New Delhi, Jun 11 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday sought greater central investment and institutional support for the Union Territory, pitching for enhanced infrastructure, tourism, healthcare and hydropower development during the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Addressing the meeting on the theme “Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat @2047”, Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir’s development journey has been marked by significant progress in education, healthcare and skill development despite challenges posed by difficult terrain and scattered habitations.
He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have chosen peace, democracy and progress, laying a strong foundation for sustained growth and development.
Highlighting achievements in the social sector, the chief minister referred to the operationalisation of IIT Jammu, IIM Jammu and AIIMS Jammu, expansion of medical colleges from three to ten, and skill training provided to over 90,000 youth under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana.
Abdullah urged the Centre to extend the SASCI “Pride of Hills” Special Development Assistance to Jammu and Kashmir, saying development financing frameworks should adequately account for geographical disadvantages faced by hill regions.
The chief minister also highlighted Mission YUVA, describing it as a key initiative for promoting entrepreneurship and employment. He said the programme has mapped entrepreneurial potential across 24 lakh households and identified over 5.5 lakh prospective entrepreneurs.
Referring to economic diversification in the Union Territory, Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir recorded 2.36 crore tourist arrivals in 2024, while the Rs 5,000-crore Holistic Agriculture Development Programme has benefited over 6.5 lakh farmers.
On infrastructure and energy, he underlined the Union Territory’s hydropower potential of nearly 14,867 MW and called for strengthening the J-K-Centre joint venture model beyond 2028 to fully utilise resources in the Chenab and Jhelum river basins.
The chief minister also described the Udhampur-Srinagar railway line as a vital all-weather connectivity corridor and sought augmentation of rail services ahead of the apple season to support the region’s horticulture sector.
Among the proposals submitted to the Centre were approval of 10 new tourism circuits under a proposed Rs 5,500-crore tourism development plan, institutional partnerships for promotion of medicinal and aromatic plants, apples and wool, and establishment of government medical colleges in the eight districts that currently lack such facilities.
Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir remains committed to contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and seeks stronger partnership with the Centre to unlock its human and natural potential for national growth.(NVI)
