Jammu, Feb 06 (KNO): Asserting that enthusiasm of tourists from across the country to visit Jammu and Kashmir has not diminished, Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, on Saturday reiterated that PM Modi led regime is committed to build developed and prosperous J&K.
Before winding up his 2-day visit to Jammu region, Shah chaired a review meeting at Lok Bhavan here this morning to assess the progress of development projects in the Union Territory,
Shah, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) while chairing the meeting said, “The enthusiasm of tourists from across the country to visit Jammu and Kashmir has not diminished. There is a need for aggressive marketing of UT’s tourist destinations in other states of the country to explore the tourism potential available here.”
He said, “The Government of India will provide all possible assistance in the plan to develop new tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir.”
He reiterated that Under the leadership of PM Modi, the Government of India remains firmly committed to the vision of building a developed and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.
The Union Home Minister undertook a comprehensive review of key sectors such as road infrastructure, power, industry, tourism, 4G and optical fibre connectivity.
The meeting was attended by Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Home Secretary, and senior officials from both, the Central Government and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
Shah said that the due to the continuous and dedicated efforts being made by the PM Modi led government have accelerated development and the projects have made unprecedented progress.
He said that Jammu and Kashmir needs to develop the full potential of its hydropower projects. “Special focus should be laid on achieving 100% saturation of the government's welfare schemes and ensuring that the benefits of all development projects reach the intended beneficiaries.”
The Union Home Minister said that focus should be given to developing sports infrastructure and establishing sports academies to connect youth with development. “In this regard, efforts will be made to secure an investment of about ₹200 crore by engaging with various sports bodies.”
He said, “Efforts should be made to promote the dairy sector in Jammu and Kashmir through the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).”
The Union Home Minister underlined that strengthened fiscal discipline would assist in stabilising the UTs fiscal deficit over time. “Jammu & Kashmir has been brought under the ambit of the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme for the first time in FY 2025–26, enabling access to 50-year interest-free loans for capital projects,” he added.
Shah said that India is steadily progressing towards the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, marking 100 years of independence and the Government of India will continue to extend wholehearted support to Jammu and Kashmir in pursuit of this goal.
Pertinently, Shah also met senior BJP leaders and legislators in Jammu last night. In a post on X, he said the party would continue working to expand organisational reach and ensure implementation of development initiatives.
On Friday, the Home Minister visited the International Border in Kathua district, where he interacted with Border Security Force personnel and reviewed security arrangements. He stressed the use of modern technology alongside manpower to strengthen vigilance.
Shah also paid tribute to martyrs of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and handed over appointment letters to next of kin of police personnel killed in action—(KNO)