Jammu and Kashmir have seen significant development over the past few years under the Prime Minister’s Development Package-2015. This package involves 53 projects across 15 ministries and departments, costing ₹58,477 crores. As of now, 32 of these projects have been completed or substantially completed. This multifaceted development effort aims to enhance various sectors, including energy, healthcare, education, employment, infrastructure, and tourism.
One of the critical achievements in the energy sector is the reduction of the energy deficit in Jammu and Kashmir from 17.8% in 2018-19 to a mere 1.5% by November 2023. This significant improvement is part of a broader strategy that includes the phased addition of approximately 7000 MW of hydroelectric power over the next 8 to 10 years.
Healthcare infrastructure has seen a considerable boost with the operationalization of two All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and seven new medical colleges. The establishment of five Medicities has also been approved, expanding the region’s medical education and healthcare facilities. Nursing and paramedical education have also been prioritized, with 28 new B.Sc. Nursing colleges and 19 B.Sc. Paramedic colleges. The number of MBBS seats has increased by 800, totaling 1300, and there are now 664 postgraduate medical seats, with 297 added since 2019. In nursing education, 1870 B.Sc. and 125 M.Sc. seats have been introduced.
The education sector in Jammu and Kashmir has flourished with the functioning of IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu, alongside the establishment of 50 new degree colleges. These institutions are instrumental in providing quality higher education and fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence.
Employment generation and entrepreneurship have been focal points, with the implementation of self-employment schemes across various sectors resulting in 7.4 lakh self-employment and livelihood opportunities since 2021-22. The “Mission Youth” initiative has played a pivotal role in promoting entrepreneurship, supporting business units, and sustainable livelihood projects, particularly in the transport sector. This mission has engaged over 5 lakh youth. Additionally, 151 job fairs have been conducted in the last two years, attracting participation from 1631 companies. A total of 31,830 government sector vacancies, including positions in J&K Bank, have been filled since August 2019.
The Government of India launched a new central sector scheme for the industrial development of Jammu and Kashmir on February 19, 2021, with an outlay of ₹28,400 crores. This initiative aims to boost industrial growth in the region. So far, investment proposals worth ₹88,915 crores have been received, with an employment generation potential of over 3.98 lakh jobs.
Infrastructure development under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has led to the construction of 6912 km of road in the last three years, improving connectivity across the region. Air traffic to and from Jammu and Kashmir has doubled post-2019, with night landing facilities now available in Jammu and Srinagar.
The Jal Jeevan Mission has been instrumental in providing tap water connections to rural households. Since the mission’s inception in August 2019, approximately 13.54 lakh rural households across all villages have received tap water connections, including 5.75 lakh connections established before 2019.
Economic activities, particularly in the traditional sectors of handloom and handicrafts, have seen a remarkable increase. Exports in this sector have doubled from ₹563 crores in 2021-22 to ₹1116.37 crores in 2022-23. The PM-KISAN scheme has saturated eligible farmers in Jammu and Kashmir, with ₹2517.08 crores credited directly into the bank accounts of 12.55 lakh farmers. Additionally, 12.83 lakh farmers have benefitted from the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme.
Tourism, a vital sector for Jammu and Kashmir, has witnessed unprecedented growth. In 2022, more than 1.88 crore tourists visited the region, and this positive trend has continued in the current year, with 1.85 crore tourist arrivals recorded by October 23.
The “AB-PMJAY-SEHAT Scheme,” a universal health insurance initiative, has registered 82.22 lakh beneficiaries. So far, 8.87 lakh beneficiaries have availed of the scheme’s benefits, with claims amounting to ₹1325 crores.
Sports activities have also seen a significant surge, with participation numbers increasing from less than two lakhs in 2018-19 to over 62 lakhs in 2022-23.
These comprehensive development initiatives reflect a concerted effort to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a region marked by progress, stability, and prosperity across various sectors.