Hon’ble Speaker,
Hon’ble Members,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome all the newly elected members of the Legislative Assembly to the inaugural session of this Assembly. We gather here after the successful and peaceful conduct of the first democratic elections in over a decade. These elections, the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory, mark a critical milestone in restoring democratic governance after a prolonged period of political uncertainty.
This occasion is a testament to the enduring spirit of democracy, the strength of our institutions, and the faith that the people of this region have in their democratic representation through this Assembly. It is a privilege to witness the restoration of this august house, which once again reflects the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
One of the most encouraging aspects of the 2024 elections was the high voter turnout, which illustrates the enduring faith of the people in democratic processes. The substantial turnout, particularly in regions that have historically faced challenges in participation due to separatist sentiments, indicates that the people of Jammu and Kashmir continue to view electoral participation as a vital means to voice their concerns and aspirations. The successful completion of this electoral process marks a significant epoch in the history of Jammu and Kashmir.
This gathering, and the swearing-in of the elected government in Jammu and Kashmir, is a moment of immense pride. It has not only strengthened the democratic fabric of our nation but has also become a beacon of hope for a brighter and more inclusive future.
For me personally, this is a moment of great satisfaction. When I assumed the responsibility of leading the administration four years ago, my foremost priority was to hold Assembly elections to ensure the establishment of an elected government. With the support of our political leaders, civil administration, security forces, and, most importantly, the people, we have successfully achieved this objective. This accomplishment brings me great satisfaction, and I look forward to working with all of you to strengthen our democratic institutions and provide the people with the governance and future they deserve.
Our people now look to the government with many hopes and expectations. My government is fully committed to realizing these hopes and fulfilling these expectations. The aspiration for a return to statehood remains strong! The Hon’ble Prime Minister has repeatedly expressed his commitment to restoring statehood, which has rekindled hope and reassurance among the people. The Council of Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir has recently passed a unanimous resolution calling for the immediate restoration of statehood. This resolution reflects the collective will of the elected representatives and echoes the aspirations of the people for full democratic governance.
My government will make every effort toward the restoration of full statehood and constitutional guarantees available to the state. This would be a fitting acknowledgment of the faith that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have reposed in our democratic institutions. In the meantime, I urge all stakeholders to work together as one team and extend their full support to my government in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people.
My government is fully committed to implementing the promises made to the people for further political empowerment and to create an enabling environment for employment, sustainable development, social inclusiveness, and economic expansion that enhances the overall quality of life. We will work relentlessly along the three principles of economy, ecology, and equity, which will shape our future. We commit ourselves to this balance for a better and brighter future for all.
Jammu and Kashmir is currently growing at an annual growth rate of about 7%. My government is committed to maintaining this trajectory of growth and creating more employment opportunities through policy interventions and infrastructure development. We will also work on various reforms to strengthen the fiscal position of Jammu and Kashmir. The abundant natural resources in J&K will be developed sustainably, ensuring the protection of our ecosystem.
Furthermore, every region of Jammu and Kashmir will be treated equally, developed inclusively, and focused on balanced development—a solemn commitment of my government. I believe that the new legislators, the administration, and all other stakeholders will work together to face the challenges before us in our quest for a better and prosperous society.
My government remains committed to decision-making characterized by transparency and accountability to ensure efficient and effective use of resources. Any inefficient use or misallocation of resources will be thoroughly examined, and necessary corrections will be undertaken to ensure that the benefits of each investment are fully realized by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
We will invest in building the capacities of our youth for gainful employment and foster their entrepreneurial capabilities. The expectations of people for improved living facilities such as roads, public transportation, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, schools, healthcare facilities, and internet connectivity, which enable them to lead happy lives, will be prioritized.
Connectivity is crucial for our economy. While improvements have been made to our road network, we must expand our efforts to connect remote and inaccessible areas. My government will fully leverage funds from centrally sponsored schemes, such as PMGSY and NABARD-funded programs to realize the vision of connecting every habitation with a road.
