On his first visit to Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will announce a series of initiatives aimed at fostering the holistic development of the region.
The highlight of the visit will be the inauguration of the Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir programme at Bakshi Stadium. At the heart of the initiatives is the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP)—a Rs 5,000 crore project aimed at revitalising the agri-economy of Jammu and Kashmir. The programme, spanning horticulture, agriculture, and livestock husbandry, is set to benefit approximately 2.5 lakh farmers, offering skill development through the dedicated Daksh Kisan portal and establishing 2,000 Kisan Khidmat Ghars (helpers).
Modi will also dedicate over Rs 1,400 crore worth of projects under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes, focusing on enhancing tourism infrastructure. Among these projects is the 'Integrated Development of Hazratbal Shrine' in Srinagar, which aims to provide a world-class experience for pilgrims and tourists through improved facilities and amenities.
The PM will also launch the 'Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice Tourist Destination Poll,' a nationwide initiative to identify the most preferred tourist attractions across various categories such as Spiritual, Cultural & Heritage, Nature & Wildlife, Adventure, and others. The initiative, hosted on the MyGov platform, encourages citizens to participate and uncover unexplored tourism destinations. In a bid to boost the employment sector, Modi will distribute appointment orders to around 1,000 new government recruits in Jammu and Kashmir. He will interact with beneficiaries of various government schemes, including women achievers, farmers, and entrepreneurs.
The prime minister will conclude the visit by launching the 'Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign,' urging the Indian diaspora, which numbers over 3 crore overseas Indians, to become ambassadors for Incredible India and promote tourism to the country. This campaign aligns with the vision of harnessing the cultural influence of the diaspora to strengthen India's position as a global tourist destination. The visit signifies a significant step towards comprehensive development in Jammu and Kashmir, with a focus on agriculture, tourism, and employment generation, echoing the government's commitment to transforming the region.
