The Central Government is committed on its promise for exemplary transformation on developmental front across Jammu and Kashmir after the people joyfully embraced the new system of administration. This was stated by Union Minister of Railways, Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal today while addressing a large gathering of people at Akhnoor here.
The minister inaugurated three projects for Akhnoor’s development at an estimated cost of Rs 669.82 lakh. Earlier today, Goyal inaugurated construction of protection work of 300 meter at Gurki Dakki/Jia Pota Ghat along the bank of river Chenab at Akhnoor at an estimated cost of Rs 324.58 lakh.
Also, he e-inaugurated a three kilometer road project from Tanda to Kapian De Ban (Part-I) at an estimated cost of Rs 150.24 lakh and Indoor Hall near Boys Higher Secondary School Akhnoor at an estimated cost of Rs 195 lakh.
Addressing the gathering, which included Chairmen of Block Development Councils, Municipal Committee members, Sarpanchs, Panchs, members of different political parties, Goyal spelled out the achievements and accomplishments of Central and J&K administration in the past two years.
“This is just a beginning, many more is on the way. J&K is going through rapid transformation. We all will see the old golden glory of the region,” he said and added that a new dawn of development has started in J&K which the people of J&K were deprived of from the last seventy years because of various hurdles in the path of progress and development.
Complimenting the people of J&K for maintaining peace and tranquility after region’s transition from State to Union Territory, the minister reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir would witness a fast paced and all round development in all spheres and would be a partner in nation building.
“Central government is committed on its promise for exemplary transformation in J&K as people have joyfully accepted the new stet-up of administration which will change their lives and fast pace developmental works in the region,” Goyal said.
While pronouncing that different projects have been completed and have been taken up in J&K, he said before two years number of projects were languishing or had little progress but most of the projects have been completed or nearing completion.
He said by March 2021, 25 projects would be completed at an estimated cost of Rs 25,000 crore in J&K. He said many prestigious institutions have been set up in the region including IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, Highway and road connectivity projects, Railway, Bridges (Chenab River) etc.
He said these projects would generate employment in sectors like irrigation, electricity, sports, tourism and other areas.
“J&K is Desh Ka Noor. Every languishing project has now been cleared which will set a new path of development in J&K,” he said.
The Minister said that there has been a great success in their implementation like the Saubhagya scheme under which 3,30,000 households have been electrified and a 100 crore special award under this scheme has been awarded to J&K.
He also complimented J&K administration for faring better in various centrally sponsored schemes implemented in the region, and said that J&K has fared well in Ayushman Bharat Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), and Ujjwala Yojana.
“J&K was at the top most position in the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Scheme, 18,534 houses have been constructed under PMAY, 2.5 lakh toilets were constructed under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Ujjwala scheme has reached to its hundred percent target in Jammu and Kashmir,” he stated.
The minister said around 25 per cent work with 14 kilometer distance has been completed in Jammu Ring Road Project and the land acquisition process has been completed for Jammu-Akhnoor Road project.
Crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for to the rapid pace on developmental front, Goyal said PM Modi is committed and dedicated for the speedy all round development in J&K.
The minister also said that the work on Banihal-Katra project has been fast paced with an aim to connect India from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. He further said that the completion of this important project will be a blessing for J&K as it has a great scope to boost the economy and will support its various industries as well.
The Minister also complimented J&K for getting best performing UT award from Ministry of Rural Development, GoI.
On the occasion, the Minister announced the increase in frequency of Vande Bharat Express from Delhi-Katra and vice versa.
He said that an Investment Summit is being held in J&K with an opportunity to showcase its strengths, strategies and potential in different sectors for investment.
Speaking about the skill development projects in J&K, Goyal stated that the Himayat Yojana is on a right traction as 12,000 candidates have been trained so far and 7,801 are under training.
Speaking on the occasion, Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan credited Mr. Goyal for providing electricity to remotest areas of the country. He also thanked the Minister for presenting Vande Bharat Express as gift to people of J&K which is at par with European trains in terms of standard and facilities provided to commuters and passengers.
He said that the people of J&K are hoping that Mr Goyal will act as ambassador in Central Government for sanctioning several developmental projects to UT of J&K.
Member of Parliament, Jugal Kishore Sharma, Financial Commissioner Revenue, Dr Pawan Kotwal also spoke on the occasion.