Implementation of major ongoing connectivity projects will be fast-tracked by facilitating land acquisition, securing forest clearances, and removing encroachments. The ongoing expressway, national highways, and ring road projects for Jammu and Srinagar cities will be expedited for early completion. Work on upgrading and consolidating the Jammu-Akhnoor-Rajouri-Poonch National Highway will also be accelerated. New national highway projects will be proposed to the central government to improve connectivity in remote and underserved areas, facilitating economic growth.
Rail connectivity to the valley will soon become a reality and will serve as a pivotal turning point for economic development and prosperity. Night landing facilities at Jammu and Srinagar airports will further enhance connectivity and boost the tourism sector. My government is committed to ensuring that the development dividends of these initiatives reach even the remotest areas, uplifting their lives and livelihoods. We will actively pursue the implementation of projects for rail connectivity to important unconnected areas, including the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, in coordination with the Government of India.
My government plans to provide 200 units of free electricity to deserving households, and modalities for implementation are currently being developed. Jammu and Kashmir is endowed with abundant water resources that have yet to be fully harnessed. We are committed to realizing their full potential so that the economic benefits enhance the lives of our people and improve Jammu and Kashmir’s financial position. We will seek the support of the Government of India for a significant leap forward in our energy sector. The completion of four mega hydroelectric power projects with a combined capacity of 3014 MWs will be expedited to double our hydro power generation capacity by 2026, making Jammu and Kashmir self-sufficient in power while generating revenue from this vital green resource. We will also rigorously follow up on the initiation of work on an additional four mega hydroelectric power projects with 1818 MWs.
The Rangarajan Committee Report, crafted under the guidance of former RBI Governor Dr. C. Rangarajan in 2011, recommended a roadmap for creating jobs and enhancing economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir. My government will pursue the implementation of this report with the Government of India to address structural issues in the economy, support skill-building initiatives, and stimulate inclusive growth. Effective collaboration with the Government of India will be critical to mobilizing the necessary resources and funding to realize these reforms.
We will solarize all government buildings to achieve a tentative cumulative capacity of 300 MW. Under the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna, 84,000 households will be initially solarized. We will also focus on small hydro power projects to harness their full potential.
My government is committed to providing free, clean, and safe drinking water to all. To achieve this, we are executing 3256 water supply schemes at an estimated cost of more than Rs. 13,000 crores, which will provide functional household tap connections to all 1.927 million rural households. This initiative is scheduled for completion by March 2025, and NABL-accredited labs will be established for quality assurance.
The tourism sector is a major pillar of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, capable of boosting various services and industrial sectors such as transport, hospitality, horticulture, and small-scale industries, thereby generating income and job opportunities for the local population. My government will ensure that tourism is recognized as an “Industry,” which will guarantee the necessary growth in investment to improve tourism infrastructure and services. We will focus on enhancing the quality of the tourist experience and implementing appropriate interventions to manage tourist inflow effectively. We will make concerted efforts to accelerate the development of new tourist destinations in both Kashmir and Jammu, harnessing the immense untapped potential of our stunning landscape for the benefit of both tourists and local residents. The Tawi Barrage Project, an artificial lake, is also progressing well and will enhance Jammu City’s tourism potential.
The newly anticipated railway connectivity to Kashmir, expected to become fully operational soon, will significantly boost tourism in both Kashmir and the Pir Panjal region. The J&K Industrial Policy, 2021-30, has been announced to encourage private investment and boost the industrial sector. A new central sector package of Rs. 28,400 crores is also available to foster new investments. My government will ensure that the necessary infrastructure for the development of industrial units is available on a priority basis, with transparent allotment of subsidized industrial land, effectively translating into attracting new investment and creating employment opportunities for locals, thereby developing backward regions and expanding existing industrial units. The Council of Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir has unanimously resolved to review the J&K Industrial Policy, 2021-30, to achieve this objective.
