Jammu, Mar 15 (JKNS): Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Sunday said that Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed significant infrastructure growth and welfare outreach after the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution of India, attributing the progress to the policies of the central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Addressing a press conference as per news agency JKNS, the Minister stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, significant improvements have been made in road and rail connectivity in J&K.
He noted that enhanced infrastructure has improved mobility and boosted economic activities in the region.
He said rail connectivity, with better facilities has also expanded, including the introduction of the Vande Bharat Express. The Ministry of Railways continues to work actively on strengthening the railway network, he added.
Athawale said that development in Jammu and Kashmir has accelerated after the abrogation of Article 370. Increased investment, improved infrastructure and government initiatives have contributed to greater employment opportunities and faster development in the region. The Minister outlined several welfare initiatives benefiting people in J&K.
He informed that as of March 2026, 24 lakh 37 thousand bank accounts have been opened in the Union Territory under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, with a fund allocation of 1754.25 crore rupees released from 2014-26, enabling greater financial inclusion. In addition, 12 lakh 79 thousand gas connections have been allotted in under Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana Yojana to improve access to clean cooking fuel.
He also informed that 25 lakh nine thousand loans, with an allocation of 54267.91 crore rupees have been provided to beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana from 2015-26.
Besides, 35 thousand houses costing 586 crore rupees have been constructed in J&K under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) from 2016-26 to provide housing for all.
Under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, 3638 crore rupees have been provided from 2018-26, benefiting 19 lakh 73 thousand people. The Minister also informed that 94 lakh rupees have been released for 13 old age homes in Jammu and Kashmir from 2023-25.
Highlighting India’s economic progress, Athawale stated that the country has moved from being the 10th largest economy to the 4th largest in the world, and is expected to soon become the third largest economy.
He noted that initiatives aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing, including the Make in India initiative, and continued support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have contributed to increased production and exports.
Athawale also stated that the government will initiate a caste-based census to better understand the socio-economic conditions of different communities. He noted that the Scheduled Caste population constitutes approximately 16.6 per cent of the country’s population.
The Minister further highlighted that persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) in Jammu and Kashmir are now receiving reservation benefits following the abrogation of Article 370, thereby ensuring greater access to opportunities and social justice.
Athawale reiterated the Government’s commitment to inclusive development, social justice and economic progress, while ensuring that the benefits of government initiatives reach all sections of society.
Responding to queries regarding global developments, Athawale stated that fuel supply could be impacted due to the ongoing conflict involving US-Israel and Iran.
However, he assured that the government has adequate fuel stock available, and is taking necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted supply. (JKNS)
