Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address a public meeting and inaugurate multiple development projects valued at more than Rs 6,400 crore during his visit to Srinagar on Thursday. This visit marks the Prime Minister’s first trip to Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. He will be attending the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir’ program at a stadium in Srinagar.
During the visit, PM Modi will launch nationwide projects related to the tourism sector worth over Rs 1,400 crore under the ‘Swadesh Darshan’ and ‘PRASHAD’ schemes. This includes a project for the integrated development of the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar.
Additionally, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the ‘Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice Tourist Destination Poll’ and the ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora’ campaign. He will also announce tourist destinations selected under the Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD) scheme.
PM Modi is set to distribute appointment letters to nearly 1,000 newly recruited government employees in Jammu and Kashmir. He will also interact with beneficiaries of various central schemes, including women achievers, farmers, and entrepreneurs.
One of the significant initiatives to be launched is the ‘Holistic Agriculture Development Programme’ (HADP), aimed at boosting the agri-economy of the region. This program will provide skill-development training to about 2.5 lakh farmers and establish around 2,000 farmers’ service centers.
Furthermore, PM Modi will inaugurate 43 projects aimed at developing pilgrimage and tourist sites across the country. These projects align with the government’s vision to enhance the tourism experience and infrastructure at prominent sites.
With stringent security arrangements in place, the Bakshi Stadium, the venue of the Prime Minister’s rally, has been adorned with the tricolor. Schools along the PM’s route have been closed, and board examinations scheduled for Thursday have been postponed.
The visit holds political significance as the Lok Sabha elections approach, with opposition parties seeking an announcement on assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister’s address is awaited for potential insights into this matter.
Since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, Kashmir has witnessed significant changes, and the Prime Minister’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to the region’s development and prosperity.
