Sri Nagar: In a landmark visit to Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated an eclectic mix of development projects worth over Rs 6,400 crore in Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium. This visit is his first to the region after emasculating Article 370 and 35 A on August 5, 2019, and the subsequent division of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. The Prime Minister didn’t shy away from criticism, targeting the Congress party for their interpretation as well as the use of Article 370 for political gain. PM Modi’s speech was laced with a promise of commitment and accountability, expressing a heartfelt pledge to win over the hearts of the people of Kashmir. “Modi’s Guarantee means the guarantee of fulfillment," he assured the audience, signaling a deep personal commitment to the region’s development and well-being.
Under the center's “Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir” program, PM Modi on Thursday unveiled an ambitious Holistic Agriculture Development Programme, pouring nearly Rs 5,000 crores into revitalizing agriculture, horticulture, and livestock husbandry. Additionally, the tourism industry received a major boost with the launch of projects totaling more than Rs 1,400 crore under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes. the official statement said. A highlight among these is the much-anticipated ‘Integrated Development of Hazratbal Shrine’ in Srinagar, envisaged to enhance the dargah’s allure for pilgrims.
In his move to gain the trust of Kashmiris, PM Modi also facilitated nearly 1,000 newly recruited government employees with appointment letters and engaged with beneficiaries of various central schemes. This interaction spanned across different strata of society including women achievers, farmers, and entrepreneurs, reinforcing the central government’s dedication to inclusive growth and prosperity in Kashmir.
The PM announced 42 tourist destinations chosen under the Challenge Based Destination Development Scheme, which is expected to bring a big change in culture, spirituality, and ecotourism tourism experiences through sustainable and competitive development. Two major initiatives ‘Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice Tourist Destination Poll’ and ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign’ were launched on Thursday to make the state more prosperous.
Promoting tourism in the state, and termed Jammu and Kashmir as a huge brand, the PM remarked, "There was a time when people questioned who would visit Jammu and Kashmir for tourism. Today, Jammu and Kashmir are breaking all tourism records.
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