J&K has a unique status within the country and consists of three main regions: Jammu, Kashmir Valley, and Ladakh. J&K has been a subject of political and territorial turmoil between India and Pakistan for several decades.
In August 2019, the Government of India made significant changes to the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir. The special autonomous status granted to J&K under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution was revoked and the region was reorganised into two separate union territories: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. These changes came into effect on 31 Oct 2019.
Since then, the Central Govt has been focusing on various aspects of development in the newly created union territories of Jammu and Kashmir.
There have been several development projects initiated in the region of Kashmir over the years. These projects aim to improve infrastructure, promote economic growth, enhance education and healthcare facilities and address various socio-economic challenges.
Prime Minister’s Development Package : In 2015, the Govt of India announced a comprehensive development package worth Rs 80,000 Crore for the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir, which includes the Kashmir region. The package encompasses various sectors such as Infrastructure, Tourism, Education, Healthcare, Agriculture and Skill Development etc. Here are some notable development projects in Kashmir.
Smart Cities Mission. Under the Smart Cities Mission, two cities in Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar and Jammu, have been selected for development as Smart Cities. These cities will receive funding and resources to improve urban infrastructure, provide better transportation systems, enhance public services, and promote sustainable development.
Infra Devp Proj.
(a) Jammu and Kashmir Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation (JKIDFC). JKIDFC was established in 2018 with the objective of funding and executing infrastructure development projects in the state. It focuses on areas like Roads, Bridges, Power Supply, Water Supply and other Public Infrastructure projects.
(b) National Highway Development Project. The Central Govt has undertaken the development of the national highway network in Jammu and Kashmir. This includes the construction and improvement of highways in order to improve connectivity within the region and with the rest of the country.
(c) Ujh Multipurpose Project. The Ujh Multipurpose Project is a significant irrigation and power generation project being developed on the Ujh River, a tributary of the Ravi River. The project aims to provide irrigation facilities to the Kathua, Samba and Jammu districts and generate hydroelectric power.
(d) Zojila Tunnel. The Zojila Tunnel is a significant infrastructure project aimed at constructing a 14.2 KM All – Weather Tunnel under the Zojila Pass, which connects the Kashmir valley with Ladakh. The tunnel will improve connectivity and ensure year-round access to the region, overcoming the challenges posed by heavy snowfall and avalanches.
(e) Srinagar – Leh Transmission Line. This transmission line project aims to strengthen the power infrastructure in J&K by connecting the power grids of Srinagar and Leh. It will enhance the power supply and stability in the region, particularly in Ladakh.
(f) Power and Energy. The development of power generation projects, such as hydroelectric projects and solar power plants, is a priority in Kashmir. These projects aim to meet the energy demands of the region and promote clean energy sources.
(g) Industrial Development Scheme. The Central Govt has introduced an Industrial Development Scheme for J&K to attract investment and promote industrialization in the region. The scheme provides financial incentives, including tax benefits, capital investment subsidies, and interest subsidies, to eligible industries.
Tourism. The government has focused on promoting tourism in Kashmir, given its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Various projects aim to develop tourist infrastructure, such as the improvement of roads, accommodation facilities and the preservation of historical sites.
(a) Tourism Promotion. Kashmir is known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. Efforts have been made to promote tourism in the region by improving tourist infrastructure, including accommodation, transportation and recreational facilities. This helps attract tourists and boosts the local economy.
(b) Tourism Infrastructure Development. The government is focusing on developing tourism infrastructure in J&K to promote the region as a tourist destination. Projects include the development of new tourist circuits, construction of tourist facilities, and preservation of heritage sites.
Education and Skill Development. Several initiatives have been launched to improve the quality of education and skill development in Kashmir. This includes the establishment of new Schools, Colleges, and Vocational Training Centres as well as the provision of scholarships and incentives for students.
Employment Generation. The government has introduced schemes and programs to promote employment generation in Kashmir. This includes initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, skill development and the promotion of industries to create job opportunities for the local population.
Healthcare Facilities. The government has focused on improving healthcare infrastructure in Kashmir by establishing new hospitals, upgrading existing medical facilities, and providing better healthcare services. Efforts have also been made to address the healthcare needs of remote and rural areas.
Health Infrastructure Development. Several health infrastructure projects have been initiated to enhance healthcare facilities in J&K. This includes the establishment of new medical colleges, upgradation of existing hospitals, and setting up of specialised healthcare Centres to improve access to quality medical services.
Agriculture. Given the agrarian nature of Kashmir’s economy, steps have been taken to promote modern agricultural practices & to provide better irrigation facilities. This includes the implementation of schemes for farmers, providing technical support, and facilitating access to markets.
Horticulture Development. J&K is known for its rich horticulture sector. The government has implemented various projects to boost horticulture production, provide technical support to farmers, establish high density orchards, and improve post harvest infrastructure for better market access.
Conclusion. Development in Kashmir has been a subject of focus for both the state government and the central government of India. Efforts have been made to improve infrastructure, boost the economy, enhance healthcare and education facilities, promote tourism, and address socio economic challenges.
