Amit Shah Champions Aggressive Tourism Push for Jammu & Kashmir
Months after the devastating Pahalgam terror attack, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has called for "aggressive marketing" of tourist destinations in Jammu & Kashmir to fully harness the region's tourism potential. Shah made these remarks during a high-level review meeting in Jammu as part of his three-day visit to the Union Territory.
Review Meeting Focuses on Key Development Sectors
Addressing the meeting, which assessed progress on various development projects, Shah emphasized that enthusiasm for visiting J&K remains undiminished despite security challenges. The meeting was attended by prominent officials including:
- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha
- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah
- Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan
- Senior officials from central and J&K governments
Shah reviewed critical sectors such as:
- Road infrastructure development
- Power generation and distribution
- Industrial growth initiatives
- Tourism promotion strategies
Addressing Tourism Concerns After Pahalgam Attack
The Home Minister's comments come against the backdrop of last year's April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives—mostly tourists—dealing a significant blow to the region's tourism industry. Shah assured that "The Government of India will provide all possible assistance in the plan to develop new tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir."
He reiterated the central government's commitment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership to building a developed and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir, aligning with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Comprehensive Development Agenda
Beyond tourism, Shah outlined several key development priorities for the Union Territory:
Hydropower Potential: He stressed the need to explore J&K's full hydropower potential, which could significantly boost the region's energy independence and economic growth.
Welfare Scheme Saturation: Special focus should be placed on achieving 100% saturation of government welfare schemes, ensuring benefits reach all intended beneficiaries without exclusion.
Sports Infrastructure: Shah emphasized developing sports infrastructure and establishing academies to engage youth, with plans to secure approximately Rs 200 crore in investments through collaboration with various sports bodies.
Financial Support and Fiscal Discipline
In a significant development, Jammu & Kashmir has been included in the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme for the first time in FY 2025–26. This inclusion enables access to 50-year interest-free loans for capital projects, which Shah noted would help stabilize the Union Territory's fiscal deficit through strengthened fiscal discipline over time.
The Home Minister concluded by affirming that India continues to progress steadily toward the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, marking 100 years of independence, with the central government extending wholehearted support to Jammu and Kashmir in achieving this national objective.
