Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday said the abrogation of Article 370 revived development in Jammu and Kashmir and brought about a significant change in public mindset.
The Minister was addressing a training camp organised under the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Prashikshan Mahabhiyan–2026 at Lakhanpur in Kathua district.
Dr Singh said the abrogation of Article 370 not only accelerated developmental transformation in J&K but also instilled among people a sense of belonging as equal citizens of India. This, he said, led to renewed self-confidence, self-esteem and a resurgence of aspirations among the people.
He observed that in recent years, youth from J&K have overcome fear and excelled in various fields across the country.
Recalling the passage of legislation related to Article 370, the Minister said they considered themselves fortunate to witness a historic moment that ushered in a transformative phase for the region. He described Article 370 as contrary to democratic values and alleged that it had enabled exploitation by vested interests.
Dr Singh pointed out that although interviews for several government posts were abolished across the country in 2016, the reform could not be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir because of Article 370. He also referred to alleged regional discrimination in earlier years and said people were now witnessing positive changes.
Highlighting the Centre’s governance journey since 2014, the Minister said the country had moved from pessimism, negativity and corruption towards optimism, development and nation-building. He added that India’s standing and global value had significantly improved over the last 12 years.
Listing major development initiatives in Kathua and other parts of the Union Territory, Dr Singh referred to the proposed Biotech Park in Kathua and said it would support nearly 25 entrepreneurs and generate employment opportunities.
He noted that three of the 14 medical colleges established in J&K are located in Kathua district.
The Minister also highlighted the establishment of two AIIMS institutions in the Union Territory and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had accorded special priority to the region due to the neglect it had faced under previous governments.
Speaking about sports infrastructure, he said efforts were underway to develop an international stadium at Hiranagar on nearly 300 kanal of land, with discussions in progress with the J&K administration regarding land transfer.
Dr Jitendra Singh lauded the success of the Aroma Mission in J&K, saying it was creating significant opportunities for livelihood generation and entrepreneurship. He asserted that the present dispensation had completed several projects that had remained pending for years.
He further said that a 3,000-MW power project proposed in Kishtwar is expected to become one of the country’s largest power plants.
