Jammu & Kashmir Witnesses Accelerated Development Following Article 370 Abrogation: Athawale
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, declared on Sunday that Jammu and Kashmir has experienced a notable surge in development across multiple sectors since the abrogation of Article 370. Addressing a press conference at the State Guest House in Jammu, Athawale emphasized that the Union Territory has seen substantial improvements in infrastructure and connectivity, which have significantly boosted economic activity and mobility for residents.
Enhanced Infrastructure and Connectivity
Athawale highlighted that road and rail connectivity in the region have undergone significant enhancements. He pointed to the expansion of the railway network, including the introduction of the Vande Bharat Express, as a key achievement. The Ministry of Railways continues to work on strengthening these connections, contributing to better accessibility and fostering regional growth.
Welfare Initiatives and Financial Inclusion
The minister outlined several welfare schemes that have benefited the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Key statistics provided include:
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana: Approximately 24.37 lakh bank accounts have been opened in the Union Territory as of March 2026, with a fund allocation of Rs 1,754.25 crore released between 2014 and 2026 to promote financial inclusion.
- Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: Around 12.79 lakh gas connections have been provided to improve access to clean cooking fuel.
- Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana: About 25.09 lakh loans, totaling Rs 54,267.91 crore, have been disbursed to beneficiaries between 2015 and 2026.
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban): 35,000 houses costing Rs 586 crore have been constructed between 2016 and 2026 to provide housing for all.
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana: Rs 3,638 crore has been allocated between 2018 and 2026, benefiting approximately 19.73 lakh people in the region.
Additionally, Athawale mentioned that Rs 94 lakh has been released for 13 old-age homes in Jammu and Kashmir between 2023 and 2025, underscoring the government's commitment to social welfare.
Global Concerns and Government Assurance
In response to queries about global developments, Athawale acknowledged that fuel supply could be impacted by ongoing conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. However, he assured that the government maintains adequate fuel stocks and is implementing necessary measures to ensure an uninterrupted supply, mitigating potential disruptions.
Future Plans and Socio-Economic Insights
Athawale also revealed plans for a caste-based census to better understand the socio-economic conditions of different communities across India. He noted that the Scheduled Caste population constitutes approximately 16.6 percent of the country's total population, highlighting the importance of targeted policies for inclusive growth.
The minister reiterated that development in Jammu and Kashmir has accelerated post the abrogation of Article 370, with ongoing efforts focused on enhancing infrastructure, promoting financial inclusion, and ensuring social justice through various government initiatives.