My government will develop 46 new industrial estates equipped with modern facilities to attract industries and enhance job opportunities. These initiatives will spur employment avenues and foster economic growth. Furthermore, we will also focus on developing industrial parks or clusters, which provide shared facilities and resources, easing the pathway for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to thrive. We will introduce a suitable procurement policy to further support MSMEs and deepen the reform process to strengthen the ease of doing business. My government will promote a circular economy by encouraging industries to adopt sustainable practices and technologies that minimize environmental impact and waste. Agro-based industries will be developed to utilize local resources sustainably.
The handloom and handicraft sector will receive a boost, including through e-commerce platforms, to increase production and exports. We will promote Geographical Indication (GI) tagging of crafts to provide them access to global markets. My government will continue to support local artisans, offering better access to markets and credit for promoting traditional crafts and facilitating the marketing of local products through trade fairs, exhibitions, and online platforms. Srinagar’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2021 recognizes its rich heritage and excellence in crafts, particularly its world-renowned Kashmiri handicrafts. Joining UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network places Srinagar among a select group of cities globally recognized for fostering innovation and creativity as strategic factors for sustainable urban development.
My government is committed to providing state-of-the-art healthcare facilities to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir. We will further enhance healthcare services in rural areas, especially focusing on maternal and child health. Critical care blocks will be established in districts to strengthen emergency services.
The healthcare sector in Jammu and Kashmir is set for significant advancements, as the government prioritizes the expansion of medical education and health services. This initiative aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare for our population. We will focus on increasing the number of MBBS, PG, and nursing seats and introduce new tertiary care services and advanced courses to strengthen healthcare facilities at the tertiary level. We are dedicated to enhancing our healthcare landscape by focusing on attracting top medical professionals to our newly established institutions and addressing the challenge of brain drain in the region. This approach aims to build a sustainable, high-quality healthcare system that meets the needs of our population.
My government will concentrate on strengthening primary healthcare services to ensure that medical treatments and drugs are accessible at the grassroots level. We will promote preventive diagnostics and screenings for timely diagnosis and treatment of non-communicable diseases. Universal health coverage will be advanced with enhanced services for the benefit of the general population. We will establish a Chief Minister’s Medical Trust to offer financial assistance to those in need facing terminal diseases like cancer, heart diseases, and kidney transplants. Additionally, we will set up dialysis facilities at the sub-divisional level to meet the rising needs of our community.
The drug menace in Jammu and Kashmir represents a complex challenge intertwined with socio-economic factors and a historical context. Over the past decade, drug abuse has risen, particularly affecting the youth. While efforts have been underway to combat this issue through law enforcement and rehabilitation initiatives, it remains a significant challenge. Our overarching goal is to not only reduce drug dependency in Jammu and Kashmir but also to build a robust system addressing the root causes of drug abuse and creating a supportive environment for rehabilitation and reintegration. By integrating law enforcement with community-based prevention and mental health services, my government is committed to leading a “War Against Drug Abuse” to build a healthier, drug-free future for our citizens.
My government aims to transform Jammu and Kashmir into an educational hub, focusing on attracting investments and employment opportunities. The establishment of IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu marks a significant milestone in advancing higher education in our region. These premier institutions will play a transformative role in nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth. Additionally, the upcoming operationalization of the Srinagar campus of IIM Jammu from its dedicated facility will further enhance access to quality management education in the region. We will strengthen college and university infrastructure and ensure adequate manpower, focusing on research facilities for faculty and students as per the National Education Policy 2020.
We recognize the importance of digital learning tools, such as smart classrooms, to support a modern, student-centric educational environment. My government will implement innovative initiatives under the National Education Policy 2020 to create a learner-centric, inclusive, and future-ready education system. This approach aims to ignite young minds with creative potential for their holistic development and self-realization, equipping students with the necessary competencies to thrive in the rapidly changing global landscape.
