade of independent India; that is why, from Red Fort, I said, ‘Yahi samay hai, Sahi samay hai’.

“Further underlining the importance of the current decade, the Prime Minister said that this decade will witness the strengthening of the foundations of India, which will help the country march towards becoming a developed India.”Towards becoming Viksit Bharat, this decade will see the strengthening of our foundations and fulfill the country’s aspirations. Those aspirations, which people in India at one point thought were impossible,” he said.

The Prime Minister further stated that “Bharat proved that with good economics, good politics can be possible”. (ANI)