The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Jammu and Kashmir unit chief, Ravinder Raina, announced on Wednesday that PM Modi aims to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for multiple developmental projects valued at over Rs 30,500 crore, covering diverse sectors such as health, education, rail, road, aviation, and developmental projects and address a public rally at Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu.

The education and skilling infrastructure projects, collectively valued at Rs 13,375 crore, will see the inauguration of permanent campuses for institutions like IIT Bhilai, IIT Tirupati, IIT Jammu, and IIITDM Kancheepuram. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate 3 new IIMs and few Kendriya Vidyalaya and Navodaya Vidyalaya buildings.

In the transportation sector, notable improvements are expected as the Prime Minister lays the foundation stone for a new terminal building at Jammu Airport. Various rail projects, including the new rail line between Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan and the electrified Baramulla-Srinagar-Banihal-Sangaldan section, will also be dedicated.

Key road infrastructure projects, such as the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway connecting Jammu to Katra, the second phase of four-laning of Srinagar Ring Road, and upgrades to the Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri stretch of NH-01, will witness the initiation of foundation stones. Construction of bypasses in Kulgam and Pulwama on NH-444 will also commence.

Moreover, the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art Common User Facility (CUF) Petroleum depot at Jammu, boasting a fully automated system with a storage capacity of about 100,000 KL for various fuels, will be laid.

In the realm of civic infrastructure and public facilities, projects worth over Rs 3,150 crore will be inaugurated or have their foundation stones laid. These include road projects, bridges, grid stations, receiving stations, transmission line projects, sewage treatment plants, degree college buildings, an intelligent traffic management system in Srinagar city, a modern Narwal Fruit Mandi, a Drug Testing Laboratory at Kathua, and transit accommodations at Ganderbal and Kupwara. A major highlight will be the inauguration of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Vijaypur (Samba), Jammu, contributing to comprehensive tertiary care health services for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.These initiatives underscore the government’s unwavering commitment to the holistic development of Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to significantly boost economic growth, connectivity, healthcare, education, and overall quality of life in the region.

In road infrastructure, the foundation stone will be laid for key projects like the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway connecting Jammu to Katra, the second phase of four-laning of Srinagar Ring Road, and upgrades to the Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri stretch of NH-01. The Prime Minister will also initiate the construction of bypasses in Kulgam and Pulwama on NH-444.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for a Common User Facility (CUF) Petroleum depot at Jammu, a state-of-the-art, fully automated depot with a storage capacity of about 100,000 KL for various fuels.

In a bid to enhance civic infrastructure and public facilities, projects worth over Rs 3,150 crore will be inaugurated or have their foundation stones laid. These include road projects, bridges, grid stations, receiving stations, transmission line projects, sewage treatment plants, degree college buildings, an intelligent traffic management system in Srinagar city, a modern Narwal Fruit Mandi, a Drug Testing Laboratory at Kathua, and transit accommodations at Ganderbal and Kupwara.A major focus will be on healthcare with the inauguration of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Vijaypur (Samba), Jammu, providing comprehensive tertiary care health

The comprehensive range of projects underscores the government’s commitment to the holistic development of Jammu and Kashmir and is anticipated to significantly impact the region’s economic growth, connectivity, healthcare, education, and overall quality of life.

This visit is widely perceived as an attempt by the BJP to strengthen its electoral position in the region and enhance prospects for the upcoming general elections. The party, aiming to secure all five Lok Sabha seats in the Union Territory, sees this visit as a crucial step in bolstering public support.

The passage of these bills reflects a broader effort to empower local institutions and facilitate greater participation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their own governance. It signals a new era of governance and development in the region, fostering a sense of hope and optimism among its residents.

1. Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 : Spearheaded by Minister of State of Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, the Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 aims to introduce reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in local bodies within the Union territory. This legislative initiative underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing inclusivity and representation in governance structures. Currently lacking provisions for OBC reservation in panchayats and municipalities, the bill seeks to address this gap and promote equitable participation of marginalized communities in local governance processes, thereby fostering social justice and empowerment in the region.
2. Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024 : It has been introduced with the purpose of including four communities – Gadda Brahmin, Koli, Paddari Tribe, and Pahari Ethnic Group – in the list of Scheduled Tribes in Jammu and Kashmir. This legislative measure holds significant importance as it represents a crucial step towards recognizing and safeguarding the rights of these communities. By including these communities in the list of Scheduled Tribes, the bill aims to provide them with access to various benefits, protections, and opportunities that are specifically reserved for Scheduled Tribes under government schemes and policies. In response to the discussion on the bill, Minister of Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda emphasized that it aims to provide justice to communities that have long sought Scheduled Tribe status. He noted that the repeal of Article 370 has enabled the enactment of these laws.
3. Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024 : Initiated by Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar, aims to include the Valmiki community as an equivalent to the Chura, Balmiki, Bhangi, and Mehtar communities in the Scheduled Castes list in Jammu and Kashmir.. This amendment seeks to amend the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order of 1956 to ensure the inclusion and recognition of the Valmiki community. By incorporating the Valmiki community into the list of Scheduled Castes, the bill intends to provide them with access to various benefits, reservations, and protections provided by the government to Scheduled Castes. This legislative measure acknowledges the historical discrimination and social challenges faced by the Valmiki community and seeks to address them by granting them official recognition and representation within the legal framework of Jammu and Kashmir.

Opposition members expressed reservations regarding the three legislations. Neeraj Dangi of the Congress raised concerns about formulating reservation policies without sufficient data on reserved categories. He questioned the feasibility of crafting policies in the absence of such essential information. Similarly, Sandosh Kumar P of the CPI stressed the necessity of having an elected state assembly in Jammu & Kashmir. He also questioned the rationale behind the OBC reservation, citing the lack of available data to support it. While acknowledging the importance of OBC reservation, he emphasized the importance of substantiating such decisions with credible data.

Nityananda Rai emphasized that the removal process of the state election commissioner would adhere to constitutional provisions. He highlighted that removal could only occur under circumstances akin to those of a judge of a high court. With the passage of these bills, the government is poised to implement comprehensive reforms that will promote growth, prosperity, and overall well-being in Jammu and Kashmir. This milestone underscores the government’s unwavering dedication to fulfilling the aspirations of the people and building a brighter future for the region.

By Kashish Jain