We will further strengthen basic infrastructure in schools, managing them efficiently through cluster management. Evidence-based approaches to learning will be encouraged to boost learning outcomes at all levels, particularly for girls, differently-abled children, and marginalized communities. Vocational labs will be established in all high and higher secondary schools. Initiatives such as Atal Tinkering Labs, ICT Labs, Innovation Labs, and Smart Classrooms will be promoted to develop meaningful student skills. Regular health check-ups will also be prioritized to address nutritional and health concerns.
My government will strive to create world-class sports infrastructure to promote sports activities and harness the creative energy of our youth. We will focus on the holistic development of our youth to prevent them from succumbing to anti-social activities and drug abuse.
We will provide opportunities, facilities, and counseling to enhance women’s participation in sports. Women athletes have secured medals at national and international platforms in football, martial arts, and more, and we aim to further promote these sports. My government will emphasize organizing national and international sports events to showcase the talents of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth and highlight the region’s potential at national and international levels.
Agriculture and allied sectors form the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, engaging nearly half of its workforce. With 1.3 million farmer families, a substantial percentage belong to economically weaker and marginal sections. My government is dedicated to promoting farmers’ welfare and enhancing their incomes through transformative initiatives that advocate for a sustainable, organic, regenerative, and holistic approach to agriculture. The implementation of the Holistic Agricultural Development Programme (HADP), featuring 29 comprehensive projects across agriculture, horticulture, and livestock, will be accelerated. We will modernize agriculture, innovate, develop deep value chains, harness competitive advantages, and promote climate-resilient practices. These efforts will lead to increased seed replacement rates, improved post-harvest storage, diversification into cash crops, self-reliance in vegetable and oilseed production, and the creation of additional job opportunities and enterprises.
We will ensure that quality agri-chemicals are used in agriculture and horticulture, and strict action will be taken against the peddlers of spurious inputs. We will also encourage modern farming techniques such as precision agriculture, drone technology, and data analytics to enhance crop management while promoting advanced irrigation systems to optimize water usage. We will support high-yielding and disease-resistant seed varieties and promote organic farming to improve soil health and minimize chemical use.
Moreover, we will enhance access to affordable agricultural credit with a fully online end-to-end credit package. Comprehensive crop insurance schemes will safeguard farmers against climate-induced risks and unforeseen challenges, providing financial security during adverse conditions. To support farmers, we will establish a network of 2,000 Kisan Khidmat Ghars (KKGs) across Jammu and Kashmir, offering a single-window system for all agricultural services at the community level.
My government will establish one Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) in each Panchayat to operate inclusively and bolster the local economy. Artisans and weavers will be offered credit cards with an attractive interest subvention of 7% for five years. Efforts will also be made to enhance irrigation facilities for agriculture and horticulture, proposing new projects under PMKSY ‘Har Khet Ko Paani’ to create substantial irrigation potential. The Shahpur Kandi Dam Project is in full swing, and Jammu and Kashmir is expected to receive 1,150 cusecs of water from the Ravi River. We will ensure that farmers benefit from such initiatives.
Urbanization is a powerful engine of economic growth and social progress. My government will develop a comprehensive urban planning framework that incorporates sustainability, cultural heritage, and environmental considerations. Urban local bodies will be empowered to make decisions that reflect community needs and priorities. My government will strive to enhance basic urban infrastructure while strengthening governance at the grassroots level to ensure that local citizens can effectively plan and deliver various services they aspire to receive.
We will ensure better service delivery and timely disposal of 40 online Urban Services, integrating them with a Single Window Portal. We will work diligently to improve the quality and availability of these services. An Intelligent Traffic Management System will be strengthened, and sustainable, eco-friendly public transport systems will be promoted, including electric and water transport. Our Solid and Liquid Waste Management Systems will be improved to create an environmentally friendly and pollution-free Union Territory. We will ensure the availability of affordable housing for deserving sections of society.
The preservation and conservation of water bodies are top priorities. We will focus on conserving Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake, and pollutant abatement of various rivers, developing eco-friendly and sustainable tourist villages in the vicinity.
