Kathua, May 24 (JKNS): Jitendra Singh on Sunday said the abrogation of Abrogation of Article 370 brought a new era of development and psychological transformation in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that people now feel like equal citizens of India with renewed confidence and aspirations.
Speaking at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Prashikshan Mahabhiyan–2026 training camp at Lakhanpur in Kathua, as per news agency JKNS, Union Minister Jitendra highlighted what he termed as “transformational changes” witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Dr Singh said the removal of Article 370 ended years of discrimination and exploitation by vested interests and paved the way for governance reforms, development projects and equal opportunities for people of the Union Territory.
He stated that the constitutional changes not only accelerated development but also changed the mindset of people, especially the youth, who now feel empowered to compete and excel across the country without fear or isolation.
The Minister said the region has witnessed rapid growth in infrastructure, healthcare, entrepreneurship and employment generation over the last several years.
Highlighting development initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Singh referred to the upcoming Biotech Park in Kathua, which he said would provide opportunities for nearly 25 entrepreneurs and create employment avenues for local youth.
He also noted that out of the 14 medical colleges established in Jammu and Kashmir, three are located in Kathua district, while two AIIMS institutions have also been set up in the Union Territory under the present dispensation.
Dr Singh further spoke about the success of the Aroma Mission in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it has opened new livelihood and entrepreneurship opportunities for farmers and youth.
The Union Minister also informed that efforts are underway for the development of an international stadium at Hiranagar, while a proposed 3000 MW power project in Kishtwar is expected to become one of the country’s largest power plants.
Recalling the historic passage of the Article 370 legislation in Parliament, Dr Singh said it marked a turning point in Jammu and Kashmir’s history and corrected what he described as a contradiction to democratic values.
He added that reforms such as abolition of interviews for several government posts, implemented nationally in 2016, could only be fully extended to Jammu and Kashmir after the removal of Article 370.
Dr Singh urged people to utilize the opportunities created through “good governance” and work collectively towards the vision of “Viksit Bharat”, expressing confidence that future generations would remember the current phase as a defining period in India’s growth story. (JKNS)
