Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presented a comprehensive development agenda at the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, held in New Delhi and presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting, themed “Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat @2047,” provided a platform for the Chief Minister to articulate the Union Territory’s development trajectory and propose key initiatives aimed at bolstering human development, economic growth, and infrastructure enhancement.
Addressing the council, Abdullah emphasized that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have decisively chosen peace, democracy, and progress, thereby establishing a robust foundation for sustained development. He highlighted significant advancements in crucial sectors such as higher education, healthcare, and skill development. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that these achievements include the successful operationalization of prestigious institutions like IIT Jammu, IIM Jammu, and AIIMS Jammu. Furthermore, the region has seen a substantial expansion in its medical college capacity, increasing from three to ten, and has trained over 90,000 youth under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, a testament to its commitment to skill enhancement.
Despite the inherent challenges posed by its difficult terrain and scattered habitations, Jammu and Kashmir has consistently demonstrated strong social indicators, with notable improvements in healthcare services, educational outcomes, and social protection measures. The Chief Minister stressed the imperative for development financing frameworks to adequately acknowledge and address these geographical disadvantages. In this context, he formally requested the extension of the SASCI “Pride of Hills” Special Development Assistance to Jammu and Kashmir, advocating for its application on the same principles that govern other hill states. This proposal underscores the unique developmental needs of the region and seeks equitable support.
A key initiative highlighted by Abdullah was Mission YUVA, described as a transformative program designed to foster entrepreneurship and generate employment opportunities. This ambitious program has meticulously mapped entrepreneurial potential across 24 lakh households, identifying more than 5.5 lakh prospective entrepreneurs. Its impact is evidenced by a significant increase in the number of registered startups, signaling a vibrant and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem within the Union Territory. The success of Mission YUVA is crucial for unlocking the region’s latent economic potential and creating sustainable livelihoods.
The diversification of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy was another focal point of the Chief Minister’s address. He cited record-breaking tourist arrivals, with 2.36 crore visitors in 2024, underscoring the region’s appeal as a premier tourist destination. The economic impact of the Rs 5,000-crore Holistic Agriculture Development Programme was also emphasized, benefiting over 6.5 lakh farmers. Additionally, the substantial contribution of nearly 8.5 lakh MSMEs to employment and economic activity was noted, highlighting their vital role in the regional economy. These figures collectively paint a picture of an economy undergoing positive transformation and diversification.
In the domain of infrastructure and energy, Abdullah drew attention to Jammu and Kashmir’s considerable hydropower potential, estimated at 14,867 MW. He underscored the critical need to strengthen the J&K-Centre joint venture model beyond 2028 to fully harness the vast resources of the Chenab and Jhelum river basins. The Udhampur-Srinagar railway link was identified as a crucial all-weather connectivity corridor, serving as a vital lifeline, particularly for the region’s prominent apple economy. The completion and continued development of such infrastructure projects are essential for economic integration and growth.
Seeking further support from the Union Government, Abdullah put forth several specific proposals. These included the aforementioned extension of the SASCI “Pride of Hills” package, the strengthening and expansion of the J&K-Centre hydropower partnership, and the approval of 10 new tourism circuits under a proposed Rs 5,500-crore tourism development plan. He also advocated for institutional partnerships to promote medicinal and aromatic plants, apples, and wool, alongside the augmentation of railway services in anticipation of the apple season. Furthermore, he proposed the establishment of Government Medical Colleges in the eight districts currently lacking such facilities, addressing a critical gap in healthcare infrastructure.
Additional proposals pertaining to handicrafts and disaster resilience have been submitted separately, indicating a holistic approach to the region’s development challenges. Reaffirming Jammu and Kashmir’s unwavering commitment to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, the Chief Minister concluded by stating that the Union Territory seeks robust partnership and convergence to transform its inherent resilience, abundant resources, and significant human potential into a more substantial contribution to national growth and development.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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