My government is committed to completing all rural houses sanctioned under PMAY(G). We will support deserving families who have been left out with housing assistance, ensuring 100% convergence for making available PMAY-G houses equipped with all basic amenities. We will also conduct a 100% social audit of all PMAY-G housing units.
We will expand and streamline social assistance programs for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, disabled, underprivileged, marginalized communities, and low-income families. Women’s empowerment is a priority area for my government, and we will strengthen various projects and schemes that will enable them to secure education, health, nutrition, skill development, and employability to attain economic independence.
For marginalized communities, we have extended reservation benefits to Economically Weaker Sections, OBCs, Valmikis, Paharis, Paddaris, Kolis, and Gadda Brahmins, and implemented the Forest Rights Act of 2006. We will initiate major initiatives for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes in health, education, skill development, culture, infrastructure development, and livelihoods, as well as granting forest rights to indigenous communities. The Tribal Research Institute (TRI) Hostel at Khimber, Srinagar will be made operational, and transit accommodations will be established for the nomadic tribal population.
We will develop 302 villages under the Pradhan Mantri Aadi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY) in Jammu and Kashmir, including Milk villages, mini sheep/goat farms, and dairy units for ST beneficiaries to elevate their living standard. To preserve natural resources and greenery, we will develop eco-parks and green patches in each urban local body. We will expedite the completion of the second phase of Jambu Zoo and enhance infrastructure at wetlands like Gharana, Hokersar, and Shallabugh for eco-tourism promotion. The government will focus on conserving Wular Lake to elevate the livelihoods of local residents through ecotourism.
All vacancies in the government sector will be identified and filled on a fast-tracked basis. I assure you that my government is committed to expediting the process of compassionate appointments as well.
We understand that the entrepreneurial landscape in Jammu and Kashmir is diverse, with 94% of enterprises being micro-enterprises that face various challenges. My government aims to revitalize this sector to create employment opportunities for youth through proper policy interventions and a robust business support system at the grassroots level. We will implement suitable initiatives to develop a skilled workforce equipped with 21st-century skills, ensuring equitable distribution of economic benefits, especially for women, youth, and marginalized communities. Financial support through self-employment schemes will be reinforced to help youth pursue their entrepreneurial ventures. We will organize outreach and counseling activities for aspiring job seekers through Model Career Centres (MCCs).
Additionally, my government will work towards rehabilitating Kashmiri migrants back into the valley with dignity. We will create a safe and secure environment and expedite transit accommodation projects for Kashmiri migrants to provide them suitable housing at designated locations.
We will utilize technology to promote the unique attributes of our local culture, architecture, art, literature, and languages through a robust digital platform. Historical monuments, sacred places, and heritage sites will be revived, restored, and preserved. My government will enhance support for traditional crafts and arts, focusing on global marketing to ensure their sustainability.
To ensure transparency and accountability, we will leverage technology fully. More services will be added to the existing 1140 online services available. We will strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms to guarantee accountability, transparency, and fairness in service delivery.
We will conduct elections for Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies at all levels, ensuring people’s participation in decision-making processes.
Jammu and Kashmir is at a pivotal moment in its history, standing on the threshold of a transformative era filled with immense promise and opportunity. This transformation is not merely a governmental endeavor; it is a collective journey that calls for unity and a shared purpose across all communities, institutions, and sections of society.
Today, as we embark on this journey, I urge each of you to play an active and committed role in building a prosperous, inclusive, and forward-looking Jammu and Kashmir. Let us strive for unity of purpose and remain committed to uplifting the lives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, setting aside any occasion for partisanship of any hue. Our goal is a Jammu and Kashmir where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, where prosperity is shared, and where every citizen can reach their full potential. Together, let us create a society where economic growth is inclusive, social harmony prevails, and opportunities abound for all, regardless of background. A prosperous and vibrant Jammu and Kashmir is within our grasp, and it is up to each one of us to contribute to this historic transformation.
In unity and with shared purpose, let us move forward with hope and determination to build a brighter future for all of Jammu and Kashmir.
JAI HIND
